What to Know About Your Furnace Filter Replacement
There is no “best” filter to use for home air filter replacement. What may be best for your system depends on these factors:
- How small of dust/particles do you want the filter to trap? There is a “trade-off.” The tighter the filter media, the smaller the particle will be trapped by the filter, but also, the more potential to restrict airflow through the duct system. If the filter gets compacted, the pores are closed off, the furnace blower moves a lower volume of air, and works harder and longer to get the house to temperature. This results in higher utility bills and puts more strain on the equipment. Filters have a “MERV” rating–minimum efficiency reporting value–which basically indicates how “tight” the filter media is. The most standard throw-away pleated filters are MERV 8. A MERV 14 filter, for example, is much tighter, so it stops smaller particles but also restricts the airflow more than a MERV 8.
- How much filter maintenance do you want to do? Most pleated filter manufacturers recommend changing at least every 90 days. So if you tend to forget to change your filter regularly, you’re likely running up your utility bill.
- Is it better to put the filter(s) at the return-air grill(s) instead of at the furnace? It depends. If it’s practical, normally the answer is yes. But if you have multiple returns that are odd sizes, need harder-to-find or custom-sized filters, or if you have return grills that are difficult to access (such as up high on a vaulted ceiling), it’s more practical to filter your system at the unit.
Your furnace filter protects your furnace components from bogging down and failing from being dirty. However, filters do not stop all duct/particulate. Particles will still go through and “bypass” around the edges. Most furnace filter racks/brackets do not seal around the filter edges. Many professionals recommend having the furnace and air duct system cleaned regularly. Of course, the system cleaning interval varies depending on factors. Furnace filter replacement is very important, but it does not resolve all issues relating to the cleanliness of your duct system and indoor air quality.
Contact Enviro-Air for questions about furnace filter replacements or air duct cleaning. We are here to help.