There are many types of air conditioner filters.  Air conditioner filters help to remove allergens and contaminants from your home.  It is very important that you replace or clean filters when recommended by the company. Be sure to read our air condintioner buying tips guide.

Types of Air Conditioner Filters

• Standard Air Conditioner Filters – This is made from fiberglass with a cardboard frame.  It can remove 10 percent of airborne pollutants.  They are designed to remove larger particles.  They will not filter smaller allergens and contaminants.  These filters will need to be changed every month.


• Pleated Air Conditioner Filters – The material is folded back and forth and has a larger surface area.  These types of air conditioner filters can remove 35 to 40 percent of the harmful articles found in the air.  These filters are just a little more expensive, but they only need to be replaced every three months.


• Electrostatic - These types of air conditioners use filter media where an electric charge attracts the contaminants.  They can create a charge from the air or there are some that have built in electrostatic.  These air conditioner filters are better at removing contaminants because they can remove 90 percent.  They cost about $30 to $100 and you only have to replace every three months.


• Electronic – These air conditioner filters are more effective than electrostatic because they use a fan to trap up to 95 percent of particles.


• HEPA - This is a High Efficiency Particulate Arresting filter.  They can actually trap 99.97% of contaminants, including dust, smoke, pet dander, and fibers.

Air Conditioner Filters and your Health

The air inside your home is considered to be more dangerous and polluted than outdoor air.  This has been confirmed by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).  Air conditioner filters can actually help to reduce or even prevent some of the health effects of this poor air quality.

The many contaminants found in your home can include:

• Dust
• Smoke
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Mold
• Fungus
• Mildew
• Gas

Dust comes from skin, hair, clothes, or shoes.  Mold, mildew, and fungus can come in along with the dust.  Gasses can be caused by the use of dyes, paints, varnishes, and adhesives.  These contaminants are re-circulated throughout the house.  When you use air conditioner filters that have a high percentage, then you can stop this circulation of contaminants.

The type of air conditioner filters you use will determine how effective they are at reducing these contaminants.  Other ways to lower indoor contaminant levels include ventilation and humidity control.

Air Conditioner Filters – Replacing is Critical to a Healthy Environment

Air conditioner filters play an important role at helping to improve indoor air quality.  However, dirty air conditioner filters can actually be harmful and make the air conditioner work harder.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to how often you should change a filter.  It is generally one to three months.

Steps for Replacing Air Conditioner Filters

1. Shut off the air conditioner.
2. Locate old filter that is likely located behind the grill that takes in the room air.  It will be secured by either a door that needs opened, a slot where it can slide out, or behind a panel that you will pull out the filter towards you.
3. Pay attention to what you need to do to get the filter out.  There may be a clip or elastic band across it.  If the elastic band is deteriorating, you may need to replace it.  Remove filter and replace with new filter.

Air conditioner filters are essential for a healthy indoor environment; but remember it is important to replace them when needed.

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