If you’re buying an air filter, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between Air Filter , Cleaner and Purifier. Activated carbon filters and Pleated media filters are other types of air filtering media. These filters have different purposes. One type purifies the surrounding air while the other cleans it. You may want to consider all three types of air filters if you have allergies or asthma.
MERV ratings
When choosing air filters for your HVAC system, it’s important to know how to find the right MERV rating. Low MERV ratings will allow pollutants to travel through the ductwork and cause more energy consumption. High MERV ratings will restrict airflow and decrease the overall air quality in your home. You should also look for air filters that have the highest MERV rating possible for your HVAC system. If you don’t know what this means, contact a professional HVAC contractor.
MERV ratings are the measurement of particle size. For example, a MERV of 8 will remove 90% of dust and bacteria, while a MERV of 10 will capture particles as small as three microns. Filters with this MERV rating are good for most homes and commercial spaces. You can also use them to filter airborne tobacco smoke and other pollutants released by sneezing.
Pleated media filters
While spun-glass filters have smaller surface areas, they do a great job removing larger pollutants and odors. However, they can be clogged and negatively impact airflow. Pleated media filters are made of a combination of polyester or cotton folds. The main difference between pleated and spun-glass filters is their MERV rating. Pleated media filters provide low air filtration but are less resistant to airflow.
The difference between pleated media filters and non-pleated fiberglass air filters is that pleated filters trap more material in the same amount of space, thus increasing their efficiency. However, you’ll have to replace a non-pleated filter every two or three months. Most pleated media filters have an MERV rating of five to seven. Non-pleated fiberglass filters usually have ratings in the MERV range of two to four, while MERV 7 filters are more expensive.
HEPA filters
There are many differences between air cleaners and purifiers, but one of the biggest is the type of filter used. HEPA filters are made of tangled fibers. The sheet is pleated to increase its surface area and lengthen its life. The air passes through the fibers, trapping large particles that would otherwise be emitted into the air. HEPA filters are most effective at trapping these pollutants. You can use HEPA filters to remove a variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and pollen. These filters also catch certain pathogens, making frequent replacement of filters necessary.
Another difference between air filters and cleaners and purification systems is their performance. HEPA filters trap and remove high-quality particles. These filters are more powerful than standard air filters and require more powerful motors to function. Air purifiers capture particles that standard air filters cannot remove. While standard air filters capture a significant percentage of particles, HEPA filters trap more. For those with allergies, these machines can be useful to use in both homes and offices.
Activated carbon filters
Activated carbon is a natural substance that has been subjected to a series of processes to make it more absorbent and more effective at absorbing airborne pollutants. The carbon is manufactured using small carbon-rich materials. These materials are found in wood, coal, and coconut shells. Different manufacturers use these different sources of carbon in their air filters. Some carbon sources are better than others.
Activated carbon is small pieces of carbon that have been treated with chemicals to increase their surface area. They are highly porous, with one gram having 500 square meters of surface area. Activated carbon is able to absorb pollutants through adsorption, a process in which molecules from the air or water react chemically with the carbon. The larger the surface area of the carbon, the more pollutants it can absorb. The most common uses for carbon filters in air cleaners and purifiers are for the removal of hazardous compounds.
Electrostatic air purifiers
Electrostatic air purifiers work by using an electrostatic force to collect particles in the air. These particles flow toward the air purifier’s magnetic plates, which attach to them. As a result, the air purifier reduces the concentration of dust and other airborne particles. Electrostatic air purifiers are also known as electrostatic precipitators. Since these air purifiers use electrostatic force to collect airborne particles, they are a good option for a home or office with lots of dust and allergens.
As an added benefit, electrostatic air cleaners do not produce any ozone. Unlike air filters and cleaners, electrostatic air purifiers are effective at removing bacteria, mold, and viruses. However, these cleaners must be installed by a professional. Some companies don’t know how to install them and can make mistakes. Regardless of the difference in function, it is important to choose a machine that will fit into your home’s environment.
