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How do I know what furnace filter to buy?
First, locate the filter slot in your furnace/air handler. Some homes have filters behind their return vents as well. Furnace filter size is measured using length, width, and depth. For example, a furnace filter that measures 18”x16”x1” is 18 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 1-inch deep.
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.
Does a higher MERV rating restrict airflow?
MERV is short for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value”. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will come up a lot.
Do better furnace filters make a difference?
Better quality – more expensive – filters trap more particles and can improve furnace performance. You absolutely must have these filters installed by trained professionals, though, because a deep media filter will require changes to your ductwork and blower. A permanent filter, too, requires adjustments to airflow.
What size filter do I need?
Follow these 3 easy steps to measure your HVAC filter size: Step 1 – Measuring Length and Width (L x W). (If your filter is not a square, the smallest measurement goes first). Step 2 – Measure the thickness (Depth) of your filter from front to back. Step 3 – Put Your measurements together (L x W x D).
How do I know what size filter for my furnace?
Almost always, furnace filter sizes are printed on the side of the filter. They are read as Length x Width x Depth. When inspecting furnace filters, homeowners may find two different sets of sizes. First, there is the nominal size expressed in whole numbers.
Will MERV 11 hurt my furnace?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that’s too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.
What MERV rating should I get for home?
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.
How do I know what MERV filter to use?
MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with lower ratings denoting a lower-quality filter. MERV 1-4 Filters: Filters with a MERV rating of 1 to 4 do little to trap harmful particles in your home’s air. MERV 5-8 Filters: MERV ratings of 5 to 8 indicate a medium-quality filter that’s sufficient for most homes.
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 MERV 13 too restrictive?
At this point, it’s also important to note: MERV ratings go above 13. However, they’re too restrictive for normal home HVAC systems, and thus using them can cause potentially expensive problems.
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.
How do I choose an air filter?
Size, MERV rating and material – these are the three primary factors used to pick the proper air filter for your home. 1) Filter Size. 2) Material & MERV Rating. Rating Average Filtration Efficiency. Be Careful About High MERV Ratings.
Does it matter what kind of air filter I use?
The short answer is, no, they’re not all the same. In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system. All filters are rated using the MERV scale.
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.
What happens if furnace filter is too small?
An improperly sized air filter doesn’t do its job. When it’s too small, it lets dust, mold, and other contaminants into your air vents. These then spew into your air, providing air quality 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.
How tight should a furnace filter fit?
How tight should a Furnace Filter fit? When you remove the existing filter, take note of the dimensions printed on its frame. Your new filter will need to match this size for the system to run efficiently. It should fit snugly but not so tight that you can’t easily slide the filter in and out.
