1. The purpose of a furnace filter is two fold. Primarily, furnace filters are designed to prolong the life of a furnace. They also work to clean the air that circulates throughout the house.
2. There are three basic types of residential furnace filters: panel filters, electrostatic filters, and extended surface filters.
3. Panel filters are very affordable, though not very efficient. These filters allow a significant portion of large particles (measuring 6 to 100 microns) to pass through their surfaces. These do not come highly recommended.
4. Extended surface furnace filters are designed to trap a significant portion of large particles such as lint, pollen, and mold spores. They even trap some medium size particles such as dust and dander. Despite this much improved quality over panel filters, extended surface filters remain inexpensive.
5. Electrostatic furnace filters offer comparable efficiency to extended surface filters, but with the added bonus of being washable and reusable. Because of their longevity, they carry a higher price tag.
6. If you use a reusable furnace filter, be sure to dry it completely before reinstalling. Damp furnace filters can facilitate mold growth.
7. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is the system used to rate the quality of furnace filters. Generally, the higher the MERV number, the more efficient the filter.
8. Some residential furnace filters are designed specifically to control allergens, bacteria, even odors. Consult the product details to see if a furnace filter is designed to perform one or more of these functions.
9. We recommend replacing residential furnace filters every three months, as dirty air filters can compromise air flow. Regular filter changing is also a great way to cut utility costs.
