Your furnace filters can determine the overall air quality in your home. Low-quality, thin filters will wear out quickly, letting more particulates into circulation and causing illness. They’ll also prematurely damage and age your furnace system. Choose the right filters for your home to protect your family and the lifespan of your furnace.
Evaluate Household Needs
The air quality of your home is affected by dust, dander, mites, and other microscopic particulates. Your furnace filter catches these contaminants and keeps them out of the air you breathe. When your filter fills up, that dust is pushed through the system and released through the vents into the home. Family members with allergies will begin to sneeze, cough, and experience fatigue. Determining your family’s needs is essential to choosing the right filters for your furnace.
Thicker filters with high MERV ratings catch more contaminants and last longer. Depending on the type and size of your filters, you’ll likely have to change them anywhere from once a month to once a year. Your replacement rate is affected by your desired air quality, the number of pets in the home, and your budget. There isn’t a set rule that dictates how often you should switch your filter. Each home and household is unique and has its own needs.
Follow Manufactured Recommendations
Your furnace’s manufacturer likely gave filter brand and size recommendations in the manual. These give you an idea of which filters will work best for your furnace. Gas and electric furnaces are traditionally made to fit fiberglass and pleated filters. Fiberglass filters are the most accessible type and can be found at most retailers. Pleated filters are typically made from cotton or polyester and often catch more particulates than the fiberglass alternatives.
The furnace manufacturer makes recommendations based on filters they’ve tested and approved. They also give instructions on how to easily maintain and switch out your filters. Thoroughly reading and referencing your furnace manual when necessary can give you valuable tools to clean and maintain your furnace during the year.
Ask a Professional
There are many filter options available on the market today. You might not know how to choose the best filters for you and your family. Contact a professional technician to ask for recommendations and advice. Technicians are trained and licensed to know everything about regular furnace maintenance and care. They can discuss the best options based on your family characteristics, like the number of animals in the home and the necessary level of air quality.
A professional will be able to give you informed advice and offer additional services like regular furnace maintenance that increase the lifespan of your system. Every household needs a regular technician they trust to give informational advice on essential decisions like filter brands.
Work Within Budgetary Restrictions
Your budget may determine how many filters you can buy at one time and the type you can afford. A limited budget can force you to grab cheap filters from the grocery store or a local retailer that might not be the best fit for your system. Thin, inexpensive filters often don’t last long and can let in more particulates than if you invested in a higher-quality filter.
Plan your yearly finances and consider alternative filter options. Once you determine your ideal filters based on your household and furnace, search online for reputable suppliers that offer discounts with bulk purchases or subscriptions. Get deals on filters from your local heating and cooling company that may also offer regular maintenance packages or give you credible local retailer options. Avoid waiting to the last minute when you need a filter but only have access to options that aren’t the best for your furnace or air quality.
Trusted HVAC Team in Westminster
True Heating & Cooling is a responsive and trustworthy heating and cooling company serving Westminster, CO and surrounding areas. We strive to stay updated on the latest HVAC technologies so that we can better benefit your home. Rely on us to install your boiler, garage heater, or heat pump. We can also expertly maintain and repair your air conditioner and furnace. Your comfort is our top concern, and we offer fair and honest prices so that every family can feel the home comfort they deserve.
Trust our NATE-certified technicians to deliver friendly, knowledgeable advice and genuine solutions that keep your home running. Call us now for the best professional service in Westminster.