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23.10.2024
Brooke Kirshne
Keeping the indoor environment warm during winter or in cold regions can be a problem. To make the indoor temperature more comfortable when the outside climate is cold a furnace comes in handy. It is a part of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. This system helps its users to control indoor environment temperature according to their requirements. An important part of a furnace is an air filter and this small component helps the system in many ways. But the most crucial thing is how furnace users will decide which filter will work best for them.
There are many things to consider before buying a furnace filter. Understanding these factors will guide furnace users in selecting a perfect filter for their system. In this blog, readers will explore a furnace filter’s importance, types, maintenance tips, and factors to consider before buying a furnace filter. By learning everything about the furnace filter, people will make the right choice when buying a new filter.
Importance Of Furnace Filter
A furnace filter is a crucial part of a furnace because it provides many benefits to the furnace and its user. So here are some of the main benefits of a furnace filter:
1. Protects Furnace
One of the main purposes of a furnace is to protect the furnace from harmful airborne particles like dust, dirt, debris, mold spores, etc. The components that are inside the furnace are vulnerable to these particles. So when the air passes through the filter, the particles get captured which provides clean and safe air to the system.
2. Keeps Furnace Efficiency Optimal
By eliminating dust, mold spores, and other types of harmful particles the furnace filter provides clean air. Because of this, the furnace gets a safe air that helps it to work without any problem. The components of the furnace work smoothly as a result of its efficiency, which helps furnace users control indoor temperature more effectively.
3. Purify Air
The main feature of a furnace filter is to purify the indoor air. The air inside the house is filled with pollutants like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, etc. These pollutants decrease the indoor air quality. A furnace filter removes them when air passes through it. This provides an indoor environment that is filled with purified air.
4. Energy Efficiency
Airborne particles when getting inside the furnace make the components of the furnace work inefficiently. So by terminating these particles, the filter ensures that the furnace’s components work efficiently and smoothly and that it doesn't have a negative impact on energy consumption. Because of this reason, the furnace becomes energy efficient.
5. Prevent Health Risks
The filter increases the indoor air quality by removing pollutants from indoor air. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other types of pollutants can cause or worsen respiratory conditions like asthma. A furnace filter allows individuals to breathe clean air which helps them prevent health problems related to the respiratory system.
Types Of Furnace Filters
Furnace filters come in many different varieties and each filter has its unique ability. By understanding the types, furnace users can decide which filter will suit their air filtration needs. Here are some of the best air filter types available on the market:
- Fiberglass Filters: Fiberglass filters are one of the most commonly used filters. These filters are also known as disposable or throwaway filters. They are usually made of woven glass or spun glass which provides decent air filtration. Fiberglass filters are good at capturing large airborne particles that have a size of more than 10 microns (micrometers). These filters most of the time last up to 30 days or less. A fiberglass filter is a budget-friendly option.
- Pleated Filters: Pleated filters are one of the most efficient filters that are used in both residential and commercial places. These filters are known for their ability to capture small as well as large airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, etc. These filters are made of paper, cotton, or polyester that are pleated into small series. A pleated filter has a large surface area which helps it terminate high amounts of airborne pollutants.
- Electrostatic Filters: Electrostatic filters use static electricity for their filtration process. These filters are usually made of cotton and paper fibers. The airborne particles like pollen and pet dander are attracted to these filters because static electricity is captured. These filters are great options for removing allergens from indoor air which helps to create a healthy indoor environment. Many electrostatic filters are washable and due to this, these filters help to save money in the long run.
- HEPA Filters: HEPA filters are the most effective filter options that are available. The word HEPA stands for (high-efficiency particulate air). These filters are very efficient at capturing small particles less than 0.3 microns. Around 99.97% of airborne particles are captured by these filters. The initial cost of HEPA filters can be expensive for some furnace users but these filters have a long lifespan of 6 to 12 months. Some HEPA filters can last more than a year.
