How to Choose the Correct Furnace Filter

How to Choose the Correct Furnace Filter

Furnace filters keep the parts of your HVAC system clean and efficient while also cleansing the air that is blown throughout your home. If you change your furnace filter regularly, you may extend the life of your heating and air conditioning components and breathe easier. This can help ensure that you don’t need a furnace replacement before it should be time. To begin, discover how to select the appropriate filter for you and your furnace.

Select the Appropriate Type of Filter

Find out what kind of filter your HVAC system needs. For more information, consult your furnace manual. Make sure you get filters that are rated for home systems rather than commercial systems. Another important aspect is ensuring that you insert the filter correctly.

Disposable filters are the most frequent form of filter. These are often layers of fiberglass, cotton, polyester, or paper that are wrapped in a frame that slips into a ducting aperture. There are also washable filters that can be removed and cleaned, as well as adjustable filters and sizes for non-standard openings. Washable filters are more difficult to maintain than other types of filters, and they don’t always perform as well as disposable filters. Electrostatic filters are disposable or reusable filters that employ static electricity to attract and trap small particles.

HVAC filters may be required to work differently in different residences and for different inhabitants. Filters with a higher quality rating are required in homes with multiple occupants, pets, smokers, and individuals with severe allergies. In general, however, it is preferable to choose high-quality filters. While higher-quality filters may cost a bit more, they will remove more pollen, dust, and other unpleasant air particles than inexpensive filters. Use HEPA filters: high-efficiency pleated air filters, which allow your furnace to circulate cleaner air into your home without putting too much load on it. The pleated design improves the surface area of the filter, allowing it to capture more lint, dust, pollen, mold, and mildew. Pleated filters don’t need to be replaced as frequently as regular filters, but they should be replaced every three months instead of every month.

Filter MERV Ratings

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of a furnace filter is a measurement of how thoroughly it filters particles from the air, how efficiently it moves air through it, and how long it should last. On a scale of 1 to 16, the MERV scale assigns a score to filters. More particles are eliminated as the value rises. A high MERV rating, on the other hand, does not always imply that a filter is better for your HVAC system. Filters with a MERV value of 1 to 12 are used in most home systems to remove the most particles while allowing for optimal airflow. Commercial uses, such as laboratories and hospitals, typically employ filters with a MERV rating greater than 12. Check your furnace handbook to see which filter has the highest MERV rating and enables the most airflow in your system.

The Following Are Some Merv Ratings For The Most Widely Used Type Of Filter:

Disposable fiberglass filters – When you think of a “furnace filter,” the first option that comes to mind is a disposable fiberglass filter. It’s made of 1-inch thick spun fiberglass and has no use other than to keep larger particles like dust, lint, and debris out of your system. The most cost-effective, with a MERV rating of 2 or 3.

Washable filters – Have a MERV rating of 1 to 4.

Disposable pleated filters – For better air quality, a good option consisting of polyester or cotton paper can remove some small particles such as spores and mites. These filters are routinely used and have a MERV value of 6 to 12.

Electrostatic filters – They normally have a MERV rating of roughly 8 to 12.

Select the Appropriate Filter Size

Check your furnace handbook for the proper filter size, or measure the present filter to find out. The size of most filters is visibly indicated on the surface in several locations. If necessary, a tape measure can be used to determine size.

HELPFUL ADVICE:

Take the old filter with you when you go shopping for a new filter, or write down the dimensions you’ll need so you don’t forget them.

Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter

This 1-inch thick AC furnace filter is narrow enough to fit in most wall registers. Its high-efficiency MERV-12 rating makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to trap as much airborne debris as possible. It uses 3-in-1 technology to encourage fresh airflow.

Alright! You now understand how to choose the correct furnace filters. If you need any type of repairs to your furnace, contact Marten’s Heating & Cooling today!

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