Filters or Air Cleaners?
You use a filter to protect your system and keep the dust and dirt that's in your home from getting into your blower and evaporator coil, because that could lead to big problems. There are many different types of air filters you can get for your system. Air cleaners take filtration to the next level and remove dust, dirt, mold, and pollen from circulating through your home. We will list the options for filtration and air cleaning from basic to best.

Paper Filter (3% - 15% efficient)
This type of filter is the bare minimum. Unfortunately, they are also the most popular type of filter used. You can find them at the supermarket or drug store. They're the kind you throw away after a month or so. If you can avoid it, don't use these. Paper filters only minimally protect your system, and if you want to protect yourself, there are far better alternatives that work better and last a lot longer (and they cost less in the long run). We do not recommend paper filters.

Washable Filter (3% - 20% efficient)
Permanent, washable filters work just like the paper filters, but they can be removed and cleaned to be used over and over. We do not recommend washable filters.

Electrostatic Air Filters (50% - 80% efficient)
These are a different type completely. These filters are installed just like a regular paper filter but they are permanent and washable, and are much more effective than a standard filter. They use two or more types of filter media that react together to create a static electrical charge which acts like a magnet on the dust particles. They work well and they don't take up any extra space, but they are more expensive compared to paper and washable filters.

However, humid and hot climates require tight duct systems, and electrostatic air filters are usually too restrictive to allow proper air-flow for today's higher efficiency systems. (Due to small surface area.) Reduced airflow makes the furnace overheat and age faster, work harder than it should to heat your home, restricted air-flow damages your equipment and makes your air conditioner more expensive to use. We do not recommend electrostatic filters.

So far we have only given you options that we do not recommend. Yes those are available but they either function at such a low efficiency as to be laughable or they restrict airflow so greatly as to be alarming. The following choices are, we believe, the only few choices.

Media Air Cleaner (50% - 80% efficient)
Media Filters function a lot like electrostatic filter but with one major difference. Media filter have more than 10 times the area. Meaning that they offer good air-flow even when dirty. This type of filter must be installed professional because of its size and will require replacement once or twice a year.

Electronic Air Cleaner (98% efficient)
It costs more initially than media filters but costs less in the long run and it is more efficient. It uses electricity to create a magnetic charge that traps particles. The actual filter sections, or cells, can be removed and cleaned. You have to be sure to keep it clean or your effectiveness will be reduced, but you don't have to keep buying filters. The downside is that it takes up more space than a regular filter. If you have the space to install it, it's a great system but require some maintenance too.

Dynamic Air Cleaners
This is a new generation of electronic air cleaning, offering unparalleled capture efficiency at .3 micron sizes; Dynamic Air Cleaners feature a unique air combination of electrostatic polarization and activated carbon. They can be installed or easily retrofit into your current unit without costly ductwork reconfiguration. Allergy and asthma sufferers experience immediate, dramatic improvements.