What Kind of Furnace Filter Do I Need?

Here are some factors to consider when it comes to furnace filters

furnace filter Franklin, ma Furnaces are a great way to heat a home and they are a popular home heating choice among homeowners here in Southeastern Massachusetts.

For those of us who do heat our home or business with a furnace, we know that what comes along with using a furnace is the need for a filter for that furnace.

Types of furnace filters

Filters are very important parts of furnaces. They keep dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, bacteria and air pollutants out of the air in a home or commercial space, which, in turn, improves the quality of the air you’re breathing.

There are a few different types of filters that are available to furnace users.

Fiberglass air filters: If you are looking for a filter that is super effective, a fiberglass filter is not your best bet. They are inexpensive, but you can’t count on them lasting a long time or purifying your home’s or office’s air since they don’t prevent fine particles from filtering into your air. They do, however, prevent debris from accumulating in your furnace.
Pleated air filters: Compared to fiberglass filters, these filters do a better job of actually filtering any air pollutants. They are able to catch small air particles, but don’t allow for a ton of airflow.
Electrostatic filters: These filters work like a magnet to catch and filter out particles.
Activated carbon filters: These are most commonly used to decrease any unpleasant odors.
UV filters: Using an ultraviolet light, these filters kill bacteria, viruses and microbes in a home. However, they are not the best option for ridding a home’s or office’s air of dust, debris and pollutants.

Which furnace filter is right for you?

Having an understanding of the different types of furnace filters that are available, will help you figure out what kind of filter you need for you, your home and your family. For example, if you are looking for something that helps with any unpleasant smells an activated carbon filter could be the way to go. If you are looking for something that will keep small particles from getting into the air you breathe, consider a pleated air filter. If you or someone you live with tends to get sick a lot, a UV filter may help since these prevent bacteria and viruses from getting into your home’s air and, therefore, your immune system. Or maybe you are only looking for something that keeps debris from getting into your furnace, in which case, a fiberglass air filter will get the job done.

Here are some additional things to consider if you are wondering what kind of furnace filter you need:

Thickness: Typically, thicker furnace filters last longer than thin ones and they are often more efficient.
Non-pleated vs. pleated: As we mentioned above, you can count on a pleated filter for filtering out any air pollutants and catching small particles before they get into your home’s air. Pleated filters are more efficient and will last longer than non-pleated filters.
MERV rating system: All air filters have a MERV rating that indicates how efficient a filter is at keeping pollutants, dust and debris out of your home’s air. So if efficiency is what you are looking for, make sure you look at filters with a high MERV rating.

Count on W.H. Riley & Son for all your furnace needs

No matter how good your furnace filter is, furnaces don’t last forever and soon enough you will need to upgrade to a new furnace. When that time comes, W.H. Riley & Son can help.

Our team of professionals will work with you to find the furnace that works best for you, your home or your business. W.H. Riley & Son is a full-service furnace company that offers furnace installations, servicing and repairs throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

We make purchasing a new furnace or repairing an older one easy. Contact us today to learn about all the furnace services we offer.