How to Select the Best Furnace Filter
STEP 1: Measure Your Furnace Filter
STEP 2: Choose Your MERV Rating
STEP 3: Choose Your Filter Type
Choosing your MERV rating will narrow down your filter media options. There are two throw away types which can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes, WalMart and most local grocery stores. Fiberglass and Pleated, both filter the air in your home just in different ways.
IMPORTANT: If your system is not designed to compensate for the reduced airflow of, say a MERV 12 or 13, then you can end up freezing the evaporator coil or even crack your heat exchanger. In that case, you would need to purchase an additional indoor air quality system. HEPA filters have the highest MERV ratings and are used in hospitals and medical facilities. Most residential HVAC systems are not designed to accommodate the extremely restricted airflow from HEPA filters.
STEP 4: Replace Your Filter Regularly
Unfortunately, you can’t just install your filter and forget about it. Eventually, it will clog up from all the dust and particulates, reduce airflow to the furnace, and become ineffective. How often you must replace your filter will depend on the type you purchased and your home’s air quality. On average an air filter will last between 30 & 90 days, depending on the environment in the home. Homes with heavy carpeting, pets, kids, and a lot of foot traffic (doors opening a lot) will require more filter changes than those with one or two people and no pets. The best way to judge is to replace the filter and check it once a month. If you use a white or green filter the dirt will show up and be more visible. This will give you the time frame for when the filter needs to be changed.
*** The change days listed on the packaging is just a guideline and should not be taken as a definite for any home.
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