The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Furnace Filter

Learn from an HVAC expert about the importance of choosing the right furnace filter for your home and family's well-being. Find out about different types of filters, their efficiency, and how often they should be changed.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Furnace Filter

As an HVAC expert, I have seen firsthand the impact that choosing the right furnace filter can have on indoor air quality, the performance of your HVAC system, and most importantly, your family's well-being. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. That's why I am here to help you make an intelligent choice that will benefit your home and your loved ones. When it comes to furnace filters, high-efficiency filters that are also cost-effective are generally the best option for homes. However, there are other factors to consider such as pets in the house, potential threats of mold or mildew, and how often the filters should be changed.

One type of filter that is gaining popularity is the permanent reusable filter, also known as a washable filter. These filters are made of a solid aluminum or plastic structure and are more efficient than disposable filters. At Air Engineers service experts, we understand the importance of balancing filtration efficiency with airflow restriction. That's why we use a differential pressure transducer to measure the extent to which each filter restricts airflow. This allows us to recommend the best filter for your specific HVAC system. A traditional forced air furnace works by drawing in air through return ducts, heating it through a heat exchanger, and then pushing it through a series of ducts into different rooms in your home.

Even the smallest amount of moisture left in a filter can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can then be expelled into the air you breathe. That's why it is crucial to regularly change or clean your furnace filter in order to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential malfunctions. While there are various types of air filters available with both reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an environmentally friendly way to save money.

HEPA filters

, on the other hand, have such tight filtration that they can restrict airflow to the point where they are not practical for most residential forced air systems. It is important to note that air filters come in a variety of standard sizes, and some can even be adapted to fit different filter boxes or air return openings.

If you are unsure which filter to choose, a simple solution is to purchase the same filter that you are currently using in your system. The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) standard is used to measure the performance of filters designed for forced air HVAC systems. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at trapping particles. However, it is important to note that filters with a rating of at least MERV 11 are typically only able to trap common allergens.

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