Unfortunately, many people do not realize the importance of furnace filters. A bad or dirty furnace filter can spread dust, pollen, allergens, bacteria, and other pollutants throughout your home, which can become harmful to the health of every one living there. Not to mention that dirty furnace filters can clog your system and decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating and cooling systems.
When replacing your filter, is important to select the right furnace filters for the heating and air conditioning needs of your household. The correct air filters will help your HVAC system operate at maximum efficiency while keeping your home healthy and clean.
When selecting furnace filters, it is important to follow the guidelines and recommendations based on your manufacturer’s requirements. To ensure the most efficient and high quality air conditioning and heating of your home, read on for more tips and information.
To learn more about choosing the best filter, contact the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis. We can help you determine the best furnace filters for your unit and handle any maintenance or repair needs you may have.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Furnace Filters
Here are the most important factors you should consider when purchasing new furnace filters:
- Size
- Thickness
- Efficiency
- Pleated Vs. Non-pleated
Furnace Filter Size
Size is one of the most important factors when selecting the correct furnace filters for your HVAC unit: Some common sizes for air filters are 16” x 20”, 20” x 25”, and 16” x “25 however there are some occasions where other sizes may be necessary. To find out which size you need, look on the side door of your filter cabinet. The correct furnace filters will fit in your furnace with little resistance.
Furnace Filter Thickness
Another important factor when selecting furnace filters is thickness. The thickness of air filters can range from 1″ to 5″. Thicker air filters have been known to last longer and increase the efficiency of your heating system. However, in many cases only a certain filter will fit in your system.
Furnace Filter Efficiency
The standard rating system accepted by The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers for furnace filters is known as MERV, also known as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating, the greater the efficiency of producing high quality/clean air throughout your home. A rating of 10 is average for a normal household so anything above is even better.
Pleated Furnace Filters Vs. Non-Pleated Furnace Filters
Pleated furnace filters are more efficient and last longer than non-pleated air filters. Additionally, pleated air filters will prevent many more pollutants from spreading throughout your air flow.
Contact Us Today to Speak with A Professional About Furnace Filters
If you have questions regarding any of the air filter considerations mentioned here or if it is time to schedule a maintenance appointment for your St. Louis heating and cooling system, talk to an expert at Galmiche & Sons today! You can reach us by calling 314-993-1110 or using our convenient online contact form to speak with one of our heating & air conditioning specialists.
