Know your Filters

Let’s discuss the elements of a traditional home. Homes come with HVAC systems that use large bulky filters generally in the ranges of the following common sizes:

14 in. x 25 in.
16 in. x 20 in.
16 in. x 25 in.
20 in. x 25 in.
25 in. x 25 in.

Filters are the last line of defense to the ventilations system and ducts constructed through our homes in which the air we breathe begins to circulate.

There are many types of filters, and I am going to break down the top 7 types of filters, some with some very misleading titles that may allow you to believe they are impenetrable.

1) HEPA Filters

HEPA Filters are high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants. This can include mold spores and dust that are as small as 0.3 microns.

Let’s remind ourselves of the issues behind what may seem like an iron tight filter…

Airborne virus such as COVID-19 are 50 nm to 140 nm. Let’s do some simple math. 1 micron = 1000 nm. So, in this case if a HEPA Filter can keep out airborne particles as small as .3 microns, then that means the particle must be larger than 300 nm. As we can tell from above, COVID-19 range is far smaller with the tolerance of 300 nm.

There you go, HEPA generally cannot prevent COVID-19 from spreading in your home even with all the remarkable statistics that go with the amazing HEPA Filter.

Additional pollutants the HEPA Filter are helpless against are fumes, gases and odors too small. Lastly, if mold spores settle in the filter itself, this will reduce the effectiveness of the filter and cause changing out much sooner. This can get expensive.

2) UV Filters

UV Filters are excellent for killing microorganisms that could be hazardous to your health, including mold spores. One potential danger behind the UV Filters is it can convert oxygen into ozone. Ozone is extremely dangerous to the human body. Low amounts of Ozone can cause severe
chest pains and coughing. Higher amounts of Ozone can lead to more serious respiratory issues and disease, like asthma.

These filters are costly to install, but also unable to get rid of the air of more common pollutants, such as dust or allergens. They are also ineffective against gases, fumes and cigarette smoke.

3) Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic Filters are filters using cotton and paper fibers which create static to use as a magnet for dust and other airborne particles. Great for allergens.

However, this filter will struggle against larger particles. These particles such as dust and mold spores make the electromagnetic filter a poor choice for those with respiratory issues.

4) Washable Filters

Washable Filters are an excellent filter for those on a budget. You can use the filter over and over as long as you follow the cleaning instructions precisely as they are. Washable filters need to be maintained well to ensure they work as they should. As one of the main types of filters, they come with maintenance instructions that should be followed. It is extremely important to ensure the dryness of the filter prior to reinserting it into the HVAC system. Completely dry is the objective. Even the slightest bit of moisture left can lead to mold and mildew developing on the filter and thus being disbursed and expelled into the very air you breathe.

5) Media Filters

Media Filters are a better filter than your standard filter with high MERV ratings. Media Filters provide the same level of filtration as a high-MERV filter, but without the negative consequence of airflow and static pressure. Media filters are easy to maintain and great for filtering bacteria and other small airborne pollutants. The filtered dirt is sealed into the filter, preventing it from being expelled back into your home. Sturdy and cost-effective, needing very little change, but once or twice a year.

However, our homes come with human noses. Unfortunately, this filter cannot keep out odors and smoke like smells.

6) Spun Glass Filters

Spun Glass Filters are filters that are created with strands of fiberglass. It is one of the best filters for HVAC because they are cost effective, disposable and they protect air conditioners and furnaces from debris. For A/C Filters, the Spun Glass is the one of the
most effective, however, as an air purifier, this is far from the choice of the educated in types of HVAC filters.

These filters aren’t known for improving air quality since they are unable to strain very much and can only trap some dust and allergens. For this reason, these filters are not recommended for those with respiratory and allergy issues. Especially if you are seeking
purified air quality.

Spun glass filters have a smaller surface area, they are ineffective in filtering out smaller pollutants. This makes them a poor choice for those with asthma or respiratory problems.

They also weigh a great risk of getting clogged and negatively impacting air flow, especially if they are not replaced regularly.

7) Pleated Filters

Polyester fabrics or cotton folds are 2 HVAC filter materials used in pleated filter types. These filters have a MERV rating between 5 and 13. They are effective at filtering dust and other airborne pollutants, they provide very low air filtration. They are also less resistant to airflow.
Pleats help the filter increase surface area for better filtering. Filters with more pleats provide better filtering. These pleats help trap difficult allergens and pollutants, like pet dander and mold spores. Pleated filters are also available in reusable and disposable types. This can help suppress the noise of the HVAC fan.

The biggest negative in pleated filters is the inability to provide airflow. A loss in airflow makes your HVAC system work harder. This is not good as HVAC replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars. While these are one of the most common and best options of filter for your HVAC system, they only improve air quality slightly.

They are also some of the most expensive filters in the open market. Cost for filters and an inefficient HVAC system can truly hurt the savings & checking accounts.

CCo Holdings is here to help the world start a new trend in understanding that purified breathable air is not just for surgery rooms or the super wealthy. We are here to begin help fighting what we had to go through the last 3 years of a pandemic that is far from
over.

We have now begun the movement in allowing every man, woman, and child the freedom of clean breathable air in the comfort of their own home.

Hello, Residential Clean Room.
GO CLEAN !!!