A filter is the most important part of in any air-conditioner or air purifier. Its primary function is to remove dust particles from the air. Therefore it is vital for the functioning of the air conditioner. Let is explore different air purifier as well as air conditioning filter types in this post.
The dust and the debris on the filter will obstruct passage of air. This hampers the cooling and reduces the efficiency. This will impact the electricity bill.
There is a massive rise in indoor air pollution since early 1990’s. On an average we spend 80% of the time indoors; the chances inhaling pollution is higher.
You can save yourself from this unnecessary expenditure by simply cleaning the air filter by a trained AC mechanic. If required one can opt for a new filter.
It is better to change the filters every 4 to 6 months. However, it also depends on the usage. The most important thing is to ensure that dust does not accumulate.
Merv Rating
It is the abbreviation of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This is rating commonly given to air conditioners and refrigeration.
It can gauge the efficacy of air filters. The minimum MERV rating according to American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is 6. The ideal rating, which is also sustainable, is 16.
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is gauged according to the below parameters:
- MERV 1-4 20% of big particles can be caught
- 5-7 almost 20-69 % of large particles are caught
- 8-10 can eliminate 85% of large particles and approx 50% of small dust
- 11-16 can destroy more than 90% of large particles and 70 to 90 % of small particles
- 17- 20 can absorb the tiniest particles.
Types of Filters Used in Air Conditioning System
Air conditioners come with varying filter types. Lets explore these categories.
1. Electrostatic air filters
An electrostatic filter can remove dust particle through the electrostatic charge. The charge magnetic effect can attract debris and other dust particles. It remains attracted through static charge as long as released by washing and cleaning.
There are plenty of advantages from electrostatic air filters.
- Lifelong warranty
- Cost-effective
- It decreases dust, pollen, and other pollutants
- Cleaning is less troublesome
Nevertheless, consistent cleaning is required. If cleaning is consistent then the air filter will give many years of uninterrupted service. In India Electrostatic filter is in Daikin AC.
2. Nano Silver Filter
One interesting fact about silver is that it’s been known for its anti-bacterial quality from the times of ancient Greece.
Nano Silver is a synonym for antibacterial technology. According to Samsung, this technology can disinfect 650 types of bacteria.
This brilliant formula can directly attack and destroy cells in bacteria and chemical compounds. When Titanium dioxide exposed to ultraviolet, it can create electrons in the excited state.
This eventually reacts with Oxygen and produces superoxide ions. It then reacts with water vapor to produce hydroxyl radicals. Hydroxyl and superoxide ions together are a lethal combination in destroying bacteria.
3. Pleated air filters
This filter is cost effective and durable. It is made of pleats. Due to a large surface area and more fiber per sq can augment the efficiency.
It also removes the odor and traps more particles.
Types of Filters Used in Air Purifiers
It is quite startling to see the rising level of pollution in India of late. The situation is scary in the capital city of Delhi.
The pollution is harmful and distressing. In India, home purpose air purifiers as well as car air purifiers are increasingly in demand. Hence, it is vital to have a sound knowledge about air purifiers.
Generally, there are two categories of air purifiers:
- Active
- Passive
In active air purifiers, the purification of air is through ionization. Through the process of ionization, the ions are negatively charged, which results in pollutants attracted to the surface. There could be a possibility of Ozone release as a by-product.
Passive air purification is dependent on air filters to remove dust particles and pollutants from the air. They are efficient in permanently removing dust particles.
1. HEPA filter for air purifiers
It is the abbreviation of High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter. This state of the art technology came into limelight during World War II. It could get rid of radioactive particles from the air. This reduced the impending danger of respiratory disorder among soldiers.
This technology is even more vital in today’s world where the pollution level has increased. The aftermath of high growth rate and economic prosperity in developing countries is high level of pollution.
HEPA filter can remove 99.97% of air particles, even the tiniest particle cannot escape from this filtration. The efficiency and success rate has compelled the Doctors to recommend this air filter to the patients suffering from recurring allergies.
It can weed out Minute Pollen, Mold, tiny Dust Mites, Debris, bacteria and other allergens. High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter can also soak in cigarette smoke, and odors. The best thing about this filtration is that it never throws contamination collected, back into the air.
2. Ultraviolet light air filter
Ultraviolet Light filters are not simply air filters. They are more of a destroyer. It uses UV light to destroy the enemy, which in this case are the bacteria. It kills the bacteria and annihilates viruses, molds, and yeasts.
This filter is ideal for someone who is repeatedly sick. This purifier is helpful in an environment where cleanliness is important. It is useful in hospitals to prevent infections and diseases.
Ultraviolet Light purifiers do not remove solid particles, dust, and allergens from the air. However, they are quite effective in removing Chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, and bad odor.
3. Carbon adhesive filter
An Activated Carbon filter can remove smoke, bad odors, chemicals, and gasses from the air.
