Many people pay little attention to the kind of filters that they are using in their air conditioning system. For many people, a standard 1” thick filter may be perfectly fine, but there are circumstances where a more specialised filter may be more appropriate. This could be because of allergies or even just a desire to have a cleaner standard of air in the home. For those considering moving up to a different filter here are three of the most popular types and an explanation of how they work. 
The Media Filter
This filter is the next step up from a standard model, and it is a good option for those that wish to filter more dust and particles out of their air. The media filter is made from higher quality materials than a standard filter, and it has a greater surface area. These two factors ensure that this filter will be more effective at removing dust and particles. Using a higher quality media filter will also mean that your system will not have to work as hard. Another nice bonus is that these higher quality filters will only need to be changed annually rather than the monthly change required for regular filters.
The Ultraviolet Light Filter
This filter is used in conjunction with the media filter for additional effectiveness. The ultraviolet light filter actually kills living organisms that are entering the home via the air conditioning system. These organisms can include mold spores, mildew and various bacteria. The result is a better quality of air free from spores creating an improved environment within the home. For those people suffering from respiratory conditions or in generally poor health an ultraviolet light filter can help.
The Home Purification System
This is by far the most comprehensive option, and it will deliver the cleanest air into the home. A home purification system is a three in one system that will eliminate all dust particles and kill 99.9% of living organisms in the air. These are smaller versions of the larger systems that are used to keep state of the art hospitals clean. If it is absolutely essential to have the cleanest air possible coming into the home, this is the only system that operates at this high level. As an additional benefit, this system is so effective it also removes unwanted odors as well.
These three types of air filtration methods offer a wide variety of effective protection. Many people will find that standard filters are more than adequate for their purposes. For those that need additional protection, simply adding a media and perhaps an ultraviolet filter to the system will make good sense. Finally, a home purification system will offer the best air quality that is possible domestically. Obviously, each stage of filtration does add additional cost, but the health benefits may make the additional protection a sound investment. It is always best to contact your HVAC professionals to select the best filter.