Furnace filters are protective shields for your furnace. They also contribute to the good health and well-being of your home by cleaning the air circulating through your home. Filter designs and rating system differs. Some filters remove large, heavy particles from the air but allow smaller particles to flow through.
Large particles including those that fall between 6 to 100 microns in size, examples include lint, pollen, and mold spores. Medium particles include those within the 0.3 to the 6-micron range, examples of this category include dust, animal dander, and bacteria. The smallest group of particles includes smoke, smog, etc, falls between 0.3 microns and below.
The American Society Of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers have devised a rating system for a furnace filter. They use numerical values ranging from 1 to 12, with the higher number capturing more of the dust.
The Filter Performance Rating (FPR) is based on the ability of the filter to capture particles from 0.3 to 1.0 microns. These sub-micron particles are most likely to be inhaled where they are capable of causing lungs-related problems.
Different Types Of Furnace Filters
There exists a variety of furnace filters
Fiberglass or Cellulose pads
These type of furnace filter are usually held in a cardboard frame capable of protecting the equipment. They catch most of the larger dust particles which tends to block the heating and cooling coils. They are low cost but effective in removing small particles.
Washable/Reusable Filters
These use a flat plastic or metal foil pad. It can be washed with a hose and reinstalled. Some can be sprayed with a tacky coating material to increase their ability to catch small particles. These types of filters should be washed monthly and are capable of lasting for about 3-5 years.
Electronic Filters
There are about the same size as the box for a deep-pleated filter. They require electricity to operate. Air is directed through a high voltage grid which applies a positive charge on the particles in the airstream.
Particles are attracted to a negatively charged element. It should be washed monthly as well. They are capable of removing small smoke particles.
Other types of furnace filters include the Pleated polyester filter and the Deep-pleated, high-efficiency air filter.
Effectiveness Of These Filters
The effectiveness of the various categories of filters is rated based on the removal of the sub-micron particle. Fiberglass has an effectiveness of up to 2 percent; Washable/Reusable up to 6 percent; The pleated up to 11 percent; Deep pleated up to 25 percent; pleated electrostatic up to 49 percent; and Electronic has an effectiveness of up to 49 percent.
Air filters capture many of the allergens that worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. Pollen, molds, and dust are common in any household and can be reduced by using furnace filters. The filter will also keep your heating and air conditioning system coil clean.
Our professionals in furnace filters are always ready to speak with you because they are the best-qualified furnace filter experts in Toronto to meet all needs.
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