Choosing the Right Furnace Filter

Properly maintaining your furnace filter is essential to protecting the air quality in your home as well as reducing future repair costs for your furnace. The two most common questions about furnace filters are: What type do I need? And, how often do I need to change it? The answer to both is dependent mainly on your living environment. Generally, every 1 to 3 months is the normal timeframe for changing your filter, but factors such as pets, allergies, current construction projects, cleanliness of your ductwork, and the amount of people living under the same roof can have an effect on the frequency of filter replacement.

What type of filter is used can also be a determining factor in how often your filter is replaced. Like with many things, cost and performance go hand in hand when choosing a filter. The most common types used are:

Fiberglass
These are the least expensive of available furnace filters. These economy filters may seem like a great deal, but they only keep out large particles, heavy dust and lint, and over time can result in higher operating and repair costs for your heating system. They are the most common type of filter used and should be changed the most often, usually monthly.

Pleated
Pleated filters are designed to protect your heating system from dust and other particulates. These types of filters are a low-cost upgrade from fiberglass filters and offer a much better value in the long run. They are constructed of a dense cotton/polyester material and are pleated to provide a greater surface area to capture particles. Filter performance is determined by the number of pleats, because surface area also increases. These filters should be changed at least every 3 months under normal conditions.

Electret Filter
Similar in design to pleated filters, Electret filters are also electrostatically charged. This allows fewer particles through than other types of filters. Large airborne allergens like dust, pollen and mold as well as microscopic types like smoke and pet dander are captured. This type of filter should be changed every 3 months, depending on your environment.

Upgrading your filter is one of the least expensive things you can do to improve your home’s air quality. Call or stop into your local Short & Paulk and we’ll be happy to help you decide which filter is the best choice for you.

For more helpful information on furnace maintenance and how to change your filter, watch this video.