Owning a home comes with various responsibilities and one of them is to make sure that you properly maintain your heating and cooling system. You need to replace the air filter of your furnace regularly so that the HVAC equipment can work effectively. This is the best way you can ensure that you and your loved ones have good air quality in your house. Unfortunately, you can spend a lot of money on maintenance costs once you ignore maintaining your heating and cooling system as scheduled. This article is a furnace filter buying guide.

How furnace filters function

A furnace filter is designed to capture contaminants from getting out through your heating and cooling system. There are several reasons why it makes sense to filter out these contaminants. One of them is that a furnace filter can keep your indoor air cleaner by capturing any airborne contaminants and other particles. This is especially crucial for a person who has asthma or allergies because a furnace filter can help to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens.

Besides this, a furnace filter can also protect your HVAC equipment. Without a furnace filter, debris and dirt can gather in your heating and cooling system. As a result, this can increase your energy bills and you may need to replace your HVAC system quickly.

Finding the right furnace filter

You need to replace your furnace filter regularly so that your heating and cooling system can continue to function well. Most filters need to be replaced at least every three months, though you can extend this period when it comes to thicker filters. You can also replace air filters often if you have someone in your house with asthma or allergies. And, if you own pets that create dander or fur, you can also replace your air filters regularly.

When you decide to replace your furnace filter, you need to find the correct air filter for your heating and cooling system. You should note air filters tend to vary, so your heating and cooling equipment may need a specific type.

Firstly, you need to make sure that you purchase the right size furnace filter for the HVAC system. It’s a good idea to check the size of your filter before you start shopping around.

Aside from the size of the air filter, you should also consider the type you desire. You can find a variety of air filters on the market, each one has specific advantages. One of the most common air filters is fiberglass. This air filter is usually at least an inch thick and traps large contaminants. But it may not be enough if you have a person who suffers from allergies or asthma in your home because it may not capture smaller contaminants.

In such a case, you may need to look out for other types of furnace filters. Other types of air filters include disposable pleated, disposable electrostatic, high-efficiency pleated, and permanent electrostatic. Each of these air filters has its benefits, so ensure that you get the right one for your heating and cooling system.