The least expensive type of furnace filter. Made of a layer of fiberglass held in place by a metal grid which is bonded to a one piece frame of either cardboard or chipboard. The frame will mark the filter size and airflow direction. This furnace filter does not block micro particles, pollen or mold.
There are many different options when it comes to buying furnace filters. Sometimes it just comes down to a matter of choice, but there are also some other factors to consider before parting with your cash.
Here we'll discuss some of the furnace filters available, and mention their possible drawbacks.
A permanent, metal framed furnace filter that has a static charge which attracts dirt and dust. They are marginally better than disposable furnace filters, however they only block 15 to 20 percent of airborne particles.
Types of
Furnace
Filters
Washable Electrostatic Furnace Filters:
This furnace filter has a denser, electrostatically charged mesh, the surface area increased by the mesh. These furnace filters will do a better job of filtering out pollen, mold spores and pet dander, but because of their density, add some resistance to airflow. That could ultimately kill your blower motor, so make sure whatever filter you buy is rated for the blower capacity of your furnace.
Pleated/Allergy Furnace Filters:
Disposable Fiberglass Furnace Filters:
Electronic Air Cleaners:
This cleaner works by means of electrodes that charge and magnetize airborne particles, drawing them to the filter. For the most part, these units will eliminate nearly all larger particles like pollen, pet dander and mold spores, as well as a significant amount of smaller airborne viruses.
HEPA Furnace Filters:
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. These furnace filters block everything, including airflow, so they generally have a commercial application and not a residential one. However, there are some on the market that make up for the issue of lack of airflow, thereby making them an acceptable furnace filter for your home furnace.
The above mentioned furnace filters range in price for a few dollars each to about $800. If you or you family members aren't dealing with any allergy issues, the inexpensive, disposable or washable furnace filters will do the job. If you go for the pleated furnace filters, be they 1 inch or 4 inch, make sure they are allowing your system enough airflow.
MERV:
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It's a rating system used for furnace filters to identify their ability to capture ranges of particle sizes from the air that passes through the filter. The rating value is from 1 to 16, making a furnace filter with a MERV value of 16 the most efficient when it comes to trapping airborne particles.
winterheat.info website and content copyright © 2008
Your furnace filter is there to protect the furnace against particles in the air flowing into it. So, your air flow direction is toward the furnace, and the arrow on your furnace filter should point toward the furnace.