The Thicker, the Better
Furnace filters can range anywhere from 1′′to 5′′ in thickness . In general, the thicker the furnace filter is the more efficiently your unit work and the longer it will last.
What is the highest rating for a furnace filter?
Furnace filters are rated by their minimum efficiency reporting value, or “MERV.” The higher the rating, the more efficient the filter is at trapping airborne particles. The numerical range is from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency). Read more about MERV ratings below.
Who makes the best furnace filters?
Furnace filters are rated by their minimum efficiency reporting value, or “MERV.” The higher the rating, the more efficient the filter is at trapping airborne particles. The numerical range is from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency). Read more about MERV ratings below.
Does higher MERV rating restrict airflow?
While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow .
What happens if you put a furnace filter in backwards?
By installing your filter backwards, air will have a harder time flowing through the filter and your air handler will have to work harder to make up for the loss of airflow . This could lead to higher utility bills and possibly damage your furnace or air conditioner.
How often should you replace your furnace filter?
In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months . For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months . For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months .
Are 5 furnace filters better than 1?
Some AC specialists have also noted that thicker filters are better at providing a tight fit that doesn't allow unfiltered air through. At the same time, a thicker filter is less restrictive and will allow for better flow of purified air. A 4-5” filter is usually best for people that need superior filtration.
Why does my furnace filter get dirty so quickly?
When the thermostat's fan setting is set to “ON” the indoor blower will run 24/7, constantly circulating air over the air filter. So now the filter is constantly catching airborne contaminants , causing it to quickly get dirty.
Is a 2 inch filter better than a 1 inch?
Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick. In our tests, we found that the thicker the filter , the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. That means it's better for you and for your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
What MERV rating should I get for home?
Using an air filter with a MERV rating of about 5 to 8 is appropriate for most residential homes. MERV 5 – MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
Is MERV 8 good enough?
MERV 5–8 (good): These filters are better at catching small particles (3–10 microns) like mold spores, hair spray, dust mites and animal dander. MERV 9–12 (better): The best option for residential use.
What MERV rating does Trane recommend?
Clear The Air's Trane Perfect Fit Merv 11 replacement filters effectively remove 91% of airborne particles. Our Merv 11 filter eliminates allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust, and smog.
Which side of furnace filter should be dirty?
With most pleated filters, the direction of air flow is critical . The dirt should not be accumulating on the metal mesh side of the media; if that is happening, you put it in wrong. Switch it. The mesh side is the back side ; the air should flow through the front side first.
Can a furnace filter catch fire?
Yes, a furnace can catch fire .
Your furnace's air filter is blocked. Your furnace's gas pressure is too high. There is a crack in your furnace's heat exchanger.
Why is my furnace filter never dirty?
A filter is designed to catch all the air that goes through your air conditioning. Because of this, it needs to fit snugly inside the holder to have a chance at catching the air. ... When that happens, the filter won't get dirty because all that air isn't going anywhere near it .
How often should you change your furnace filter in the winter?
Professionals, like our team at Airco Service, Inc. say that you should change your air filter at least every three months . During the winter, when you rely on your heating system more, you want to increase that frequency. During the winter, when the system is in constant use, change it out every month.
