Contact Us: 216-663-6462

Facebook

choosing a furnace filterWhen you visit your local hardware store, are you sometimes amazed by all the different furnace filter options? Even in a smaller store, furnace filters can take up an entire aisle! When you’re ready to purchase a replacement filter or two, you might wonder how to make sure you’re choosing the best furnace filter for your system. With such a wide range of options and prices, you want to ensure you’re getting the right one that will help your HVAC system work as efficiently as possible.

Choosing the Best Furnace Filter for Your System

Knowing a little bit about the basics of furnace filters will help in your selection the next time you’re wandering down that endless aisle of filters. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • There are two types of furnace filters: mechanical and electrical. A mechanical air filter works by capturing airborne pollutants and removing them via a filter medium- similar to a window screen. Electrical air filters are like a dirt magnet; they use an electric field to trap dust and debris in the air. Mechanical filters are cheaper than electrical filters and come in a variety of sizes and options.
  • The cheaper the filter, the more often you need to change it. The better quality air filter you purchase, the longer it will last. While the cheaper versions do work, it’s important to remember to swap them out on a monthly basis so they allow your furnace to run as efficiently as possible.
  • Consider your household needs. A higher-quality (more expensive) filter of the electrostatic variety helps keep the air in homes with pets or smokers cleaner; a big deal if family members suffer from allergies or asthma.
  • Pleated or flat filter? A pleated filter is better at protecting your furnace from both large particles and microscopic particles simply because it covers 3-4 times the surface area of a flat filter. This means they capture particles for longer periods of time and keep the air flowing through the furnace better.
  • Consider the season. Changing the furnace filter isn’t a chore that only needs to get done in the colder months. In fact, filters actually work harder over the hot and humid summer months! So, don’t neglect replacing the filter throughout the summer, as a dirty, clogged filter will make both your air conditioner and your furnace work less efficiently.
  • Check the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). Every filter has a MERV rating, which measures how efficiently a filter traps pollutants that pass through your HVAC system. MERV ratings range from 1 (least efficient) to 16 (most efficient). In general, medium-efficiency filters with a MERV rating from 7-12 can be the most cost-effective option for removing dirt and allergens.

Don’t overlook replacing your furnace filter on a regular basis! You’ll not only enjoy cleaner air in the home, but you can avoid costly repairs to your system in the future.

If you have any questions about what the best furnace filter for your HVAC system is or need to schedule your annual furnace check, contact the professionals at Efficient Heating and Cooling today!  If you’re in the Cleveland area, contact us or give us a call at 216-663-6462.