Why Change Your Furnace Filter?

Your furnace filter helps keep your home air clean. Changing your furnace filter regularly promotes healthy living and a healthy home environment for your family. But what do you know about your home’s air filter?

How Filters are Rated

Your Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating, lets you know how efficient your air filter is at trapping airborne particles. The MERV scale allows you to pick a filter that works for your needs.

For example, if someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, you need to ensure a higher indoor air quality. In this case you may benefit from a high-performance filter that removes more contaminants from the air, such as our Premium (MERV 10) or Select (MERV 13) filters.

Types of Filters

There are a number of different filter types available depending on what you need.

Disposable Pleated Filters

The most common type of air filter is a disposable, pleated filter. They’re made of cardboard and synthetic materials. You can buy these in a range of sizes, MERV ratings and prices. These disposable filters should be checked monthly and replaced, on average, every 90 days.

Washable Filters

These are also often known as permanent reusable filters and are made of either solid aluminum or plastic. These can be highly efficient filters. But washable filters need to be vacuumed off and cleaned with water at least every 90 days. If you properly clean your filter, it will last an average of 5 years. However, it may be difficult to remember to clean it, which can result in increased energy costs, lower air quality, and expensive maintenance.

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters can be either disposable or washable. These filters self-charge as air passes through them, trapping small particles, which increases the filters’ efficiency. The jury is still out on whether the electrostatic charge loses its effectiveness over time, which is why the Clean Air Club’s Plus (MERV 8) and Premium (MERV 10) filters are mechanical, thereby maintaining their efficiency throughout the life of the filter.

Replacing Saves You Money

By regularly replacing your furnace filters you’re able to extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce your monthly energy costs. As dirt builds up on your filter it becomes harder for air to pass through, causing your system to work harder, overheat, or break down. Experts estimate that regular filter changes can save you between 5% and 15% on your energy costs.

If you don’t change your filter regularly, there can be a build-up of dirt and dust in your entire HVAC system. This can affect both your air conditioner and your furnace. Regularly replacing your filter can save you from a costly repair or replacement down the road.

Even top quality furnaces can be damaged if you don’t regularly replace your furnace filter. That’s why the Clean Air Club remembers to change your air filter regularly for you, keeping your home and furnace healthy and your wallet happy.