Choosing the best furnace filter by MERV rating

Changing your furnace filter on a monthly basis is one of the most important tasks of general maintenance that you can do for your home’s HVAC system. However, you may find that when you go to purchase furnace filters at the store, you’re presented with 2 different types of filters: inexpensive fiberglass filters and more expensive pleated filters. So which of the 2 is the better fit for your home?

We recommend the less expensive fiberglass filters unless you want a higher (MERV) rating of 4.

You may be surprised to hear that Nortek Environmental, Inc. strongly advises all of our customers to purchase the less expensive fiberglass filters over the more expensive pleated filters. The main reason we advise our customers to use the fiberglass filters is that they do not restrict as much air flow to your furnace as the pleated filters.

The main job of a furnace filter is to block large particles and debris from traveling into your furnace, causing potential damage to it. The less expensive fiberglass filters are just as capable of blocking these larger particles from entering your furnace as the pleated filters are.

By using the pleated furnace filters, you are making your furnace work harder than usual to draw air in as the pleated filter is so much thicker. If you really wanted to experience this for yourself, you could hold both a pleated and fiberglass filter up against your mouth and try breathing.

You’ll notice that it is much harder to breathe when holding the pleated furnace filter up against your mouth. Of course, we don’t advise doing this unless the furnace filters are sanitary and you’re comfortable with doing so.

Regardless of what furnace filter you should choose to use, there are a few important pieces of information you should know:

• Use the Correct Size: You’ll want to make sure that you are using the proper size filter because using the wrong size negates the effect of even having a furnace filter. You would be surprised with how many different furnace sizes are available, and how using one that’s the wrong size can affect your furnace. If you are having difficulty in finding your proper furnace size, Nortek Environmental, Inc. advises you use a tape measure to try and measure the dimensions of the filter rack (where you insert your filter). If you are having a difficult time finding your furnace filter size at a local store, we advise contacting your trusted HVAC company to see if they could locate and order the filters for you.
• Don’t Use Damaged Filters: If your filter is smashed or has holes in the filter, don’t use it. While this may seem obvious, it’s important to only use filters that are in good condition. Having a hole in your furnace filter allows those large particles that you are trying to block to pass through into your system, potentially damaging it.
• Don’t Re-Use Filters: Even if you’ve to think you have cleaned off your filter as best as possible, don’t re-use it. Remember, some of the particles you’re blocking are so small that you can’t see them, so how do you know if they are really gone? With the fiberglass ones costing a few dollars at most, trust us, it is a lot more convenient just to throw your old filter away and insert your new one.
• Check Your Furnace Filter if You’re Having Furnace Issues: Before calling your trusted HVAC company, check your filter if you’re having an issue with your furnace not working properly. More often than not, you’ll find that a dirty filter can be causing your system to not work properly.

I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of Indoor Air Quality and your home. While specifically during these times of CoVid-19, keeping your home’s indoor air quality as a high Priority is a great decision at any time.

Nortek Environmental, Inc. offers a full line-up of various types of Indoor Air Quality products that assist in keeping your family’s air healthy throughout the year. Whether you are looking to add a budget-friendly item into your home, or a larger investment, there truly is something for everyone.

I encourage you to take a moment to learn about the various types of MERV Ratings and Indoor Air Quality equipment Nortek Environmental, Inc. products to be installed in either your home or business listed below! And, as always, should you have any questions regarding any of these offerings, or just any HVAC-related questions, we are always here to help! Never hesitate to give us a call at (630) 548-1500!