Choose the Air Filter That's Best for Your Family's Health
There are so many things to consider when it comes to total home comfort. Should you buy a high-efficiency air conditioning unit? Which size and make of AC is right for your home|? Are wifi thermostats really worth the investment? The list goes on and on.
Just when you think all the decisions have been made, another important question pops up:
Which home air filter is best for my health?
There are several kinds of home air filters available for your home. Allergy prevention is a main goal for many families to be healthy.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Home Air Filters
HEPA filters are rated as the leading filtration product by Midway Services, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the EPA. HEPA filters can remove up to 98% of pollutants in your family’s air. These are the types of filters commonly used in hospitals to destroy germs and keep patients and staff healthy, but Midway Services installs them for home air filters. If there are any dangerous respirational health problems for anyone in the home, the experts suggest the investment of a whole-home HEPA air filtration system.
High-Efficiency Home Air Filters
These guys remove 85% of air pollutants in your home. Not only will high-efficiency home air filters assist with reducing allergy symptoms, they also help your heating and cooling equipment operate more efficiently, ultimately lowering energy costs which could save you money on utility bills year after year.
Standard Pleated Media Home Air Filters
These are your more familiar home air filters and can be found at the majority of home improvement stores. While pleated home air filters may have a lower cost, they also have to be replaced more often – every four to twelve weeks versus once a year like the whole-home HEPA and high-efficiency air filters. Since HEPA home air filters cost anywhere from $60-$100, for annual cost you’re looking at nearly the same price. Standard pleated air filters can eliminate up to 45% of the air pollutants in your home and the largest factor is the number of pleats per foot. The more pleats, the better the air flow, and the cleaner your home’s air will be.
Basic Fiberglass Home Air Filters
The flat, fiberglass air filters are the most plain type of filters. These filters do not normally enhance your family’s air quality; instead, they were designed to shelter the heating and air conditioning equipment from having larger contaminants infiltrate the system and harm the parts. As a result, they can only remove less than 10% of your indoor air pollutants, but you can purchase them for about $1 each.
If you need help deciding which air filter is the best fit for you home, give Midway Services a call today and we will explain your options and help you make the best decision for your indoor air quality.