What Type of Home Air Filters Should I Use in My House?

February 28, 2023

Different types of home air filters can make a big difference in the quality of your indoor air. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of air filters available and help you choose the best option for your home.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Air Filters for Your Home

Choosing the right air filter for your home can play a key role in improving the air quality in your space. It’s important to consider multiple factors when selecting an air filter, such as the size of your house, how many pets you have, and whether anyone in your family has allergies.

The size of a home is an especially important factor since larger homes tend to benefit from more powerful products that may offer higher levels of filtration against airborne pollutants. Likewise, if someone in your home has allergies, it’s best to opt for a filter that not only captures the visible airborne particles but also microorganisms, such as molds and dust mites. Lastly, those with pets should look for filters with higher MERV (minimum efficiency reporting values) ratings that help trap pet dander and even some dirt or pollen particles.

Taking the above factors into account can help ensure you select the best type of air filter to use in your home.

Types of Home Air Filters

Selecting the right air filter for your home can be a difficult decision. With so many different types of air filters available on the market, it’s important to understand the features and benefits of each kind. The following are a few of the best types of home air filters:

  • HEPA Filters – HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are widely considered to be the most effective form of filtration available. These specialized air filters can capture and filter out even the smallest airborne particles, making them an ideal choice for ensuring clean, safe air in your home. While these advanced filters may cost more upfront than other types of filtration systems, investing in HEPA filtration will pay off in the long run by providing you with improved indoor air quality that is free from harmful pollutants, dust mites, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants.
  • Activated Carbon Filters – Activated carbon filters represent an ideal choice for anyone looking to reduce bad smells in their home. In addition to being highly efficient, these filters are used to effectively eliminate odors associated with pets or smoking. The properties of activated carbon mean that it can absorb a wide range of unwanted molecules from the air, including potentially harmful chemicals.
  • Media Filters – These filters are a wonderful alternative to standard home air filters, because they have a high MERV rating. In addition, because of their larger surface area, they provide better airflow and less static pressure than other types of filters with high MERV ratings. Media filters are also low maintenance. They only need to be replaced once or twice a year instead of every three months like standard air filters.

In addition to the filters above, other common types of home air filters include electrostatic air filters, pleated air filters, spun glass air filters, and UV air filters.

How to Choose the Best Home Air Filter for Your House

Choosing the right air filter for your home is an important decision. As we have explained, different types of filters serve different purposes, such as filtering pollutants from the air, reducing allergens, controlling odors and noises, and even preventing fires.

Each type of filter has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider all the options before making a purchase. You should also consider factors such as budget requirements and maintenance frequency when determining which air filter is best for your home.

Ultimately, finding the appropriate air filter for your home comes down to finding the type of filter that best meets your specific needs and preferences.

To learn more about home air purification, or to discuss your situation with our experienced HVAC experts in Boston, call Winters Home Services at (617) 977-3101 or reach out to us online today. We offer HVAC maintenance plans.