Routine maintenance is essential to keep your home’s HVAC system running properly.
One of the most straightforward and most essential aspects of furnace maintenance is keeping the furnace filter clean.
Not only does a clean furnace filter improve the quality of the air in your home, but it also helps your HVAC system perform at peak efficiency.
A dirty filter will restrict the flow of air, which can cause your HVAC system to fail.
That’s why experts say that HVAC air filters need to be changed every 30 to 60 days.
But choosing between the different types of furnace filters can be a challenge.
Here are some types of air filters available.
Fiberglass Furnace Filters
Disposable, most affordable yet with the lowest straining ability of all the types are fiberglass air filters.
They’re good at catching large airborne particles like dust, but they cannot purify the air like some other types of filters available.
Pleated Furnace Filters
Pleated air filters made of polyester fabrics or cotton folds effectively filter dust and other pollutants.
That means they can capture dust, dirt, pet dander, dust mites, and even hair before it enters the HVAC system.
They’re available in both washable and disposable forms.
Choose those with more pleats because they offer better filtering performance.
Washable Furnace Filters
Washable air filters cost bigger than disposable types but save you considerable time in the long run.
They can be removed and cleaned, so you don’t need to replace them constantly.
Read the manufacturer’s specs on how to maintain filters of this type.
Make sure to schedule cleaning ahead of time.
Let it dry entirely because using it damp will cause mold growth and bacteria buildup.
MERV Filters
The majority of the types of furnace filters available for residential units carry a MERV rating.
MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it’s used to describe the level of filtration a filter provides.
MERV rankings range from 1 to 16, and the higher the ranking, the better the filter performs.
How Do I Know When It’s Time To Change My Filter?
In case you lose track of time and forget when the last time you replaced your air filters was, there are a few ways to tell that it’s time to replace your furnace filter:
Built-up dust is visible on the filter media.
Your home is more dusty than usual.
Your heating or cooling system takes longer to cycle than usual.
Your system will begin to make strange noises.
You’ll notice an increase in allergy flare-ups or asthma attacks.
Worst case scenario, your system may break down, leaving you in the cold or heat.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the maintenance and replacement of your furnace filters.
If you still can’t remember these general recommendations, keep it simple and change your furnace filters every month.
Your HVAC system works hard all year to keep your family comfortable, and it needs a little attention from time to time.
Ensure that you’re checking your furnace filters and changing them regularly to ensure the air flows freely.
Contact us at Pure Air Solutions, LLC if you want more information about HVAC furnace filters.
