- Not All Filters Are Created Equal – The most common furnace filter is the throwaway fiberglass filter. These are inexpensive and effective, but they don’t do a good job of trapping smaller particles like dust and pollen. You’ll need to upgrade to a pleated filter or a high-efficiency filter if you’re looking for improved indoor air quality.
- Size Matters – When shopping for a filter, make sure you’re getting the right size. An undersized filter can starve your HVAC system of air, leading to decreased efficiency and higher energy bills. An oversized filter can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the system.
- MERV Rating – All filters come with a MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at trapping smaller particles. Choose the highest MERV rating you can without compromising airflow and efficiency.
- Change Frequency – The frequency with which you should change your HVAC filter depends on several factors, including the type of filter you’re using, the size of your home, the number of people living in your home, the presence of pets and the amount of dust and debris in the air. Generally, you should change your filter every one to three months.
- Clean Filters Mean Cleaner Air – A clean filter helps prevent dust and other particles from circulating through your home, improving the air quality and reducing the amount of dust and dirt buildup in your HVAC system. By following these tips, you can ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently and providing you with the best possible air quality.
When Choosing a Filter
Choose a filter with a minimum efficiency rating value (MERV) of 6. These are the industry standard. A MERV 8 or higher might be better if you suffer from allergies or asthma, but keep in mind that a higher rating could create additional resistance, which can reduce airflow and increase energy costs.
Be sure to check the size of the filter, as some manufacturers have different sizes for the same models. Also, be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to change the filter.
If you use an electronic air cleaner, the manufacturer will likely recommend a specific type of filter, so always follow their advice.
Finally, if you’re not sure which filter to choose, ask a qualified HVAC contractor in Michigan for advice. They’ll be able to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Purpose of a Filter
The primary purpose of a filter is to prevent dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants from entering your HVAC system and damaging it. This is done by trapping the particles as they travel through the air and preventing them from entering the system. This protects the system from wear and tear, which can lead to a decrease in efficiency and increased energy bills. Additionally, a filter can also prevent allergens from entering the system and circulating through your home, although this is not its primary purpose.
The best course of action is to use the manufacturer’s recommended filter or to consult a professional HVAC technician to ensure that you are using the best filter for your system.
The only thing a furnace filter can do is reduce the amount of airborne dust that accumulates within the furnace itself. So, if you have a large dust problem, you may want to consider changing your filter more often. But, if you’re just trying to reduce the number of particles in your home’s air, you’d be better off investing in an air purifier.
The best way to ensure your home is being filtered all year round is to install a whole-home air filtration system. These systems run all the time and help to reduce particles in the air, even when your furnace or AC is not running. They also help to reduce odors and improve indoor air quality.
If you want to save money and energy, consider installing a programmable thermostat. These devices allow you to set a specific temperature for each day and time of the week so your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Programmable thermostats can be installed for as little as $50, and they can save you up to 15 percent on your heating bill.
You may also want to consider installing a whole-house air purifier, which will clean your air and help to filter out particles from the air. Whole-house air purifiers are more expensive than electrostatic filters, but they are more effective and can filter out even smaller particles.
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