An air filter is usually made of a spun fiberglass material or from pleated paper or cloth enclosed in a cardboard frame. Its basic function is to clean the air that circulates through your heating and cooling system. Different types of hvac filters explained rescue heat and air. Everyone agrees that you should change your hvac filter on a regular basis, but not everyone agrees on the type of filter you should use. Layered fiberglass fibers are laid over each other to form the filter media and typically are reinforced with a metal grating that supports the fiberglass to prevent failure and collapse. These filters trap 80 to 95 percent of the particles 5 microns and largermore.
Unlike regular flat filters, high efficiency pleated filters contain media that is folded like an accordion, which allows for greater surface area and lower resistance to air flow. Air filtration technique can remove air pollutants and effectively alleviate the deterioration of. In order to help ensure proper filtration, you need to think about several things. The american society of heating, refrigerating and air conditioning engineers has established energy efficiency standards for indoor air quality. Air filter types and application air filters of many types and materials of construction have been designed, manufactured, and applied to meet a wide variety of industrial and commercial requirements for clean air e. Filtration and aircleaning systems to protect building. Lowes can help you make sure its clean with the best home air filters. A hepa filter can be used in conjunction with a pre filter usually carbonactivated to extend the usage life of the more expensive hepa filter. Youll find everything you need, from air conditioner filters to furnace air filters. In most buildings, the best filter choice is a mediumefficiency pleated filter merv 78, which has a large filter media area. Fiberglass air filters are normally used in both furnace units and air conditioners. Two types of air cleaning devices can remove particles from the airmechanical air filters and electronic air cleaners.
Electronic air cleaners such as electrostatic precipitators use a process. With our wide selection of house air filters, you can be sure that your customers stay on top of their filter change schedule so that their hvac system remains in tiptop shape. Furnace filters 101 choosing the right furnace filter. Filters meeting the hepa standard have many applications, including use in clean rooms for ic fabrication, medical facilities, automobiles, aircraft and. Scope this specification covers various types and sizes of replaceable air filters for use in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Specification for filters, air hvac this specification is released for procurement purposes until revised or rescinded. You know you have a pleated filter if the surface has a vshaped chevron pattern. Air filters play an integral role in keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. High efficiency pleated filters are the standard when it comes to most hvac systems because they are easy to install, come in standard sizes and have a low initial cost.
Air conditioning two general types of air conditioning cooling refrigerantbased. Air filters for general ventilation eurovent association. Keep in mind that large filter media areas tend to be more costeffective than smaller ones. Fiberglass filters are the most common type of hvac air filter available.
Ultra low penetration air filter classification mean fractional efficiency iest rpcc001. This type of filter is widely used in homes across north america. Many different types of filters are available to meet system requirements. Home air filters protect your hvac system, but can be harmful if you dont change them regularly.
There are several types of filters designed for hvac applications. For those who dont know, or just need a reminder, furnace filters remove dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, bacteria and other air pollutants from your homes air enhancing. What you might not know about hvac filters bob vila. Pdf on jan 1, 2010, gustavsson jed and others published air filtration in hvac systems find, read and cite all the research you need on.
How air conditioning works the essential ingredients in an air conditioning system are a fan to blow air around, a cold surface to cool and dehumidify the air, a warm surface and a source of water vapour. There are two types of filters that are commonly used in air moving devices. The three types of air filters facilities management. Types of air filters for your residential hvac system with spring in full bloom, now is the perfect time to check your air filter and replace it if you need a new one. Selecting the right furnace filter for your heating and cooling system is crucial when it comes to producing and sustaining a healthy, clean and pure home environment. Different types of hvac filters explained conditioned air. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it is to your hvac system. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants reduce your indoor air quality, decrease your heating and cooling systems efficiency, and lead to mechanical failure. If air flow is restricted by 50%, then your air conditioner has to work twice as hard to do the same amount of cooling. With more than 57,000 members from over 2 nations, ashrae is a diverse organization dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Filtrete 16x25x1 furnace ac air filter mpr 300, clean living basic dust, 16 x 25 x 1, white, 6. There are many types of hvac filters on the market today.
It is true that all air filters restrict air flow to some extent, but electrostatic air filters block more than any other type of air filter. The three types of air filters facilities management insights. High efficiency particulate air hepa filters are in this category. Shop air filters delivered, choose from wide selection of sizes and free shipping. Hvac applications handbook, american society of heating, refrigerating and.
