Selecting the right furnace filter for your heating and cooling system is crucial when it comes to producing and sustaining a healthy, clean and pure home environment. For those who don’t know, or just need a reminder, furnace filters remove dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, bacteria and other air pollutants from your home’s air – enhancing indoor air quality for you and your family. Just selecting the correct filter is not enough to guarantee safe air. You must also make sure you are following the guidelines and conditions based on your manufacture’s manual. This will ensure your system runs efficiently and effectively.Below are the most important factors to consider when selecting an air filter for your home:
Filter size: The most typical sizes for a furnace filter are 20″ x 30″, 20″ x 25″ and 20″ x 20″. The size of your filter will be located on the side of the door on your filter cabinet. The filter must fit snuggly in your furnace. It is important to note that you must have an exact fit for your cabinet -“close enough is not good enough” in these circumstances. A good fit prevents air from slipping around the edges of the filter. Another important note is that many manufacturers produce filters that are compatible in other companies cabinets.
Filter thickness: A filter’s thickness can range from 1″ to 5″. As a general rule of thumb, a thicker furnace filter will last longer and can be more efficient. Your system configuration will determine the thickness of the filter that you can use.
Pleated vs. Non-Pleated: For the most part, pleated furnace filters are more efficient and last longer than simple fiberglass non-pleated filters. Pleated filters contain much more surface area to catch pollutants/contaminants and have the ability to have smaller pores to capture smaller particles while still allowing full air flow.
Filter Efficiency: MERV MERV MERV! MERV is the standard rating system accepted by The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the air filter industry. This numbering system captivates a system enabling consumers to evaluate and compare mechanical air filters for overall effectiveness in removing airborne particulates. In the most simplified explanation, the higher the MERV rating, the greater the efficiency in removing contaminants and pollutants. Merv 10 is typical for a normal household. However, if anyone in your home has allergies, asthma or any other respiratory conditions, pets or if you live in a dusty environment you should aim for a MERV 12 or higher rating.
Source Credit: https://www.hvac.com/blog/furnace-filters-101/
