When it comes to selecting an air filter for your home or business, there are a few key factors to consider. Whether you opt for an electrostatic or washable 14x20x1 air filter, you'll want to make sure that it is able to capture dirt and other particles that can impede essential air flow in the air conditioning system. Washable air filters are more expensive than disposable ones, but they don't need to be changed as often. The electrostatic charge of a washable filter can decrease over time, so eventually you'll have to replace it with a new, fully charged one.
Disposable air filters are less costly, but it is recommended to replace them at least twice a year. When selecting a replacement filter, you should take into account the size of the filter and the MERV rating. A filter with a very high MERV rating will be very dense, and a dense air filter means that HVAC equipment will have to work harder to get air through the filter. If your city's outdoor air is of poor quality, you'll want to buy filters with a larger surface area and a higher MERV rating to capture more of those contaminants. The definitive test to determine if a filter is suitable as HEPA is its ability to trap at least 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles in the air.
An easy way to choose a replacement filter is to simply purchase the same filter you're already using in your system. You should replace the filter every three to 12 months of use, depending on the size of the filter. In general, disposable fiberglass air conditioning filters are the most common and economical type of furnace filter, but they must be replaced periodically to maintain HVAC efficiency and air quality. The secret is that they can capture tons of waste using a relatively porous filter material, thanks to the enormous surface area through which dirty air has to pass approximately four times more filter media than a 1-inch filter. As an expert in HVAC systems, I recommend taking all these factors into account when selecting an air filter for your home or business. Make sure that you choose one that is able to capture dirt and other particles while also being able to maintain good airflow in your system.
Additionally, consider the size of the filter and its MERV rating when making your selection. Finally, remember that disposable fiberglass filters are usually the most economical option but must be replaced regularly.
