Why Invest in a Better Furnace Filter
The filter is one of the simplest components of your home heating system, but it is also one of the most important. A furnace filter needs to be changed or cleaned at least once a month when the system is in regular use. Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to perform this basic furnace maintenance task as frequently as they should.
The filter does so much to ensure the reliable operation of your home heating system, and it plays a critical role in maintaining a comfortable home. In this post, we are going to explain some of the reasons why it is important to have a quality filter in your furnace.
It Protects the Home Heating System
One of the main purposes of the furnace filter is to remove things like dirt and dust from the air that passes through the system. Without the filter, this dirt and dust could damage components and this will increase your maintenance costs and shorten the lifespan of the furnace. As an additional point, when the filter is clogged, it forces the furnace to work harder, and this can put unnecessary wear and tear on the system.
Better Indoor Air Quality
If you are going with the cheapest filter available, it is not going to do much to improve the indoor air quality. However, you do have some good filters that can remove particulate contamination from the air. If you have problems with allergies or poor indoor air quality, you can make the home more comfortable by buying a better furnace filter. Most HVAC technicians would recommend a filter that has a MERV rating of at least 4, but you can get better air filtration by going with a higher rating or possibly even considering a HEPA filter. Beyond that, if you have significant problems with indoor air quality, you could consider an air purifier.
Lower Heating Costs
Airflow is one of the most important factors when it comes to the efficiency of your home heating system. When the filter gets dirty, it reduces the airflow to the furnace, and this forces the heating system to work harder to heat the home. As we mentioned before, this can add wear and tear to the system, but it also has an impact on efficiency. If you are not properly maintaining the furnace filter, it is going to increase your utility bills in the winter.
You should be able to find suitable filters for most furnaces at your local hardware store. If you are having a hard time selecting the right furnace for your filter, you could consult with the HVAC contractor that does your annual maintenance and inspection. Explain your concerns and the types of filtration you are looking for. The HVAC specialist should be able to make a recommendation that is good for your home.