Finding the Perfect Furnace Filter for Your Home

When it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable during the winter, a quality furnace filter is an absolute must. Not only does it help keep dust, dirt, and other allergens out of your air, but it also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. With so many different types of furnace filters on the market though, how do you know which one is right for you? In this guide, we'll give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Types of Furnace Filters

The most common type of furnace filter is the disposable fiberglass filter. These are inexpensive and easy to replace but don't do much in terms of filtering out allergens or dust. It's recommended that these be changed at least once a month.

The next type is the pleated filter. These have more surface area than fiberglass filters and can capture more particles. They should be changed every three months.

Finally, there are electronic air cleaners which are much more expensive than other types but are very effective at trapping dust, pollen, and other allergens. These should be changed every six months.

Choosing the Right Size

When selecting a furnace filter, it's important to choose one that fits properly in your HVAC system. If it's too small then not enough air particles will be captured leading to poor air quality in your home; if it's too big then airflow will be restricted reducing efficiency.

To determine what size you need, measure the width, length, and depth of your existing filter or consult your HVAC system manual. Also consider its MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which indicates how effective a filter is at trapping particles - the higher the rating means better filtration.

Maintaining Your Filter

To ensure that your furnace runs efficiently and doesn't waste energy, check its filter monthly and change as needed depending on type (once a month or every six months). Additionally, clean your furnace regularly, checking for any blockages or debris around the blower motor.