• Inexpensive
• Low air flow restriction
• Full depth loading
• Panel filter
• Available at most hardware stores

• Not efficient
• Allow most dust to pass through

• Disposable
• 1 and 2 inch thickness
• Panel filters

• Fiberglass panel filters are the worst possible air filter you could use in your heating or air conditioning system and I would never recommend using them

• Low air flow restriction
• Don’t have to be changed as often as pleated filters
• Great for those who sometimes  forget to change or clean their filters
• Not face loading (increases dust loading capacity)

• Can be messy to change because they have to be removed from a frame which can release dust back into the air
• Not as efficient as high end pleated air filters

• Disposable
• 1/2, 1 and 2 inch thickness
• Available in pre-cut pads or rolls that can be cut to size
• Require metal filter frame to mount them in 

• Very high dust loading capacity (full depth of media) because of multi-denier design characteristics
• Good for those who require more flexibility with filter change schedules
• Carbon filter pads can be installed with these media pads for odor control
• Permanent frame with disposable pads
• Usually made with polyester fibers bonded together
• Often available with dry tack or other coating to increase efficiency
• Some designs make their filter media more course on the air leaving side to improve filter performance

True electrostatic filters don’t require electricity.

• Permanent and washable
• Moderate air flow restriction
• Most last for years
• Many have lifetime warranties
• No face loading (increases dust loading capacity)
• No electricity required
• No ozone is produced with these filters
• One time purchase cost – saves you money

• Many different designs and not all are good quality
• If not properly maintained they will restrict air flow
• Regular cleaning is required

• Don’t require electricity
• Washable
• Should be cleaned monthly
• 1/2 and 1 inch thick
• Custom sizes often available
• aluminum or flex frames available
• Panel design

• Maintenance is very important with these filters
• Green? They don’t add to landfill usage compared to disposables because they last many years
• Some brands use anti microbial protection which inhibits the growth of mold and mildew on the filter material
• Direct replacement for disposable panel filters
• Combines 3 to 5 layers of material to obtain desired characteristics
• Electrostatic air filters don’t produce ozone

• Available in wide range of MERV ratings from 5 to 12
• Low to moderate air flow restriction
• Panel filter
• Can be found at most hardware stores

• If not changed when needed they will impact air flow
• Face loading (pleated design helps increase dust loading capacity)

• Disposable
• Available in 1 to 6 inches thick
• Available in custom sizes
• Panel filter
• The more efficientpleated air filters are great for allergy sufferers

• Most common type of furnace filter and air conditioner filter available
• Some brands are enhanced with electrostatic characteristics
• Variety of media types - cotton, synthetic blends and polyester
• Some are made with carbon (charcoal) impinged material to help control odor
• Many manufacturers such as Trion, Honeywell, Nordic Filtrete, Air Bear and many others
• Made with pleated design to increase surface area and dust loading capacity, this increases usable life

Hepa Air Filters 

What does HEPA stand for? 
High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance

• Panel filter
• Very efficient filters
• One of the most efficient filters available for residential use

• Can have a negative impact on air flow, especially if not maintained properly
• Face loading (pleated design helps increase dust loading capacity)

• 1, 2 and 4 inch thickness
• Pleated design
• Good choice for those who have allergies

• Hepa filters are often available in bypass systems
• Similar design as standard pleated filters but more pleats per inch and different filter material
• Some can be cleaned and reused several times
• These filters are commonly used in vacuum cleaners, air exchangers (HRV) and air purifiers

I consider any type of air filter that uses electricity to be an electronic air filter.

• Very efficient but not with larger dust particles
• Virtually no restriction to air flow
• Excellent for use in combination with panel and other media air filters
• Lasts for many years

• Requires 120 or 240 volt power supply
• Larger dust particles pass through this air cleaner
• Duct system must be modified to install this equipment (not difficult for handyman)
• Expensive initial investment compared to media type air filters
• Can create ozone

• Charges dust particles as they pass through and they are attracted to collection plates

• Requires regular maintenance to maintain efficient operation
• There are two different designs of electronic air filters to choose from 1) Uses electronic cells with collection plates and 2) Panel type electronic filters that incorporate filter media in the design

• No restriction to air flow
• Excellent for use in combination with media air filters such as pleated and electrostatic
• Can be easily installed by a handyman
• Easy maintenance – change lamp once per year

• Requires electricity to operate
• Create ozone – some are worse than others

• Kills mold spores, viruses, bacteria, and many allergens

• Some lamps produce UV-V light while others produce UV-C light
• The UV-V type ultraviolet lamp  produces more ozone
• Avoid looking directly at the light because it could damage your eyes
• Damages plastic drain pans and rubber components so must be installed properly