When it comes to furnace filters, the general consensus among HVAC professionals is that more expensive filters are more effective. But the amount of filtration you need depends on your individual circumstances. For instance, a single person without pets and allergies may not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. It's also important to consider how long your air filter will last.
Cheaper filters are usually better in this regard, since they are thinner and don't require as much energy for the furnace to suck in air. To experience this for yourself, try holding a pleated filter and a fiberglass filter against your mouth and see which one is easier to breathe through. When choosing the best air filter for your furnace, there are several factors to consider. Not only do filters remove dust allergens, mold spores, and other pollutants from the air your family breathes, but they also filter out fine dirt particles that can degrade the performance of the HVAC system itself.
Higher quality, more expensive filters trap more particles and can improve furnace performance. The primary function of an oven filter is to block large particles and debris from entering the oven, which could cause damage to the oven. A secondary benefit of a good oven air filter is improved indoor air quality (IAQ), which means the whole family breathes better. Household HVAC air filters are rated based on their MERV rating, with most household filters between 1 and 13 (more than 13 are for HEPA filters).
You might be wondering why furnace filter prices range so widely and if you'll get your money's worth with an expensive one. It's true that pleated filters restrict airflow, leading to a harder working furnace or air conditioning unit that increases your energy costs and burns out the engine. That's why HVAC technicians often recommend fiberglass air filters. Replacing the wrong furnace filters can damage your HVAC system and the IAQ of your home.
The filter could be in a large inlet vent in the wall or ceiling or directly in the furnace blower itself. A filter must be replaced constantly or there may be problems with air flow and filter efficiency. Expensive filters may seem like a luxury, but their role is too important to settle for lower quality filters. HVAC instructors Roger McDow and Roger Spittle told us that if the furnace is the beating heart of your home, air filters are like lungs. Investing in higher quality filters can help keep your family safe and healthy while also protecting your HVAC system from damage.
