G2 vs G3
What's the differences and which filter material may I need for my Ducted Aircon System?
With the choices of ducted air conditioning filter material available, it makes it difficult to decide which to choose. Here, we try to break it down to give you the information to help make the choice easier.
When you open up your air conditioning return air grill, you will see a filter material within a frame. This material is what catches the dust particles before it reaches your internal aircon unit within the roof space.
This material is actually specifically design to have different attributes when it comes to its filtering abilities. To grade these materials and their attributes they give them a "G" Rating. If you’re shopping for a replacement, you’ve likely run into the choice between G2 and G3 filter material. While they might look similar in texture, choosing the wrong one can affect both your air quality and your electricity bill.
Here is everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
Understanding the "G" Rating
In the world of air filtration, the "G" rating refers to the Grade of the filter based on the EN779 standard. It measures "arrestance"—basically, what percentage of dust the filter can catch.
- G2: Designed to catch large particles like coarse dust, lint, and hair.
- G3: A tighter weave designed to catch smaller particles, providing a higher level of protection for your AC coils.
The Breakdown: G2 Grey vs. G3 White
Here at The Ezy Filter, we use different colours for our media to make it easy for you to identify. Below are the differences between the two materials we provide.
|
Feature |
G2 Filter Media (Grey) |
G3 Filter Media (White) |
|
Thickness |
5mm |
10mm |
|
Color |
Grey |
White |
|
Efficiency |
Moderate (avg 75% arrestance) |
High (avg 92% arrestance) |
|
Airflow |
High / Low Resistance |
Moderate Resistance |
|
Best For |
Older systems or high-airflow needs |
Modern systems and allergy sufferers |
|
Dust Holding No 4 test dust : (per unit of effective face area) |
225 g/m2 |
260 g/m2 |
Which One Should You Choose?
1. The G2 Grey:
The G2 Grey media is the workhorse of the industry. Because the fibers are slightly more open, it allows for maximum airflow. Your aircon system wont work as hard to keep good air flow.
- Choose G2 if: You have an older air conditioning unit that struggles with "static pressure" (it works too hard to pull air through). It’s also excellent if your main goal is simply to keep pet hair and large "dust particles" out of the unit.
2. The G3 White:
The G3 White media is denser. It catches more of the finer dust particles than that of the G2 however has slight higher airflow resistance than G2. Being a denser material the aircon system will need to work a little more to produce the air flow. It may also be a little nosier than a G2 filter because it try's to draw air through a denser material.
- Choose G3 if: You want to keep your indoor air cleaner and protect your AC’s internal cooling coils from getting "dusted up" over time. Because it is denser, it does offer slightly more resistance to airflow, so it’s best suited for modern, powerful ducted systems.
Pro Tip: Regardless of which grade material you choose, you should check your filter every 3 to 6 months. Nothing good comes from a dirty filter, regardless of the grade you choose!
So hopefully this article gives you a better idea on the difference between the two material and which filter material you would like to have installed.
Below are 2 links to our G2 and G3 filters.
G2 ducted air conditioning filters
G3 ducted air conditioning filters
We also supply DIY filter material replacements if you would like to save some money and replace the material yourself. Everything supplied in our kits.
If you need any further assistance, feel free to contact us!
