Airborne debris like dust, dander, pollen, allergens are very harmful to your health and lungs. However, there’s a debate among the health community about the airborne nature of the COVID-19 virus. Whether the COVID-19 is an airborne disease or not, you shouldn’t take a risk when it comes to your health. A furnace filter prevents all these airborne particles from entering your body. Also, it protects the blower motor of your HVAC system from dust and debris.

Furnace filter replacement is an integral part of HVAC maintenance. It improves the quality of the air and protects your HVAC components from dust and small particles. In this article, I’ll give you the ultimate guide to furnace filters, including its types, costs, things to consider and many more.

The Ultimate Guide to Furnace Filter

Furnace Filter Types & Things to Consider

There’re different types of furnace filters available on the market. It’s crucial to select the right furnace filter for your HVAC system, especially when it comes to producing clean, sustainable, and healthy home environment. You’ll have to consider a few things before choosing the right furnace filter for your HVAC system. For example – filter size, thickness, and efficiency of the filter.

The furnace filter is located on the side door of your furnace’s filter cabinet. There are different furnace filter sizes available on the market. But you should only choose one which fits snuggly to your filter cabinet. If the furnace filter isn’t exact to the size of your furnace filter cabinet, small particles and dust will do harm to your HVAC system, and you won’t get the clean air. Many HVAC manufacturing company produces its own furnace filter that is compatible with your furnace filter cabinet and your furnace model.

Another thing which you’ll have to consider is the thickness of the furnace filter. Generally, furnace filters are 1 to 5 inches thick. For longer use, you should buy the thickest one. However, you should consider your HVAC system configuration, which determines the ideal furnace filter thickness.  

Furnace filters are disposable, and you’ll have to change the furnace filter after a few days. However, there’re some furnace filters that are reusable, and you can use it again after washing. Some of the available furnace filter types are-

1. Pleated
2. Electrostatic
3. HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Air
4. Synthetic or Fiberglass

Now, I’ll tell you the cost associated with furnace filter replacement.

Furnace Filter Replacement Cost

You maybe are worrying about the furnace filter replacement in this difficult time. But don’t worry; it is affordable. Few factors determine the value of a furnace filter, such as the thickness of the furnace filter, MERV value, materials, model of your furnace, etc. Based on these factors, a furnace filter can cost you $10 to $40 at most. A fiberglass 1-inch furnace filter with low MERV value will cost you only a few bucks, but it has a demerit. You’ll have to change the furnace filter frequently. On the other hand, a pleated 5-inch furnace filter with a high MERV value will be a bit costly, but it’ll last for a year. Most of the house owners in the US prefer to buy this furnace filter as you don’t have to change the furnace filter frequently. So, if you’re confused about buying a new furnace filter, you should go with high MERV value and thickness.

You may be wondering what MERV value is. Now, I’ll give you a brief idea about MERV value.

What is a MERV Value?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This rating is used to determine the efficiency of a furnace filter. MERV value ranges from 1 to 16. Higher the value is, the more efficient your furnace filter is and capable of removing small particles from the air. To determine the ideal MERV value for your HVAC system, you should consult with an HVAC professional. He/she will consider the indoor air quality and your HVAC system to tell you the ideal MERV value. This will help you to utilize the maximum capacity of your furnace and have clean air in your house.

How Frequent Should I Change the Furnace Filter?

This completely depends on the thickness of the furnace filter. If you buy a 1-inch furnace filter, you’ll have to change the furnace filter every 3 months or 60 to 90 days. On the other hand, if you buy a 5-inch furnace filter, you’ll have to change the furnace filter once every year.

See the summary of this content here in the infographic – Ultimate Guide to Furnace Filter [infographic]

If you are looking for HVAC equipment at an affordable rate, you can check out HVAC Whole Sales for best offers.

We have Trane 14 SEER HVAC Systems, Trane 16 SEER HVAC Systems, Trane 17 SEER (& Up) HVAC Systems and Heat Pumps among other HVAC components.

Also, look no further for your HVAC repair and maintenance needs. Just contact us and we will be there for you.