A Complete Guide To Different Types of Furnace Filters

Not all furnace and air conditioner filters are created equal. It's often said that there are three primary types of furnace filters: cheap, moderately priced, and expensive. This would be factoring in only one aspect - sticker price - rather than looking closely at factors such as construction quality, useful lifespan, effectiveness at filtering out air contaminants and allergens, and other even more important considerations. 

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In reality, there are many types of air filters (with a number of smaller variations between them). Different filters work differently and with varying degrees of success on different kinds of jobs. You want the cleanest indoor air regardless of what may be happening outside, so choose the most effective filter for the job, as outlined in this post.

First, let&#;s understand the Furnace Filter&#;s job. 

Filters used on furnace blower fans prevent clogging by protecting them from most of the dirt that is pulled into them by your furnace. In order to achieve this efficiently, the furnace filter traps dirt particles, thus preventing them from circulating throughout your home. However, what type of furnace filter do you choose will affect its life and performance. 

Types of Furnace Filters

To begin learning about furnace filters, let's first discuss the impact of HVAC filters and the materials used to make them. 

HEPA Filters

Usually, HEPA filters are used in separate air purifiers, but in some homes, they are integrated into the central air system, which keeps the air near the furnace clean. Some HEPA filters use ultraviolet light to kill live pathogens, which denatures and neutralizes cellular organisms as they traverse the filter. Others use activated carbon to boost their efficacy even further. High-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters capture up to 99% of contaminants larger than 0.3 microns. They are excellent at eliminating indoor pollutants and create a healthier environment in your home.  

Fiberglass/Synthetic Filters

Fiberglass or synthetic furnace filter is inexpensive and disposable. The filters catch up to 80% of particles 50 microns or larger and 25% of particles between 3 and 10 microns in size. Using fiberglass/synthetic filters prevents dust and dirt from building up on heat exchangers, motors, and other parts of the system. These filters collect larger particles, keeping your furnace components clean. It also allows maximum airflow in your system, but they do not filter out harmful contaminants that can cause health problems for you in long-term. 

Polyester Filters

These filters come in medium sizes and are made of high-quality materials. Polyester filters trap between 80% and 95% of large particles. Four times more expensive than fiberglass or synthetic filters, polyester filters offer better protection against pollutants that may cause health problems. 

Pleated Filters

Designed with pleats, pleated filters offer a greater surface area for filtering. They are usually made of tightly woven polyester or cotton. A fiberglass filter has a weave that is loose enough to let you see through it, while a pleated filter is more solid-looking. The MERV ratings of these rugs vary from 6-12, depending on how tightly they are woven. You'll also need to replace this filter every one to three months, just like other disposable filters. As you raise your filter's rating, the harder it has to work, so you will likely see more frequent replacements. 

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters filter air by using fibers that charge themselves to attract particles. Depending on the requirements of your furnace, you can purchase disposable or washable electrostatic filters. MERV ratings for washable filters range from 4 to 10, and they last a great deal longer than average filters. When maintaining a washable filter, you must wash it with soap and water and let it dry completely before reinstalling it. Mold and mildew can grow if you install it before it has completely dried.

Carbon Filters

Carbon filters filter the air using carbon, or charcoal. Carbon is highly efficient at trapping gases in the air. Pollutant molecules attach to carbon molecules through a process called adsorption. If you're choosing a carbon filter, make sure it has a high carbon content and is activated. An activation process increases the surface area of carbon molecules, making them more effective. More carbon means more pollutants that the filter can absorb.

Also, consider the thickness. A thicker carbon filter will capture more particles than a thinner one. Since the air spends more time in a thicker filter, it gets cleaner. We call this dwell time.

What to Look for When Purchasing Filters

It is recommended that disposable furnace filters be replaced every three months. Depending on the filter, it may also need to be replaced every few weeks. Further, the air you breathe inside and outside your home may require you to replace your filter more frequently. Consult the filter manufacturer's recommendation to determine the replacement frequency.

Changing your filter regularly will ensure that your furnace is functioning properly. You will also enjoy excellent indoor air quality and low energy bills. As an added benefit, regular maintenance will ensure that your furnace's filter isn't clogged and will improve its lifespan.  

To find out what furnace filters type is best for you or how often you should change the filter, talk to an expert at US Home Filter. Depending on your needs and budget, our experts can help you select the right furnace filter.

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237- and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

Filters play an important role in various industries, ensuring the quality, efficiency, and safety of processes and products. Whether you are in manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or any other industry that requires filtration, selecting the right filter is essential.

At Fluitek, we can help you find industrial filter replacement parts for over two thousand brands. Our team of professionals created this guide and will walk you through the key considerations and factors to help you make an informed decision.

Understand Your Industry and Filtration Needs

Before diving into the specifics of filters, it's important to gain a deep understanding of your industry and the filtration requirements unique to your operations. Consider the following:

• Process and contaminants: Identify the specific processes involved and the contaminants you need to remove or separate. Different industries deal with various substances, such as chemicals, particulates, gasses, or liquids, which require specific filtration methods.

