How do you know which filter is right for you and your furnace?

Changing your furnace filter is something homeowners know all too well, but it is often forgotten about or put on the back burner. You may not think much about the impact your furnace filter can have on your home but it can affect the air quality in your home, your monthly energy costs and even your furnace’s ability to heat your home during cold months.

There are three main types of filters, and each one has different benefits. Ultimately, it comes down to the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of the filter. The MERV rating tells you on a scale of 1-16 how efficiently your filter traps the small particles you don’t want in the air you breath.

Fiberglass filters – Least Efficient MERV 1-4

These are the most basic filters you can buy. They can remove larger debris from the air in your home but aren’t fine enough to catch any smaller particles like allergens. These filters also tend to clog up more often and require changing on a regular basis to ensure the furnace can work efficiently.

Pleated filters – MERV 5-8

These filters are probably the most popular filter you can buy. They can remove smaller particles from the air as well as lint and debris. The pleated cotton/paper material also increases the surface area allowing for a greater volume of dust and particles to be removed from the air in your home. This type of filter is also your best bet in terms of value for your money. 

Permanent Washable filters – Most Efficient MERV 9-12

These filters are the most efficient if you can commit to the cost and maintenance. These filters can remove microscopic particles like smog, pollen and smoke from the air. If you are concerned about the quality of air you or another household member breathes this would be the filter for you. You can wash the filter more frequently to ensure the quality of air in your home. They are also more environmentally friendly as they do not need to be replaced as often as disposable filters.

It is important to note that regardless of the furnace filter you choose if it is not maintained properly, it could have an impact on your furnace’s efficiency or even cause your furnace to fail.