When it comes to buying a furnace air filter, there are a few important factors to consider. Disposable filters usually measure 1 or 2 inches and can be found at home centers, hardware stores, and online. The Filtrete 20x25x1 AC oven air filter is a great option for capturing most large particles in the air. It's compatible with most HVAC systems and comes in an affordable six-unit package to protect the entire home.
The size of the air filter is not the only important factor, but so is its MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value. This rating indicates how good an air filter is at trapping dust particles and preventing them from recirculating in your home. A MERV score of 1 is the worst grade, while a MERV score of 16 is the best. This means that a MERV 16 air filter will trap more dirt, dust particles, allergens, etc.
than a MERV 1 air filter. When it comes to forced air systems, air is sucked through the return vents throughout the house, through the air filter, and then through the HVAC system, where the air is heated or cooled according to thermostat settings. The filter is what separates you and your sensitive central forced-air equipment from the destructive particles in your home air. Some filter brands and retailers use alternative scales, such as Home Depot's Air Filter Performance Rating (FPR) system or the MPR (in 3M Filtrete air filters).
Household air filters often have a nominal size, which is a rounded figure and the one printed on the filter, and an actual size, which is what you get with a measuring tape. That's why it's essential to consult with an HVAC technician before buying a more efficient filter than the one you have now. Air filters generally come in a variety of standard sizes, and some can be adapted to fit different sizes of filter boxes or air return openings. You may think that you can insert the air filter into its slot in any orientation, but it actually needs to be placed in a specific direction.
The filter is responsible for removing contaminants from the indoor air in your home before you inhale it, as well as for maintaining the cleanliness of the ducts in the HVAC system. The lower the MERV number, the less effective the filter is at capturing particles (measured in microns) from the air. In general, filters with a higher MERV rating are more effective and improve air quality, but they are also more expensive. Protecting your furnace is the main task of a filter, and maybe all you need is a pleatless filter that provides sufficient airflow. Here are some things to know about your HVAC air filter and which one you need for your particular system:
- The Filtrete 1900 Premium disposable air filter for allergens, bacteria and viruses features a pleated design and electrostatically charged fibers.
- Take a look at your air filter and you'll see an arrow located somewhere along the edge of the filter.
This will ensure that you get the right size and type of oven filter for your particular system.
