How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner Filter

The air filter in an air conditioning system keepsElectrostatic filters use filter media, which use an
the cooling coils and air inside the room clean andelectric charge to attract the dirt particles in the
free from all pollutants, pet dander, ozoneair. These filters may have electric charge built-in,
emissions and airborne particles.or else the air moving through the layers of the
There are many different kinds of air filterssystem creates electric charge. They may cost
available today, such as HEPA, standard, pleated,from around $20 to over $100 each. These filters
electrostatic and electronic filters. Of these,only need to be changed once a year.
standard, pleated and electrostatic filters are theSometimes people with allergies may consider the
most common types of filters that are used in airusage of an electronic air cleaner in the air
conditioners. Generally these filters are located inconditioner, which works on the same principle as
walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditionerthat of electrostatic filter. However, it is far more
itself.effective than electrostatic filter and does not
Standard Air Filters, having the capacity ofhinder the flow of air inside the air conditioning
removing 10 percent of the airborne pollutants,system. Whatever type of air conditioner filter
are made of spun fiberglass with cardboardyou use, it is advisable to check the cleanliness of
frames. . They should be changed once a month.the coils of the filter by a contractor at least
.once in a month.
Pleated Air Filters catch around 35% to 40% ofPerhaps the most important measure that will
the particles in the air. Owing to their greaterensure the efficiency of an air conditioner is
surface area with filter material folded back andfrequent replace of its filters. One should change
forth like a paper fan, manufacturers claim thatthe air conditioner's filter regularly, as clogged,
they can last from two to four months. The costdirty filters block normal air flow and reduce the
of these filters ranges from $5 to $20 which issystem's efficiency significantly by impairing the
slightly more than that of standard filters.coils' heat-absorbing capacity.