• Regulatory compliance: Familiarize yourself with industry regulations and standards that govern filtration and product quality. Compliance with these guidelines is essential for ensuring safety and meeting legal requirements.

• Capacity and flow requirements: Determine the desired flow rate, capacity, and throughput of your filtration system to match your production needs. This will help you select filters that can handle the required volume effectively.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your specific filtration needs upfront saves time and resources down the road. Taking a close look at contaminants, regulations, and flow requirements ensures you choose a filter optimized for your unique application. Our team of filtration professionals can help you understand any terms and methods that you're unsure of.

Learn About Types of Filters and Filtration Technologies

Next, familiarize yourself with different types of filters and filtration technologies available in the market. Here are some common options:

• Bag filters: Bag filters consist of fabric or synthetic bags that capture solid particles. They are commonly used for high-flow applications in industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing. Bag filters can easily be replaced when saturated.

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  Dust collectors: Dust collectors provide a complete system for baghouse filtration. They integrate robustly with bag filters to ensure reliable, high-capacity particulate control even in demanding industrial environments.

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• Panel filters: Panel filters utilize rigid frames wrapped in efficacious media like fiberglass. Well-suited for commercial HVAC, cleanrooms, and equipment enclosures, panel filters balance airflow and durability.

• Air intake elements: General-purpose air intake elements protect incoming air streams for engines, compressors, and more. Their simple, economical design catches dust and debris to prevent equipment damage.

• Compressor filters: In-line compressor filters precisely treat intake air to avoid carbon buildup and corrosion within compressors. Models are available to remove liquids, solids, and fine minerals from critical air streams.

Assess Filter Performance and Efficiency

When selecting a filter, consider its performance and efficiency characteristics. Key factors to evaluate include:

• Particle size retention: Determine the size of particles or contaminants you need to remove. Look for filters with the appropriate micron rating or pore size to ensure effective filtration.

• Filtration efficiency: Assess the filter's efficiency in removing contaminants. Look for filters with high-efficiency ratings, such as HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which can remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.

• Pressure drop: Consider the pressure drop across the filter, as it affects system performance and energy consumption. Filters with lower pressure drops are generally more energy-efficient.

Choosing a filter with the proper performance characteristics ensures it can meet your application needs. For example, a manufacturing plant capturing machining dust may need 99% efficiency on particles 5 microns and smaller. A HEPA or Ultra Low Particulate Air (ULPA) filter would suffice.

Meanwhile, a food processing facility removing yeast during fermentation may require 99.999% efficiency down to 0.1 microns, necessitating a more advanced membrane or nanofiber media. The optimal balance of retention, efficiency, and pressure drop also depends on factors like targeted contaminants and flow volumes.

Confirm Compatibility and Material Selection

Ensure that the filter you choose is compatible with your industry's requirements and the substances being filtered. Consider the following:

• Chemical compatibility: Evaluate the compatibility of the filter material with the chemicals, solvents, or gasses it will come into contact with. Some filters may degrade or react with certain substances, leading to reduced effectiveness or even contamination.

• Temperature and pressure ratings: Determine the temperature and pressure conditions within your filtration system. Choose filters that can withstand these conditions without compromising performance or structural integrity.

• Material selection: Filters are available in a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, or specialized coatings. Each material has different properties, such as corrosion resistance, durability, or compatibility with specific applications. Select the material that best suits your needs.

Maintenance and Operational Considerations

Another important part of choosing a filter is thinking about how much work the filter may need, if any, in the future and let this guide your decision. Consider the maintenance requirements and operational aspects of the filter system:

• Filter lifespan and replacement: Evaluate the expected lifespan of the filter and the frequency of replacements. Filters that require frequent replacements can add to operational costs and downtime.

• Maintenance procedures: Understand the maintenance procedures involved, such as cleaning, backwashing, or replacing filter media. Ensure that these procedures align with your operational capabilities and resources.

• System integration: Consider how the filter integrates into your existing system. Evaluate compatibility with other components, ease of installation, and any necessary modifications required for seamless integration.

How Fluitek Can Help You Find the Right Filter

As an industry-leading supplier of industrial filters for over 35 years, our team has the experience to ensure you select the optimal filtration solution. With an extensive inventory of over 250,000 filter products and parts, we have the broad selection needed to service virtually any of your application requirements.

Our knowledgeable staff has helped thousands of companies from diverse industries with all their filtration needs. Leveraging years of hands-on experience solving real-world challenges, our representatives can review the specifics of your process to recommend qualified options for your application.

You&#;ll benefit from our extensive cross-referencing database, one of the best in the industry. This allows the identification of equivalent replacement filters for your needs, even with minimal information provided. We also invest in advanced search technologies to simplify your part lookups.

Contact Us For Help Finding the Right Filter for Your Industry and Needs

At Fluitek, our team is here to help you find the right replacement filter parts and answer any questions you have. If you are still unsure of what filter you need based on your specific industry, our team can help.

Contact Fluitek for quick and friendly service today.

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