When it comes to improving the air quality in your Indianapolis home, one of the simplest, and least expensive ways to accomplish this task is by changing your furnace filter. Doing so can prolong the life of your HVAC system and save you money down the road with fewer repairs. Read on for valuable tips on choosing the best furnace filter for your home.
Requirements
All furnace filters trap dust, dander, pollen and other types of particulate, but only higher quality filters can effectively eliminate the spread of viruses, mold, bacteria, minuscule allergens and smoke odors. The best furnace filter for your home is one that addresses your specific needs.
Filter Types
- Activated carbon – These filters have the ability to absorb odors, fumes and harmful chemicals, such as VOCs, ozone or formaldehyde, in addition to dust and allergens.
- Electrostatic – Typically a permanent, washable filter, this type contains a charge, which can attract particulates like a magnet.
- HEPA – This heavy duty filter type, often found in vacuum cleaners, is not recommended for the furnace because of its high airflow resistance.
- Pleated – The added surface area provided by pleats can increase the filter’s effectiveness, allowing for a greater time span in between filter changes.
Filter Ratings
- MPR Rating – The microparticle performance rating is based on a filter’s efficiency to trap particles between 0.3 and 1 micron, including smoke and bacteria. A higher MPR is better.
- MERV Rating – Minimum efficiency reporting value is used when comparing efficiency levels between filters. Ratings fall between 1 and 16 — higher numbers are better, although for most residential furnaces a MERV rating between 9 and 12 is sufficient. Anything higher can restrict airflow.
For helpful advice on choosing the best furnace filter for your furnace, give us a call at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We proudly serve homeowners in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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