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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 is a good filter for the furnace?
Our top recommendation for a furnace filter is the Filtrete Allergen Defense (view at Amazon). This air filter offers better-than-average particle capture, as indicated by its MERV 11 rating. It’s an electrostatically charged filter, so it attracts and retains dust and other particles.
Do higher MERV filters restrict airflow?
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.
Which MERV filter is best?
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Does the brand of furnace filter matter?
As long as you purchase the same SIZE of filter, it doesn’t matter what BRAND you use.
Is a thicker air filter better?
Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick. In our tests, we found that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. That means it’s better for you and for your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
What MERV rating do I need for my 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.
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.
What is the most reliable furnace brand?
Here they are, starting with this year’s top rated furnace brand. #1 Heil / ICP Brands. Quality. Warranty. #2 Goodman. Quality. Warranty. #3 Rheem / Ruud. Quality. Warranty. #4 Maytag. Quality. #5 Trane / American Standard. Quality. #6 Carrier / Bryant. Quality. #7 Armstrong / AirEase. Quality. #8 York / Johnson Controls. Quality.
Can my furnace handle MERV 11?
The short answer is that it can, but it’s not really an issue except under extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them.
Is MERV 11 too restrictive?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. Meaning, it can capture finer particles and clear more contaminants out of the air. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.
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.
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.
Is MERV 8 good enough for Covid?
Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses. Many home HVAC systems will have a MERV-8 filter installed as the default. By itself, using an upgraded HVAC filter is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.
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.
What should I look for when buying a furnace?
10 Things to Consider When Buying a New Furnace Choose the most efficient furnace you can afford. Programmable Thermostat. Size of the Unit. Stage or Burner Type. Blower Type. Zoning. Warranty. Rebates & Incentives.
Are washable air filters any good?
Washable air filters are typically rated around a four, meaning that they’re able to filter some of the dust and debris from the air in your home, but they won’t be as good at catching smaller particles. Washable furnace filters are a great choice for some homes.
