Every HVAC unit has a filter that’s responsible for trapping unwanted airborne particles to prevent them from entering the internal components of your HVAC system. When you first start looking for a new filter, it can be very easy to get overwhelmed with the number of options available to you. Fortunately, we’re going to detail below our tips on how to find the best filter for your HVAC system.
Get the Sizing Right
The most important step you need to take when finding a filter for your HVAC system is to ensure that you know exactly what size you need. All furnace filters have a three-number designation, such as 16x20x1. In this scenario, this filter will be 16 inches high by 20 inches long and 1 inch thick. It’s absolutely imperative that you get the appropriate size filter for your system to ensure that it does its job effectively.
If you get the wrong size filter, it’s not going to be able to filter the air. This will lead to poor indoor air quality as well as premature wear and tear on your HVAC system. You can easily get the filter size off an old filter that’s in your system. If you don’t have one, you can measure the opening to determine the appropriate size. Just keep in mind that filters come in nominal sizes meaning that a filter with a depth of three-quarters of an inch will actually be marked as 1 inch in depth.
What Type of Filters Are Available?
In general, there are going to be three main types of HVAC filters that you have to choose from. These are fiberglass, pleated, and reusable, also known as washable filters. Fiberglass filters are going to be your basic flat filter that’s very inexpensive to purchase. This filter is good for catching larger debris like lint and dust but lacks when it comes to catching pollen and bacteria. Fiberglass filters tend to be pretty flimsy and will require replacement every 30 days.
Pleated HVAC filters tend to be the go-to for many homeowners as they provide a good balance of filtering capability alongside affordability. These pleated filters have a wider surface area due to their pleated construction, which allows them to capture more debris and last longer than fiberglass filters. Pleated filters are effective at capturing both big and small debris, including pollen, bacteria, and even pet dander. These filters will typically last two to three months and will cost a little more than fiberglass filters.
Lastly, we have the washable or reusable HVAC filter. This type of filter requires monthly cleaning in order to stay in tip-top shape and will last for a period of around five years, depending on the care that it receives. These filters are more expensive than the pleated or fiberglass filters. One particular issue that you need to be aware of with these filters is they must be completely dry before you put them back into your furnace or they can start to grow mold and mildew.
MERV Filter Ratings
All HVAC filters are given a specific number rating on the MERV scale. This scale runs from a low of 1 up to a high of 20, with a higher number indicating better filtering capability. It’s vital to note that most residential HVAC systems will only function effectively with a filter that’s rated between 1 and 13. You never want to run a higher-rated filter as it could greatly decrease the efficiency of your system and lead to premature wear and tear.
Most fiberglass filters will have a MERV rating of anywhere between 1 and 4. Pleated filters will have a MERV rating of anywhere between 6 and 13. Washable filters will have a MERV rating of between 1 and 4. Just based on MERV ratings, pleated filters are going to offer the most filtering capability out of the bunch.
While running any kind of filter in your HVAC system is better than running none at all, it can be helpful to choose a filter with an effective MERV rating to meet your standards. For example, if anyone in your family has severe allergies, a respiratory condition, or even asthma, opting for a pleated filter with a rating between 10 and 13 is generally going to be the most effective for reducing their symptoms while at home.
Great HVAC Maintenance Service
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