Home Filters

It seems that no matter how much dusting is done in my home, there is still plenty of dust floating in the air. But truth be known, there's actually much more than just dust floating around within indoor air. Airborne particles such as pollen, plant and mold spores, pet dander, lint, bacteria, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) combine to form what we generally refer to as “dust.” And these particles are small to the naked eye, ranging from pinhead size to microscopic. In fact, that these airborne particles are measured in microns. To give you a point of reference, the average human hair measures about 70 microns in diameter. And it is these very same airborne particles that are able to bypass the defenses of the human respiratory system and cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or more serious effects such as cancer. That is why it is essential to not only frequently change indoor home air filters, but also make sure you're buying the best.

Types of Filters

The most common filters are disposable and made from materials such as fiberglass, metal, and manmade, or natural, fibers. Factors that affect filter efficiency include the fiber size, fiber density, airflow rate and particle diameter.

• Pleated Filters

  • Pleated filters are actually panel filters that have been pleated, or folded, to effectively provide more surface area. These filters are typically more efficient at collecting airborne particles than panel filters because of their increased surface area. However, as more particles are caught by the filter, air flow becomes more restricted over time. That is why it's important to change the filter on a regular basis so as not to restrict airflow.

• High Efficiency Pleated Filters

  • High efficiency pleated filters utilize an electrostatic charge that is designed to attract and capture small particles and allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, pet dander and smoke. These are the particles that make up 99% of your air, can aggravate allergies and asthma, and which contribute toward dust buildup in your air and on your furniture. Like the pleated filters, it is important to change them on a regular basis since accumulated particles will restrict air flow over time.

Disposable filters need to be replaced on a regular basis to insure proper airflow. Neglecting to replace air filters will, over time, cause your furnace to work much harder and use more energy.

Be sure to check out our line of home filters.