Improperly adjusted air or furnace filters can allow pollutants to enter your home, reducing the efficiency of your system and increasing electricity bills. Debris that enters through the ventilation grilles surrounding the filter can also damage the air conditioning system, leading to costly repair bills. Even if you know what the best air filters are, remembering to change them can be difficult. Setting a reminder on your phone every month is a great way to stay on top of it.
Having the best air filters for home use on hand is easy when you take advantage of subscription services to conveniently receive items such as subscription-eligible air filters in your home. The Home Depot also offers a full range of air filter accessories, making it easy to keep the system running at peak performance. Fiberglass, polyester, washable, pleated and electrostatic filters all offer different air filtering capabilities. The company that manufactured the air conditioning unit makes an OEM furnace filter, while aftermarket air filters are manufactured by specialized external companies. Permanent electrostatic furnace filters use the same electrostatic technology, but contain self-charging cotton fibers that attract particles.
For this reason, many medical experts recommend HEPA furnace filters to people who are allergic to allergens, dirt or dust due to their excellent capabilities. A MERV 13 furnace filter will work flawlessly without creating unnecessary airflow problems, as it filters approximately 95% of large air particles and approximately 80% of small particles. For additional filtration of smoke, chemicals, odors and gases, consider combining HEPA filters with activated carbon filters. Pleated air filters are made of synthetic materials such as polyester or cotton and have several layers that trap more particles than a standard fiberglass filter.
Types of Furnace Filters
To help you make an informed decision, here's a guide to the different types of furnace filters available and what they can do for your home:- Fiberglass Filters: These are the most basic type of furnace filter and are usually made from spun glass fibers. They are inexpensive and can be used for short periods of time.
- Polyester Filters: These are more effective than fiberglass filters and can capture larger particles.
They are also more durable and can last up to three months.
- Washable Filters: These are made from metal mesh and can be washed and reused multiple times. They are more expensive than other types of filters but can last up to five years.
- Pleated Filters: These are made from synthetic materials such as polyester or cotton and have several layers that trap more particles than a standard fiberglass filter. They can last up to three months.
- Electrostatic Filters: These use static electricity to attract particles and can last up to one year.
Installing Your Furnace Filter
Knowing how to install the filter is essential for it to work properly, since a retrograde filter can reduce efficiency and even damage the system over time. If you're looking for a furnace with a filter for pet dander and allergies, opt for one with a higher filter performance rating (MERV of 8 to 13).You can review the documentation that came with your furnace to determine which furnace filter is ideal to buy. Air filters can be easily ordered with the number printed on an existing product or measure the actual size of the opening where the filter is installed to determine the nominal filter size you need. However, remember that only a furnace filter with a MERV 8 to MERV 13 rating will serve this purpose effectively, as the latter offers superior filtration. When it comes time to install your new furnace filter, make sure you follow all instructions carefully.
It's important that you install it correctly so that it works properly and doesn't cause any damage to your system. If you're not sure how to install it correctly, contact an HVAC professional who will be able to help you out.
