Understanding Different Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems

Understanding Different

Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems

In the realm of indoor climate control, few elements are as pivotal as air filters. They serve as the gatekeepers of indoor air quality and the efficiency maestros of HVAC systems. Today, we will cover three essential types: HRV VAM filters, Pleated Panel filters, and the diverse world of filter media.

Regular upkeep of filters is paramount for sustained performance and peak air quality. Frequent maintenance ensures that your indoor air remains free from contaminants, allergens, and pollutants. Having clean filters facilitates unrestricted airflow which minimises the strain on your HVAC system and optimises energy efficiency. Through mitigating wear and tear on HVAC components it will extend the lifespan of the systems and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs.

Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) Ventilation Air Module (VAM) Filters

These VAM filters are tailored specifically for heat recovery units. Engineered to capture particles and contaminants from supply air, ensuring cleaner air circulation indoors. These filters play a critical role in maintaining optimal indoor air quality by preventing outdoor pollutants from infiltrating living space, whilst still allowing the building to be supplied with fresh air. Due to the functionality of these filters meaning they are constantly in operation they can become clogged and require replacing sooner than on air conditioning filters.

Pleated Panel Filters

Pleated panel filters are the most recognised in air conditioning units, renowned for their efficiency and versatility. You may find these in your wall mounted or ceiling cassette style air conditioning units. These filters feature a pleated design and diverse filter media options you can get these in all kinds of sizes. They excel in trapping a wide range of airborne particles, particularly adept in capturing allergens, dust, pet dander and other pollutants in your building significantly contributing to a better indoor air quality. As these are panel shaped, they can often be cleaned effectively but they can be fragile so be careful if attempting to clean these yourself! They should still be replaced at least twice a year to maintain a high level of functionality as over cleaning will cause damage to the filter.

Bag Filters

Constructed with multi-layered synthetics or fibreglass media housed in a durable bag structure these filters offer high efficiency filtration across a broad range of particle sizes. They capture fine particle matter, including dust, pollen, mould spores and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs), enhancing indoor air quality even better! They have a large surface area to help contribute to a longer filter life and reduced pressure drop in the systems performance. However, due to their bag shape they are not practical to continuously clean, so these require replacing with new after a period dependant on the frequency the system is in operation.

Filter Media

From fibreglass to synthetic fibres, filter media offers a range of options to suit different HVAC system requirements. The choice of filter media depends on the filtration efficiency, airflow, resistance, and overall system performance they are aiming to achieve. Due to this type of filter not being framed it can be cut to shape for any airflow space necessary. There are ways of cleaning these but as they are the cheapest and a particularly flimsy type of filter it is better to replace them each time.

Investing in a modern HVAC system and maintaining clean filters can help provide relief to allergy sufferers and help improve respiratory wellness. By removing airborne pollutants and irritants, filters can help alleviate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies while safeguarding against illness and infection.

Any filter in your HVAC system is the frontline of defence against air contaminants. Through extensive maintenance and specialist filters your indoor environment will become more comfortable while optimising the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system.