What Furnace Filters are Best?

The Best Furnace Filters for Your Needs

Choosing the right furnace filters is just as important as regularly switching them out every few months. Your filter is responsible for keeping contaminants out of your furnace system and ductwork. Not only does it protect your equipment from laboring and aging prematurely, but it is also the first line of defense for your home’s indoor air quality. By choosing a lower quality brand or a filter with too low a MERV rating, you could compromise the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Here’s how to determine the best furnace filters for your household and your wallet.

Manufacturer Recommendations

You may prefer to cut costs where you can and purchase cheaper off-brand filter alternatives. While this route will save you money in the short term, it can also lead to poorer air quality in your home. More dust and debris will enter the furnace system, increasing the chance of it overheating. Your furnace will likely lose efficiency faster over the years, running for longer times to pump out less heat and skyrocketing your monthly utility bills.

The manufacturer recommends the best brand for the furnace. By following usage guidelines, you can increase your furnace’s lifespan and keep your home clean of dust, dirt and contaminants. Poor air quality in the home can lead to sneezing, trouble breathing, watery eyes and general discomfort. Choose the right brand to ensure you’re safeguarding your family’s health.

Filter Efficiency

Furnace filters are categorized by their MERV rating. Many residential homes use filters that are between MERV 4 and MERV 12 depending on the residents’ allergy needs and budget preferences. The MERV scale goes all the way up to 20, but filters with higher ratings are often used in clinical or professional buildings with industrial furnaces. Residential homes don’t need the same level of sterility as hospitals.

You may be interested in getting filters with a stronger MERV if you have sick family members or you want to keep your home extra clean. Filters with very high MERV ratings are not compatible with many residential furnaces. They’ll decrease your furnace’s efficiency by making the system use more energy to draw in air. The best filter for your home depends on your furnace’s capabilities and the allergy needs of your household.

The Right Fit

Filters are abundantly available from online outlets and regular hardware stores. This easy availability can lead to grabbing one when you need it without properly checking the size or efficiency. Filters that are slightly smaller than your required size may fit, but they’ll also let in more particulates. Saving money on the filter may lead to more expensive costs down the road.

Ensure your filter is the right fit for your furnace. Choosing the right thickness and exterior dimensions keeps your furnace running smoothly and your air quality clean and safe. Buying in bulk and preparing ahead of time are excellent ways to save money and inconvenience.

Filter Types

Furnaces have many reusable and disposable filter options based on air quality and budget concerns. Fiberglass filters are the standard choice, and they work well for catching large dust particles. This option is often the cheapest and easiest to find in local stores. Pleated filters are available in both disposable and reusable forms. They’re efficient in catching dust mites, hair, dander and dust that would otherwise be missed by a flat-panel filter.

Depending on your budget, you may also be interested in HEPA or washable filters. HEPA filters trap the majority of airborne contaminants, ensuring a high level of air quality in the home. Before going this route, contact a professional technician to determine if your furnace is compatible with a HEPA filter.

You may also be interested in a washable or electrostatic filter. This type of filter uses small amounts of friction to catch dust and contaminants. Electrostatic filters need to be washed every few months, and they traditionally have five-year lifespans.

Expert Healing and Cooling Team

All Temp Co., Inc Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, & Electrical is a professional heating and cooling team that’s been serving Concord, NC for more than 30 years. We take pride in the outstanding quality of our work, our excellent customer service and our ethical business practices. Trust us to install, maintain and repair your furnace and air conditioner. We can also help with geothermal cooling systems and gas logs for your fireplace.

Our NATE-certified technicians will be dedicated to your complete satisfaction while performing any task you require. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.