A furnace filter protects your HVAC system from particles such as dust and dirt. The particles settle in your ductwork or can clog up your furnace. Furnace filters are made from different materials such as cotton, polyester, fiberglass, or various fibers. They also enhance the quality of air in your home.
There are several filters on the market. Choosing one all comes down to your objectives for clean air and how often you wish to replace the filters; most filters are disposable. There are also permanent filters, but you’ll have to clean those regularly.
The most important thing is the materials that the filters are made from. These fabrics play a critical role in the lifespan of the filters. Some, such as cotton, are more efficient in capturing particles compared to others. There is a standard rating system, MERV, and most of the average residential furnace filters have MERV scores between five and 10.
Best Furnace Filters
1. AIRx Health
As the name states, this filter is best for breathing difficulties. The filter is reputable for trapping microscopic particles that people might be allergic to. AIRx also traps debris, mold, dust, bacteria, smog, and other respiratory irritants.
Installing the filter in your residence will make a staggering difference in the air quality. Clean air will be constantly pushed from your HVAC unit. AIRx Health filters are also perfectly designed to enhance airflow, reduce maintenance costs, and cut down on energy consumption.
Key Features:
- Highly reliable filters
- Electrostatic air media can be able to trap respiratory irritants
2. FilterBuy
FilterBuy is one of the most reputable furnace filters on the market. These filters come in many designs and options. They have an electrostatically charged design that is ideal for high-velocity HVAC systems. The electrostatic media can attract pollutants and contaminants in the air and purify them.
The filters last for about four months and then require a replacement. These filters can eliminate foul smells associated with cooking or smoking using activated carbon. They last for a more extended period since they can withstand exposure to moisture and dampness and can still be trap debris, lint, and dander from your pets.
Key Features:
- Traps almost 90% of air pollutants
3. Filtrete Micro Allergen
As the name suggests, this furnace filter can trap tiny air particles. In fact, this filter can trap air particles as small as 0.3 microns. Filtrete Micro Allergen filters also come with unique qualities such as electrostatic technology.
Similar to other filters, it has a media to trap household allergens and dirt particles. Filtrete Micro Allergen filters also come with unique technology known as three-in-one technology. The technology allows the filters to draw and to trap particles while at the same time pushing clean air into your residence.
The filters last for a long time, usually almost for an entire year. The length of time depends on the heating system and the degree of dust particles that are trapped.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth-enabled HVAC air filter
- Able to detect changes in air pressure
- App available for monitoring on Android and iOS
What to Look for in a Furnace Filter
Air Filter Type
When it comes to the filter type, you can buy a permanent or disposable filter. Permanent filters last for a couple of years but must be regularly maintained. You have to clean the filters to eliminate the dust particles.
Disposable filters, on the other hand, do not last for long. Some might last for between five and 12 months, and others last for only 30 to 90 days. The best disposable filters are made from synthetic fibers to trap air contaminants and particles better. However, basic filters are made from fiberglass, which means they can only catch large dirt particles.
Some filters come equipped with electrostatic filter options. This means that the filters can attract dust or dirt particles. They can come in both permanent and disposable filters. The filter usually has some cotton or paper in between that has been permanently charged to attract the particles.
MERV Rating
This is an industry-standard rating used to compare the effectiveness of the filters. The ratings of the furnace filters in the MERV rating go from one to 16, with 16 representing the most optimal filters.
MERV 1 filters can only filter particles larger than 10 microns in size. MERV 16 filters can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
The best filters for reducing allergens and enhancing air quality usually have a MERV rating of nine. Most homes are equipped with furnace filters with a rating of about five.
Filter Performance Rating
Filter performance rating is a different rating system from the MERV system. It was developed to look at the filter’s ability to capture small or large particles and to measure the weight the filter gains from the particles over time. The filter scores range from one to 10 (10 being the best) and help the buyers find what is best suited for their needs.
System Specifications
You should choose a filter that is most compatible with your HVAC unit. Not incorporating the right filter might bring down the system’s energy output and could affect the machine in the long term. If you are looking to get the right specifications, you should be keen on the supplier’s instructions.
Weather and Climate
The weather also plays a vital role when deciding the best furnace filter for you. If you reside in a cold area, you are more likely to use an HVAC system than people in temperate regions. This means that you might be required to replace your furnace filter more often.
Health Conditions
Some health complications, such as allergies and asthma, might require you to ensure that your system works best to keep the quality of air high. This calls for furnace filters that offer the highest efficiency possible. People who suffer from breathing complications must at all times live in the cleanest air possible.
Pets
If you own pets, you are best suited to choosing furnace filters that eliminate pet hair and dander that might clog up in the ductwork. Pet allergies are also a concern. You can look to equip your house with a cleaner to keep the air fresh at all times.
Price
Air filters are investments. If you invest in low-cost filters, you are likely to replace the filters more often, which might be expensive in the long term. Low-cost filters only capture large particles, and you might need to replace them frequently.
Conclusion
You can schedule the installation or replacement of your furnace filter in central and west Massachusetts by contacting Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric today. We can also renovate your current system and equip it with the best furnace filters the market has to offer. If you’re looking for furnace, boiler, or air conditioning repairs or replacements, we can do that too. At Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric, we are committed to ensuring that you enjoy the convenience of clean air in your residence.