Your hvac doesnt have to work as hard to push air through a clean filter. The standard uses a rating system called minimum efficiency reporting value. The type of air filter that you use depends on your hvac. Quality matters without effective cabin air filtration motorists and their passengers can be affected by a variety of potentially harmful air pollutants entering the comfort zone of their car. Types and sizes listed in this specification are intended.
Here are the different types of air filters to choose from. Your hvac filter should be changed every two to three months for efficiency and indoor air quality. Washable air filters are not recommended for most residential hvac systems. Filtration and air cleaning systems to protect building environments from airborne chemical, biological, or radiological attacks. Crafted from strands of fiberglass spun together, this type of filter traps large airborne particles, including dust. Introduction to commercial building hvac systems and. The type of air filter that you use depends on your hvac system and your exact needs. Air filters available guidance for their comparison. In a large system there will also be a tangle of tubes to distribute the air. Air filters market size, share global industry analysis.
Air conditioning hvac systems, and the worlds second largest automotive components brand, denso really understands cabin air filter technology. We also carry some of the best brands to ensure you have the options to find the best air filter. Hvac air filtration the air filter in your heating and air conditioning system is extremely important, but often neglected. Although there are many important performance differences between the two types of filters, both are fibrous media and used extensively in hvac systems to. Custom hvac filters types of filters sig cox north. Filters and maintenance encyclopedia of life support systems. Types of air filters given the multitude of building uses, varying climates and geographical environmental air quality, it is no wonder there are so many different types of filters. Air filter types and application hvac engineers edge.
Filters trap and hold many types of particulates and contaminants that could affect your health and comfort, including. Each type of filter offers different levels of purification through different methods. Lastly, you can save money on energy bills when you replace your home air filter. Figure 1 compares different types of air contamination with the. It is the responsibility of the furnace filter to protect the blower fan by removing airborne particulates from the air drawn in through the return ducts. These filters are on the low end of the merv ratings listed. The amount of purification you want and the quality of air in your home all depends on the type of hvac filter that you have.
These midrange filters are rated between merv 5 and 8. Handbook of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Several types of air filters are common in commercial hvac systems. Types of air filters for residential air conditioners. There are four main types of hvac air filters fiberglass, pleatedpolyester, electrostatic washable, and hepa. This specification covers various types and sizes of replaceable air filters for use in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Fiberglass air filters are normally used in both furnace units and air. Lets take a look at the various filter types out there. Research results showed that the key of electret hvac medias. Below are the most common air filters used in air conditioning units, ordered from least effective to most effective for improving indoor air quality. Welcome to the furnace filters store, where youll find great prices on a wide range of different furnace filters for your home. Air filters play an essential role in all kinds of indoor climate. Introduction to commercial building hvac systems and energy code requirements reid hart, pe, pacific northwest national laboratory. They trap a majority of airborne pollen, pet dander, and dust mites measuring as small as 5 microns.
What type of filter should you apply in your building to protect the integrity of the hvac system and of course, the building occupants. Mechanical air filters remove particles by capturing them on filter materials. Panel filters extended surface filters panel filters are made using coarse, highly porous fibers coated with a viscous, sticky substance to increase particle impingement and detainment on the fibers. All the home air filter sizes theres no such thing as a standard size air filter. Hvac heating ventilating and air conditioning filters follow the principle of iaq but applies to whole building systems.
High efficiency particulate air hepa, originally called highefficiency particulate absorber but also sometimes called highefficiency particulate arresting or highefficiency particulate arrestance, is a type of air filter. Finding the best hvac air filters for home for most homeowners, a more expensive merv 7 or 8 pleated filter provides a good balance between cost and filtration efficiency. Benefits of hvac air filters types of house air filters. Guidance for filtration and aircleaning systems to. Filters that are too small for the installation can allow air to bypass the filter section, exposing building occupants and hvac equipment to the contaminants that the filter was designed to remove. Quality hvac filters made with the same top shelf material as your brand name filter. Air filters are an essential part of any hvac system as they allow for the removal of. High efficiency particulate air, or hepa, filters are a unique type of air purification systems that must remove 99. University of colorado boulder, co, usa overview system description secondary hvac systems air distribution room diffusers and air terminals duct design fan characteristics air handling units water distribution cooling coils pipes and pumps primary hvac systems electric chillers. Replacement air filters as incredible as an hvac system can be, if it is not maintained with clean hvac air filters, it will not be able to work as well as it should be. Ari airconditioning and refrigeration institute ashrae american society of heating, refrigerating, and.
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