Furnace filter is a must for you to keep out of allergens, pollens, dust, etc. You must have a lot of questions want to ask for furnace filters. In short, most of the furnace air filters can help reduce around 90% or more of such allergens. Common types of furnace air filter include electrostatic furnace filter and glass fiber furnace filter. Common brands of furnace air filter include Honeywell furnace filters, Carrier furnace filters and 3M. You can read more about such filters in another post name air conditioner filters. Now, we can share more about the frequently asked questions!
Why I need a furnace filter?
Basically there are two functions for a furnace filter. First if for better maintenance and second is for better air quality. With the airborne particles blocking functions, furnace filters help avoid dust and dirt built-up, which bog down the blower moter. Also, with the airborne particles being captured, less are existing in the air that you are breathing, therefore, good to your health and respiratory system.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
There are several factors for you to consider if you need to change your furnace filter. First and the easiest are to base on the recommendation or guideline of your furnace.
Other factors include the type of filter that you are using, the operating time and the existing air quality (e.g. number of pets that you have). As most of the disposable filters are inexpensive, you can simply follow the general guideline that you change fiberglass and electrostatic panel filters for every 1 -3 months and plated ones for every 3 months to a year.
Do I need a high efficiency filter?
Filter efficiency refers to the efficiency or the percentage of airborne particles that the filter can capture. If you are using a high efficiency furnace, you can use either a high-efficiency or a low-efficiency filter.
How can I get the right size of furnace filte
r?
Normally, filter size is measured by width x length x thickness in inches. For example, a filter at a size of 20×25x1 means 20 inches wide x 25 inches long x 1 inch thick. 1 inch think is most common for residential furnace filters. Instead of actually measuring the size, you may find such information printed on the furnace filters.
What is MERV rating?
MERV is the abbreviation of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a rating number. This value indicates the filter’s ability to capture the airborne particles in size of 3.0 to 10.0 microns. The rating is derived from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In short, the higher the MERV rating, the more efficient is the filter. Typical residential filters will have a 1 to 11 MERV rating.
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