- Activated Carbon Filters: Activated carbon filters are an effective option for capturing harmful gasses and uncomfortable odors from indoor environments. These filters use activated charcoal (carbon) for filtering air. The molecules of gasses are adsorbed (stuck on the outer surface) by the filter. These filters are commonly used with other types of filters for better air filtration. An activated carbon air filter is not effective at removing particles from indoor air.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Furnace Filter
Choosing a furnace filter can be difficult. That's why considering some important factors will help to find a perfect filter that suits the furnace's user’s requirements. Here are some of the key factors to consider before choosing a furnace filter:
1. MERV Ratings
MERV ratings are one of the most important factors that must be considered before choosing a furnace filter. The word MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. With the help of this rating system, furnace users can identify the efficiency of any filter. This rating system rates a filter by measuring the size of the airborne particles the filter can capture. The size of the particles is measured in micrometers. The MERV ratings range between 1 to 20 and high ratings mean higher filtration efficiency.
2. Size And Thickness
Furnace Filters are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Every furnace has a different size and thickness requirement for the filter. For example, 20x20x2 is the filter’s length, width, and depth. The thickness of a furnace filter ranges between 1 to 5. Remember more thickness means higher airflow resistance (pressure put on air while passing through the filter). So it is important to consider the size and thickness that is supported by a furnace otherwise the furnace can show some problems.
3. Type
Considering type is very important because as mentioned in the earlier section filters have many varieties. Each filter will provide air filtration with different efficiency. Furnace filters like HEPA are very effective at capturing airborne particles but a problem with these filters is they have high airflow resistance that may not be supported by many furnaces. Filters like fiberglass provide decent filtration against large airborne particles but they are inefficient at removing small particles. So it is important to consider every filter’s type before making any decision.
4. Indoor Environment
The indoor environment also matters a lot because some homes have poor indoor environments and some don’t. So considering this factor will help furnace users to identify which filter will improve their indoor environment. People who have a poor indoor environment should choose a furnace filter that is efficient at capturing particles like dust that decreases the indoor environment. On the other hand, individuals who have a clean indoor environment inside their home should choose a filter that provides decent filtration.
5. Budget And Replacement
Budget and replacement are very important factors to consider before selecting a furnace filter. The cost of the filter can range between $5 and $50 but filters can cost even more like HEPA filters. While selecting a furnace filter individuals should consider replacement cost also. If the initial price of the filter is high then its replacement cost will be high. So buying a filter that doesn't affect the budget while purchasing and replacing the filter is a wise decision.
Maintenance Tips For Furnace Filter
Maintaining a furnace filter is important because it will ensure that the filter and the furnace will work efficiently. Here are some main maintenance tips for a furnace filter:
- Inspection: Regular inspection of a furnace filter is an important thing that many people don’t do. Inspecting a filter helps to identify any problem like damage to the filter or filter needs a new replacement. A filter needs to be inspected once or twice a month. This will ensure furnace users whether their filter is in good condition or not.
- Regular Replacement: Replacing a furnace filter regularly is essential for better filtration and efficiency of the furnace. A filter starts getting dirty over time which requires a new replacement. An average furnace filter needs to be replaced every 1 to 3 months but some filters may require few replacements. So every furnace filter user must know when their filter needs replacement.
- Wash If Washable: if an individual has a washable furnace filter then it should be washed on a regular basis. This will help to keep the filter’s efficiency at optimal. A washable filter needs to be washed once a month. Filter users can use a soft brush and detergent to clean their washable filter.
Conclusion
A comfortable indoor environment is essential for better living. But in the winter season or cold climate regions keeping the indoor environment warm is a problem. A furnace helps to control indoor temperature and make it warm. One of the most important parts of a furnace is a filter because it protects the furnace from damage. A furnace filter provides benefits like purifying indoor air, keeping the efficiency of the furnace optimal, preventing health risks related to airborne particles, etc. Furnace filters have many types such as fiberglass filters, pleated filters, HEPA filters, electrostatic filters, and many more.
Furnace users should consider some factors while choosing a filter such as MERV ratings, filter types, size and thickness of the filter, indoor environment, and budget. After considering these factors it is important to maintain the furnace filter by doing regular inspections, replacing the filter on time, washing the filter if possible, etc. If you are trying to find a filter that is customized according to your requirements Custom Filters Direct will fulfill your wish. Contact us at (877) 812-2361.
