Furnace Filter Options

Replacing and keeping a fresh filter is important to maintain a good full air flow through your furnace and air conditioner, but they also protect your furnace and air system by keeping particles out. There are also different types of furnace filters, and they serve different purposes. The general rule is that you should replace your filter every three months. For a new home and new construction you may want to change filters an extra time or two to help collect more particles and to keep your furnace running properly, also during cold months many professionals recommend monthly replacement. These filters are rated by a system called MERV, generally the higher the number, the better the filtration, but it will offer more resistance and restrict airflow more.

The Disposable Fiberglass filter, is the most commonly found filter on furnaces, and usually comes with the units. These filters allow the most air through, and they also allow many small contaminants through. They are designed to mainly protect the heating and cooling coils from excess debris. Another commonly disposable filter is the pleated filter. Many pleated filters actually come with extra material to replace the filtering material, but you can reuse the filter frame.

Other options are generally more extravagant and may contain more than one filtering phase. For those who suffer from constant allergies, you may find better relief at home using a more advanced filter. These filters are generally non-disposable, and should be cleaned or have parts replaced rather than just being replaced. The prices will go up as well. The options here a generally washable electro-static filters. These filters are charged to attract even more particles than fiberglass models, but do not collect as many particles as pleated models. The other option is an electronic addition to your furnace attaching an electronic filtering machine, or even a HEPA filter, which is the top of the line.