Every furnace system is equipped with a filter in order to help remove particulates from the air circulating in your home. Indoor air pollution levels tend to be two to five times higher than outdoor pollution levels. Having a high-quality filter in your furnace system can remove a large percentage of contaminants that are coming from pets, smoke, dirt, and outdoor sources. With different filter widths and ratings to consider, you’ll want to know that you’re getting the best option for your furnace.
Understanding Filter Ratings
The main filter rating system was created by ASHRAE. This rating determines the efficiency with which a filter can remove particulates from the air. The minimum efficiency reporting value or MERV number of a filter can allow it to be compared to other filters. Most filters have a MERV rating of between 1 and 4. Filters rated from MERV 5 to 8 are in the mid-range of quality, and they will likely need to be replaced more often than their lower-level counterparts. Filters with a 9 to 12 rating are the highest common residential filters, and they are suitable for people with respiratory or allergy issues. Anything above 12 is hospital- or commercial-grade.
Differences in Filter Width
Most furnaces are set up for a specific width of filter. One-inch filters are generally the thinnest and most common. They need to be replaced about every one to three months, depending on the level of indoor particulates in your home. Some furnaces can accept thicker filters. Five-inch filters can last for up to a year before they have to be replaced. In some instances, furnaces can be retrofitted to work with different-sized filters.
Call Our Team Today
At Batey Brothers Heating & Cooling, we’re dedicated to the complete satisfaction of each of our Scottsboro, AL customers. Our NATE-certified technicians can repair, replace, and maintain all heating and air conditioning systems. As a family-owned and -operated business, we work hard to earn the trust of each of our customers. All of our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for everything they do. To learn more about how we could help you with any heater or air conditioner, give the team from Batey Brothers Heating & Cooling a call today.
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