Table of Contents
Does it matter what furnace filter you use?
It’s important to choose your filter wisely, because a furnace with the wrong filter won’t work efficiently. A filter that removes the smallest particulate matter provides the cleanest air, but it might not provide enough airflow for the furnace.
What MERV rating is best for home use?
As a general rule, residences do not use higher than MERV 8 filters. We do recommend that everyone uses filters that have at least an 8 MERV rating. These filters will remove the majority of pollutants from your indoor air.
What MERV rating can my furnace handle?
The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress.
Is a 2 inch filter better than a 1 inch?
Well, the thicker the filter the less restrictive it is. This contributes to a better flow of purified air. This means that 2-inch furnace filters allow a better flow of air than 1-inch filters.
Are pleated filters better than fiberglass?
While fiberglass air filters will do the job in the most basic way, in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. They can filter out smaller particles – important for people with airborne sensitivities. They are less likely to clog in a short amount of time, and they can last up to 90 days.
Do more expensive air filters make a difference?
Expensive air filters give you more surface area to filter particulate matter. All dimensions being equal, a filter with a higher MERV rating and more pleats per inch will have the same or better air flow than the same filter with a lower MERV rating and fewer pleats.
Are Filtrete filters good?
CR’s take: The Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction 1500 MPR filter earns a Very Good rating for removing smoke, dust, and pollen from the air with the system running on a high fan speed, but is only average when running on its lowest speed. In both cases, air flow through the filter is strong.
Does MERV 11 restrict airflow?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. Air filters with higher MERV ratings can filter more, but the thickness of the filter material can restrict airflow. Restricted airflow can decrease comfort, increase energy use, and accelerate the wear and tear of HVAC components.
Is MERV 13 too high for home?
MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.
Are MERV 13 filters worth it?
A MERV 13 filter is a step in the right direction and captures more particles than a typical MERV 8 filter. However, it is not as good at capturing small virus sized particles like a HEPA can. A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size (the coronavirus is 0.1 microns).
Is higher MERV better?
The higher the MERV rating, the fewer particles and other contaminants will be allowed into your home. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.
Can a furnace filter be too restrictive?
All furnace filters have a MERV rating which indicates filter efficiency. The makeup of these high-efficiency filters can be too restrictive for the unit, creating a barrier to good airflow. The HVAC system may struggle to pass air through the air filter and expend more energy in its attempts.
Is MERV 8 good enough?
A MERV 8 air filter is efficient at trapping a majority of indoor particulates that could debilitate those with asthma and allergies, or even cause long-term respiratory problems.
Can I use a different size furnace filter?
While a 4-inch-thick filter is more efficient than a 1-inch filter, the right size depends on your furnace. If you measure the filter slot, and it’s large enough to accommodate the thicker filter, then you can use it. However, if the slot is less than 4 inches wide, you’re stuck with using that thickness.
Can I use a thicker furnace filter?
The general best practice is to use the thickest air filter you can for maximum efficiency. Higher MERV ratings work best when the filter is 4” thick or thicker because they trap extremely small particles, which means contaminants will build up quickly on the screen.
How often should you change your furnace filter?
In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
How many microns is a MERV 8 filter?
This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).What is a MERV rating? MERV Rating Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns 6 3.0 – 10.0 49.9% 8 3.0 – 10.0 84.9% 10 1.0 – 3.0 50% – 64.9%, 3.0 – 10.0 85% or greater.
Do pleated filters restrict airflow?
Even though pleated fiberglass filters are very common and are continuously highly recommended, there’s still a misconception around the filters being able to cause damage to your unit because they supposedly restrict air flow. Yes, pleated air filters do indeed restrict the airflow to your HVAC system.
Do pleated filters last longer?
Pleated air filters have more surface area allowing them to capture more airborne pollutants and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Pleated filters are stronger and can last up to 90 days, three times longer than fiberglass filters.
