Air filters are a standard component in HVAC equipment that allows the passage of clean air. As these parts promote clean air flow, they trap dust, debris, and other contaminants, allowing a system to run smoothly without overheating.
Depending on the application and usage, air filters will include specific materials that maximize efficiency and performance and prevent different particles from polluting the air. In this article, you’ll discover the common materials used in manufacturing air filters, how each material affects the components, and what types of filters make sense for your own application.
Understanding Air Filters
Air filters will provide varying levels of how much dust and debris they catch. These parts work by drawing contaminated air in, allowing it to pass through the material and catching any dust or unwanted debris. The cleaner end product then travels out of the filtering phase and into the outside environment.
The unwanted debris remains trapped in a layer of material that often needs replacement, depending on the air filter application.
MERV
Most air filters fall under a rating scale that determines efficiency; this system is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, otherwise known as the MERV rating.
This system also determines how well the air filter can trap particulate matter between 0.3 and 10 microns in size. For reference, most dust debris is about five microns.
Different types of air filters have varying MERV ratings or purposes, starting at 1, which can trap more prominent particulate matter, and reaching up to 20, which traps up to 99% of the smallest particles.
Different Types of Materials
To better understand air filters, it helps to learn some of the standard materials that trap pollutants and filter air.
Carbon
Carbon air filters are best at removing pollutant molecules from the air. These pollutants may include fumes, odors, and volatile organic compounds from nearby chemical usage.
Activated carbon is one of the most effective cleaning materials. It is highly porous and requires heat and chemicals to remove elements. When treated, carbon can capture and remove the smallest particles, making it one of the most reliable materials available on the market.
Pros
During the pollutant removal process, carbon elements rely on adsorption to trap harmful molecules. Once drawn in, the gas particles adhere to the carbon, keeping them in place and preventing them from recirculating into the air.
Carbon filters typically have a MERV 8 rating, meaning they have the capacity to capture roughly 85% of particles between 0.3 and 10 microns.
Cons
Carbon filtering materials may require additional filtering components to assist with debris removal. This element may also make it challenging to determine when a filter needs replacement.
Once gaseous pollutants saturate the carbon material, the filter’s efficiency may diminish, impacting the carbon element’s ability to trap future particulate matter. While determining whether the material needs replacement can be challenging, it helps to refer to manufacturer recommendations.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass air filters are another common material you’ll notice in air filter manufacturing. An affordable and reliable element, fiberglass is efficient at capturing larger contaminant particles. Fiberglass can also capture dust and pet hair while helping maintain excellent airflow.
Most HEPA filters use fiberglass, so there’s a possibility one may be in your HVAC system at this moment!
Pros
Fiberglass filters are easily accessible; this material has unmatched affordability compared to other materials, making air purification more cost-effective over time. Filters containing this type of material are also easily replaceable!
Cons
Fiberglass air filters have the lowest MERV rating, meaning they can only capture the largest air pollutants. Due to this feature, this material wouldn’t be as effective at capturing impurities responsible for asthma and allergies.
While this may be fine in the short term, fiberglass filters typically need to be replaced every 30 days. Forgetting to replace an air filter with this type of material can significantly impact your HVAC system’s efficiency. Fiberglass filters tend to clog quickly, forcing your system to work harder to circulate air and use excessive energy in the process.
Plastic
Plastics, specifically polypropylene, are another dependable element found in air filters. This material is washable and affordable long term. Also known as synthetic filters, plastic alternatives are effective resources in removing various impurities from the air, promoting adequate indoor air quality.
Pros
Considering these filters are washable, the upfront cost may seem pricier. However, you can wash and reuse these components several times before disposal.
Plastic filters are beneficial for those who tend to forget to replace their air filters or in households with limited storage space. They sometimes contain electrostatic properties as well for trapping more contaminants.
Cons
While reusable, plastic filters require consistent maintenance to ensure efficiency over time. You may need to remove debris from the intake and dislodge dust from other compartments.
Washable filters are not as efficient at trapping pollutants and microscopic particles, with their highest MERV rating reaching up to an eight or nine. Plastic materials are also prone to mold and mildew accumulation; this typically happens when plastic doesn’t dry completely after cleaning, which can have a negative impact on indoor air quality.
Technologies Used in Air Filters
Sometimes air filters will also contain specific technologies to increase their effectiveness at removing pollutants. Just like how some plastic air filters have electrostatic properties to improve effectiveness, others have technologies like HEPA, carbon, or UV light to improve air quality.
Electrostatic Precipitators
Electrostatic precipitators rely on an electric charge to trap impurities. During the process, the precipitators attract air, give it charge, and then utilize a static cling to hold airborne molecules in place. Electrostatic precipitators then release ozone, helping them release fewer contaminants into the air.
UV Light Exposure
UV light exposure is a standard technology in air filtering, and when used with a HEPA filter, it can provide the purest air possible. Filters with this technology can capture large pollutants and destroy organic matter like bacteria, spores, and viruses.
Air purification is a priority in your household, which is why it helps to review the different materials used in manufacturing air filters and how they work to protect your home from harmful impurities. When looking for quality, efficient air filters, consider Remember The Filter as your one-stop shop. Our NaturalAire furnace filters are reinforced media with high MERV ratings to ensure indoor air quality remains at its best.
