Choosing the right air filter for your air conditioning system can be difficult. There are many different makes available on the market today. So how do you know which filter is right for you? A lot of your decision will depend on the individual needs of your home and your personal preferences. For example, if you are looking for something that will provide superior indoor air quality, you should look for an air filter that is designed for maximum filtration. These filters tend to be more expensive, so they may not be a good fit if you are on a tight budget. That being said, there are many filters that are affordable and effective. Keep reading to learn about the three main types of air filters so that you can make the right decision on which air filter is right for you.

Choosing the Right HVAC Air Filter in Phoenix

Below are three of the most common types of air filters used in HVAC systems. If you have further questions, please contact us directly to speak with an HVAC specialist.

Basic Air Filters

Basic air filters are usually made of fiberglass or polyester. On average, they are about one to two inches thick. These filters are the most common and offer minimum filtration. They filter out large particles and help protect your air conditioning system, but do not have a significant impact on indoor air quality.

Pros:
✓ readily available
✓ inexpensive
✓ easy to replace

Cons:
✗ need to be replaced often
✗ don’t improve indoor air quality

Air Filter Pads with Frames

Some air filters are designed with metal frames and replaceable filter pads. These filters are normally made of polyester and about one-inch thick. They offer the same amount of protection as a basic air filter and are normally cheaper to replace.

Pros:
✓ inexpensive
✓ easy to replace
✓ adjustable size

Cons:
✗ need to be replaced regularly
✗ doesn’t filter small particles well

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated air filters are designed to have more surface area than basic filters. This means that they last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often. In addition to this, they are also able to capture more particles and provide more filtration. Pleated air filters range anywhere from one to five inches thick. They are made of fiberglass, polyester, and synthetic material.

Pros:
✓ can last up to 12 months
✓ capture more pollutants
✓ capture smaller particles
✓ available in many different sizes

Cons:
✗ more expensive
✗ may need to modify ductwork to fit

For Whole Home Air Filtration Systems & All Things HVAC, Contact ACE!

Whether you need a whole home air filtration system, a tune-up, or completely new HVAC system, ACE Home Services in Phoenix, AZ has you covered. Simply click here to schedule a service call or call us directly at (602) 428-3341 .