9 Things You Need to Know About Furnace Air Filters

Like any other household item, furnace air filters also make up your yearly budget. The next time you buy a replacement, refer to this checklist below to help you select what you need and save you some time and money in the process.

1. There are two uses of furnace filters, first your filter is designed to help your furnace work for you for a long time. It also made to keep air circulating around the house clean.

2. There several types of furnace filter for your home: electrostatic filters, panel filters and extended surface filters.

3. Panel Filters are cheap with very low efficiency. It only allows larger airborne particles to like pet fur and dust. But is allows most particles measuring around 6 to 100 microns to pass through.

4. Extended surface filters are made to catch more large particles such as lint, pollen and spores. It can also trap other medium-sized specs such as dust. This is also a cheaper option with better advantage than panel type filters.

5. Electrostatic furnaces filters offer has the same level of efficiency like surface filters but this saves you money since is washable and reusable. This is the most expensive type since it will serve you for a long time.

6. When using permanent or washable filters, make sure to let it dry completely before putting it back in the furnace to avoid mold growth inside the furnace.

7. Always check the Minimum Efficiency Reposting Value or MERV of the filter you buy. This serves an indicator about the efficiency of the filter. Normally the higher the MERV rating the better it works for you.

8. Some furnace filters claim to trap allergens, bacteria and smoke. Make sure to read the labels and industry seals if you want to know more of it really does.

9. We recommend changing filters from 3-6 months especially in the summer months when dust is abound. This is a great method of saving money in utility bills in the process.