What Type of Furnace Filter Should I Use? A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right One

Choosing an appropriate furnace filter is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality in your home. Learn about different types of furnace filters and how to choose one with an adequate MERV rating.

What Type of Furnace Filter Should I Use? A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right One

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHARE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher filter for optimal air quality. Most people opt for a MERV 8 filter, as it is the most common type used in residential areas. Hospitals, on the other hand, typically use filters with a rating of MERV 14 to MERV 20. The air filtering medium is one of the most important variables when it comes to filtration.

When it comes to HVAC filters, there are two main types: pleated and fiberglass air filters. Fiberglass air filters are the most affordable option, but they are also the least effective and durable. This type of filter is made up of layers of fiberglass that rest on a metal frame. While they will prevent debris from entering your air conditioning equipment, they are not the best for purifying the air your family breathes, as fine particles can still get inside. Pleated air filters are considered to be more effective than fiberglass air filters.

They are made of a polyester or cotton material that traps smaller air particles, but also has greater resistance to airflow. The more folds an air filter has, the more thoroughly it will clean the air, but the compensation is reduced airflow. Filters maintain the oven itself and your home's air quality, so your unit needs a filter. Cheap woven fiberglass filters remove dirt and debris that could damage the oven fan motor, although they remove some of the pollen and mold spores. Look for the opening in the grill through which air enters; this is the return duct and the boiler filter will be somewhere nearby.

To be sure, you should check if your oven manufacturer has a maximum MERV rating that your oven model can use. When selecting the right furnace filter for your heating and cooling system, it is important to consider both efficiency and affordability. Filters with a rating of at least MERV 11 are usually recommended as they begin to trap most particles the size of common allergens. No filter manufacturer can predict the lifespan of their filters because none of them know the dusty conditions in your home, so you have to check them frequently. Disposable fiberglass filters need to be checked and replaced more often than pleated filters due to their lower quality. If you haven't changed the filter for a long time and you see a lot of hair or dust around the filter opening, we strongly recommend that you vacuum the outside of the oven and the inside of the filter opening before changing it.

If the current filters are perfect, annotate (or take a picture) of the size printed on the filter frame. Once you know what filter size you need and what MERV rating you can use, and you've chosen the type of filter you want to buy, it's time to replace the old filter. Be sure to install the new filter facing the correct direction. Look for arrows on the filter frame that indicate the direction of the air flow. A clogged filter can cause both your boiler and air conditioner to work less efficiently. Permanent reusable filters (also called washable filters) are made with a solid aluminum or plastic frame and are more efficient than disposable filters.

The main purpose of an oven filter is to protect its fan from all dust, hair, and other debris that may enter its return duct. Choosing an appropriate furnace filter is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality in your home. It's important to select one with an adequate MERV rating for your needs while also considering cost-effectiveness. Make sure to check your furnace filters regularly and replace them when necessary.

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