Activated carbons are tiny pores, which can facilitate removal of pollutants. These purifiers cannot function on its own. It works along with other filters.
There is a common misconception that our rooms and houses are pollutant-free, and there is no chemical content around. On the contrary, there is an overwhelming presence of pollutants inside the room and houses.
There are plenty of organic chemicals in furniture and oil paints. Pet odor and moisture can make things uncomfortable. Even the best ventilation system cannot remove these pollutants.
Activated Carbon is the most effective filter when it comes to chemicals. However, it is not effective in eliminating dust particles or other tiny particles and organisms.
4. Pre-filter for air purifiers
One can call it layered filtration or double filter in an air purifier. In other words it is a wall or a defense to stop larger particles before it can enter the main filter.
Prefilter plays a pivotal role in maintaining the longevity of the main filter. It remarkably decreases the load on the internal filter.
This eventually increases the lifespan of the main filter. Hence, it reduces the cost of any kind of repair or replacement. It is an armor, which takes the first blow from large debris, dust, and pollen. It stops hair furs; this eventually increases the capacity of the filter.
Prefilter comes in one piece or attached to the carbon filter. Besides improving the efficiency; it can be washed and reused.
5. Catechin filter for air purifiers
Catechin is an anti-oxidant, which belongs to the chemical group of flavonoids. It has medicinal properties used in ancient times.
Catechin Filter has the ability to fight the virus and destroy bacteria. This filter can remove the bad odor of smoke and pollution. It also eliminates bad odor emanating from pets.
Furthermore, it possesses a remarkable ability to eradicate microscopic bacteria and viruses. This inevitable improves the overall health and wellbeing. Durability is one of the hallmarks of Catechin Filters. With proper maintenance and consistent cleaning, the filter can last for one decade or more.
6. Vitamin C filter for air purifiers
Besides filtration, it is also a therapy. The name itself answers everything pertaining to this filter. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that nullifies free radicals in the skin.
Free radicals cause aging and Vitamin C revitalize aging skin. This filter not only revitalizes but also acts as a stress buster after a long hard day. It makes the skin gentle and softer.
7. Anti-bacterial filter
This filter can destroy bacteria present in the air. It appears like a crumple carton resembling a mesh. This filter is a nemesis for microorganisms spread across the room. It destroys Anti-Allergens and dust mite. This filter comes in one piece or along with HEPA filter. Antibacterial filters destroy germs and bacteria using ultraviolet rays.
8. Anti-VOC filter for air purifiers
VOC is the abbreviation for Volatile Organic Compounds. There is a possibility that people around you might be sensitive to VOC.
It might cause a headache or nausea. These are typically carbon-containing compounds. The reason for this could be the chemicals that emit out of paints, pesticides, or new furnishing in your home. This could have a short-term or long-term impact on health.
Poor ventilation and staying indoors can be harmful as it increases the chances of getting exposed to poisonous gasses. As these poisonous vapor or gasses has no escape route, It will circulate in the home for a longer period. This will eventually impact the health. It might give you a runny nose or your eyes start watering.
If such symptoms persist then you need an Anti-VOC filter. Carrier Midea Model air conditioner is one such model in India with Anti-VOC filters. This AC can get rid of toxic VOC’s. It can remove the impurities and eliminate hazardous gasses.
9. PM 2.5 filter for air purifiers
This filter stands for Particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers. The particles are extremely tiny and can easily enter the lungs and cause health problems. This is the by-product of development and rapid industrialization.
The major cause is the burning of fossil fuels, and the smoke, dust in the air. The airborne particles can be harmful in many ways. Particulate matter (PM) is a complicated amalgamation of tiny particles and liquid droplets. The particles are soo small that it can easily penetrate bronchi and lungs.
Long-term exposure can lead to serious consequences like chronic bronchitis; soreness in throat. The PM 2.5 filters are specifically designed to trap these micro particles. It consists of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, which decreases friction and wear and tear.
Polytetrafluoroethylene is used on non-stick pans. polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane filter can capture these Particulate. It is now a benchmark to gauge industrial hygiene and workplace safety.
Polytetrafluoroethylene membrane filter is applicable in gauging air quality through EPA test method. PTFE is a soft flexible material it comes with a pore size rating of 2.0 microns. Pore size rating tantamount to efficiency; which in this case means the filter can capture 2.0 micrometers of particles.
10. Photo-catalytic filter
This filter uses photocatalysis to purify the air. This filter works when ultraviolet light falls on titanium dioxide. This causes electrons to release. The electrons react with water molecules in the air creating hydroxyl radicals (OH).
These hydroxyl radicals are the main weapons that attack the enemy, which in this case is a pollutant. It neutralizes the pollutant and makes them non-toxic.
This methodology is also called PCO (photocatalytic oxidation). This option is not just safer, but it helps in destroying air pollutants. It can remove plenty of air irritants, which can cause lung infection and sore throat. It can eliminate mold, bacteria, and viruses.
