When it comes to furnace filters, the rule of thumb for many HVAC professionals is “the cheaper the better.” HVAC systems are not designed to improve air quality in the home, and filters are important to keep the furnace and air conditioner working properly.
Are cheap air filters any good?
Do expensive air filters make a difference?
Do expensive air filters restrict airflow?
Does brand matter for air filters?
Are pleated filters bad for your furnace?
Pleated filters are bad for your system because they block too much air, forcing the HVAC motor to work harder to pull in the air it needs and burning it out faster.
What is the best filter for a heat pump?
Higher efficiency filters generally utilize pleated fabric media. In most residential heat pump systems a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 is a good balance between filter efficiency and adequate airflow. During peak heating and cooling season, a 1″ heat pump filter should be changed monthly.
Can your furnace run without a filter?
NO. A furnace filter has a critical job to perform and a filter cannot be run without one. For a furnace to work properly, it should always be equipped with a clean, working filter. As we’ll see, a dirty filter can cause problems, and so can having no filter at all.
Are pleated AC filters better?
Pleated filters generally provide higher quality air when compared to non-pleated filters. Pleated air filters are able to trap smaller debris due to their increased surface area and stronger filtration media. So when it comes to filtration quality, pleated air filters come out on top.
Are pleated furnace filters bad?
Pleated filters are bad for your system because they block too much air, forcing the HVAC motor to work harder to pull in the air it needs and burning it out faster.
Are carbon furnace filters safe?
Even if you don’t notice any odors, using a carbon air filter can remove harmful VOCs from your home’s air. Harmful pollutants such as odors and gases will slip right through high-MERV and HEPA filters. Even if you use an efficient pleated air filter in your home, carbon air filters will still provide benefits.
How do you measure a furnace filter without a filter?
If your old air filter doesn’t have the measurements printed on its side, then you can measure the filter. Use a measuring tape to measure the length, width, and depth of the air filter. Keep in mind that the actual size of the air filter will be smaller than the nominal size of the air filter.
What is MERV in furnace filters?
What Does MERV Mean? A minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV is a measurement system designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). MERV ratings signify an air filter’s effectiveness at decreasing airborne particles and contaminants.
Are cheap air filters OK?
The problem with cheap air filters is that they’re not as effective at removing dust and other contaminants from the air. This is especially true for homes where there are more people, pets, and maybe someone with a respiratory problem. You’ll have to replace them more often, which will cost you money in the long run.
Are fiberglass AC filters any good?
Are fiberglass air filters safe? Yes, for the most part, fiberglass filters are safe. But they fall short compared to pleated filters when it comes to filtering out the smaller contaminants in your air such as pollen, pet dander, and bacteria.
Are fiberglass air filters safe?
Are fiberglass air filters safe? Yes, for the most part, fiberglass filters are safe. But they fall short compared to pleated filters when it comes to filtering out the smaller contaminants in your air such as pollen, pet dander, and bacteria.
Why is my furnace blowing out cold air?
If your furnace is blowing cold air in your home, this is a sign of an issue with the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate lines. Many of these issues are able to be easily solved on your own by sanitizing or replacing components in the gas furnace.
What happens if no air filter in house?
Without a filter, the condensation drain will fail to drain the moisture from your AC unit. This will result in condensation accumulation on the Freon tubing. The condensation will then start dripping down the pan, causing water damage to the whole system.
Is fiberglass air filter safe?
Are fiberglass air filters safe? Yes, for the most part, fiberglass filters are safe. But they fall short compared to pleated filters when it comes to filtering out the smaller contaminants in your air such as pollen, pet dander, and bacteria.
What happens if you put furnace filter in backwards?
When a furnace filter is placed backwards, the fibers can’t do their job properly. This means your furnace has to work harder to generate the same air flow, resulting in increased energy costs. Particles are also allowed to build up irregularly, making the furnace working even harder to draw air.
Are charcoal air filters worth it?
Activated charcoal cabin filters typically cost more than particulate filters. But you will find it’s worth it the next time you’re stuck in traffic behind a large rig. A charcoal cabin filter can easily block diesel smoke, improving the quality of your daily commute.