When it comes to furnace filters, the general consensus among HVAC professionals is that the cheaper the better. This is because HVAC systems are not designed to improve air quality in the home, but rather to keep the oven and air conditioner running properly. However, a good oven air filter can provide an added benefit of improved indoor air quality (IAQ), which means that everyone in the family can breathe easier. High-quality filters can trap biological contaminants, pet dander, dirt, mold spores, and other pollutants.
Cheap air filters are only able to stop the largest particles (such as sand, hair, and dust). The main purpose of an oven filter is to prevent large particles and debris from entering the oven and causing damage. In this regard, cheaper fiberglass filters are just as effective as pleated filters. The filter's main job is to keep pollutants away from the heating and cooling system, but it also helps to improve air quality.
Thomas & Galbraith's NATE certified heating and cooling professionals explain why furnace filters need to be changed regularly. To make sure you don't forget this essential home maintenance task, here are some strategies you can use. If you notice smoke or odors coming from your oven or air conditioner, this is a sign that the filter is clogged and needs to be replaced. The MERV rating system is used to measure a filter's ability to capture airborne particles of all sizes.
In a discussion about the most common filter levels for retail (MERV 1-16), Owen said that this range “takes you from filters that can catch a golf ball - I'm exaggerating a little - even filters that will catch almost everything.” If you neglect to change your dirty filter, it will cause a strain on your system. If you're concerned about allergens, pet hair, or indoor odors, consider investing in more expensive disposable or permanent air filters that are professionally installed. When comparing the cost of a pleated filter to a non-pleated filter, you should triple the price per filter of the non-pleated filter to get an accurate comparison. An oven air filter is not in your system to improve the air in your home; its primary purpose is to protect your oven.
The filters not only remove allergens from dust, mold spores, and other pollutants from the air your family breathes, but they also filter out fine dirt particles that can degrade the performance of the HVAC system itself. However, when washing these filters, make sure they are completely dry before replacing them. Regularly replacing furnace filters has a huge impact on home comfort and indoor air quality, as well as on the performance, energy efficiency, and longevity of your HVAC system.
