The air filter is an important item to remember when it comes to maintaining the life and efficiency of your furnace. Here’s a quick guide to common furnace filter questions.
Why does my furnace need a filter?
The furnace filter protects the fan and other furnace components from airborne particles, which can harm the inner workings and cause a build-up that decreases the efficiency of your heating system. Some filters also remove allergens and micro-organic particles (such as mold spores, pollen and harmful bacteria) from the air in your home.
How often should I change the filter in my furnace?
Start by checking the papers that came with your furnace to get the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you have a lot of pets or someone in your home has allergies, you should change it more frequently. A good rule of thumb is every one to three months for disposable filters made of fiberglass or electrostatic panels, and less often for pleated filters. Don’t put off changing your furnace filter; it’s a simple and inexpensive way to prevent damage to your furnace and increase its efficiency.
Can I replace my furnace filter with any brand, or do I have to use the same brand as my furnace?
You’ll need to check the paperwork that came with your furnace or ask the filter’s vendor or manufacturer to be certain. Generally, though, it’s OK to use filters from other brands.
How do I figure out which type of furnace filter to get?
You can find out what type of filter to use for your furnace by checking the paperwork you got with your system or asking the professionals who installed or maintain it.
What is MERV?
MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rates the performance quality of filters. The higher the MERV rating is, the better the efficiency of the filter. For residential filters, MERV runs from 1-16, with numbers between 8-12 usually offering a nice balance between maintaining good air quality and proper system airflow.
If you have any additional furnace filter questions, or questions regarding other aspect of home comfort, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We’ve been providing expert HVAC services in the Dayton area for three generations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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