What Types of Air Conditioner Filters Are the Best?

Here in Orlando, we can’t get by without our AC. By default, that makes our air quality an equal, if not more, valuable part of life. If you or someone in your home has bad allergies or suffers from a chronic illness, it is imperative to have a quality air filter to remove dust, debris, and dander.

Let’s explore the different types of air conditioner filters, their MERV rating, and choosing the filter that will work best for you. Before you go through our list, assess the needs of your home, as that will help you in choosing the best AC filter for you. 

How Are Air Filters Rated?

All air filters come with a MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which is based on the overall effectiveness of the air filter. MERV ratings vary from 1 to 16 – the higher the rating, the more efficient the filter is trapping airborne particles, such as bacteria and mold spores. The MERV rating is vital for consumers in determining if a filter is the right fit for their home cooling system.

Types of Air Conditioner Filters

These are the most common HVAC air filters (varying in price, quality, and efficiency): 

• Fiberglass
  • Fiberglass filters are a basic flat filter and an inexpensive option if you don’t have pets or severe allergies. While these filters can stop larger airborne particles, they are the least effective of all the air filters, and need to be replaced often. Fiberglass air filters rate between 1 and 4 on the MERV scale.
• Polyester or Pleated
  • Pleated filters are a bit more expensive than fiberglass, and cover a greater surface area. These filters are very similar to fiberglass, except that they are better at stopping smaller airborne pollutants in addition to larger pieces of debris. Polyester/pleated filters often have a MERV rating between 5 and 13.
• Electrostatic
  • Electrostatic filters use a combination of fibers to create a static charge attracting and trapping charged particles of dust and dirt. This makes electrostatic filters a great choice if you need to combat airborne allergens. They are affordably priced and available in disposable and reusable varieties. The MERV ratings of electrostatic filters range from 12 to 16.
• HEPA
  • High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap 99.97% of airborne particles, including mold, bacteria, and other tiny allergens, making this the best option for clean air. HEPA filters can last for years, however, they are a bit pricey upfront. HEPA filters have a MERV rating of 16 or higher.

How to Choose the Right Air Filter

While a high MERV rating means better filtration, keep in mind that the higher the MERV rating, the harder your system may need to work, and the more costly it might be to operate your AC system. Ideally, you want a good balance between air flow, filtration level, and filtration efficiency. (Likely, that would be a filter with a MERV rating between 6-8).

However, if someone in your household struggles with allergies or respiratory problems, a higher MERV air filter may be required. Your best bet is to call the professionals at 4 Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating today, and we will give you our recommendation for what would work best for your household and cooling system. We look forward to hearing from you!