Full Answer
Are furnace filters and AC filters the same?
Furnace Filter vs. AC Filters: Are They the Same? The short answer is yes, the furnace and air conditioner will use the same filter. They will at least use the same type of filter. In most cases, a residential system is set up as a central heating and air (HVAC) system.
What type of air conditioner filter do I Need?
These are things like fiberglass, pleated paper, HEPA, washable electrostatic materials, or even filters containing activated charcoal. Once you know the type, your air conditioner requires you can narrow down your choices. From there, you will want to look at the filter rating and filtration properties (see below).
Do air filters protect the HVAC system?
Some air filters are designed mainly to protect the HVAC system, while others can both protect the system and improve air quality. There are several types of air filters available classified by type and MERV rating.
What are the different types of air filters?
There are several types of air filters available classified by type and MERV rating. The MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, reflects to the ability of the filter to remove particles from the air, and it can range from one to 20, with a higher rating signifying better performance. The common types of air filters include:
Are all air conditioner filters the same?
No, HVAC air filters differ in quality and dimensions, and some have features that others don't. In most instances we advise using the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends pairing with your system. All filters are assigned MERV ratings, which go from 1–20. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value.
Does it matter what AC filter you use?
The short answer is, no, they're not all the same. In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Are some AC filters better than others?
Higher numbers indicate a better filtration of the smaller particles, like pollen and smoke, that cause many respiratory issues. And medium-efficiency MERV filters in the 8 to 13 range—the kind we would get—can remove 90 percent or more of these.
How do I know what AC filter I need?
The easiest way to identify your AC filter size is to remove the existing filter from its slot and examine the frame of the filter. Usually, the filter size is printed along the edge of the filter's frame.
Are cheap air filters OK?
The problem with cheap air filters is that they're not as effective at removing dust and other contaminants from the air. This is especially true for homes where there are more people, pets, and maybe someone with a respiratory problem. You'll have to replace them more often, which will cost you money in the long run.
Do higher MERV filters restrict airflow?
Wrong. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.
Do expensive air filters make a difference?
Yes, in general, the more expensive air filters are more effective, but a single person with no pets and allergies might not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Also consider how long your air filter will last.
What MERV rating is best for home use?
between 8-10In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Is filtrete or Honeywell air filter better?
Honeywell filters are considered higher-efficiency and are thus more effective in cleaning the air. They also last longer too, averaging about four to six months of use for a typical MERV 11 rated product.
Are thicker air filters better?
Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick. In our tests, we found that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. That means it's better for you and for your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Do pleated air filters restrict airflow?
Even though pleated fiberglass filters are very common and are continuously highly recommended, there's still a misconception around the filters being able to cause damage to your unit because they supposedly restrict air flow. Yes, pleated air filters do indeed restrict the airflow to your HVAC system.
How do I know what MERV filter to use?
In general, filters with a rating of MERV 16 or below are considered to be HVAC-system-grade filters for residential, commercial and general hospital use. MERV 17 through MERV 20 filters are typically used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other contexts that require absolute cleanliness.
How long can I run my AC without a filter?
6-8 hoursThe short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short amount of time without hurting your system. That being said, running your AC without a filter for longer than 6-8 hours can cause serious damage to your AC system and significantly lower the quality of the air in your home.
Are AC and furnace filters the same?
While many people refer to air conditioning and furnace filters as if they're different, this is not the case. Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there's no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.
How often should you change air filter?
A 1" pleated air filter must be replaced every 30-60 days. A 2" pleated air filter should be swapped out every 3 months. A 3” pleated air filter should be changed out every 120 days. A 4" pleated air filter should be exchanged every 6 months.
How many types of HVAC filters are there?
4 Types of HVAC Filters.
1. Plastic Mesh Filters
These are some of the most used air conditioner filters, especially when it comes to room and window HVAC units. This is due to their ability to contain and trap larger pollutant particles from the air. Because of this, it is also recommended to have them cleaned every two weeks or even more frequently.
2. Electrostatic Air Filters
Electrostatic air filters are best used for areas where the air voltage is high. That said, the voltage often reaches 12kV between two plates. The electrostatic charge then attracts the ionized particles and they get trapped to the grounded plates.
Carbon and Adhesive Filters
Carbon air filters are made of activated carbon, which makes them ideal for effective screening of gasses and bacteria. The small absorbent pores in carbon filters react to and trap the pollutants that go through the filter. These filters are often used together with other filters as well.
Finding the Right Filter Size
In order for your air conditioning system to work properly, you need to choose appropriate AC filter sizes. It is not difficult to measure the size that you need; all you have to do is use your old filter as a reference and measure its length, width, and depth.
What is the best filter for a home?
The pleated filters from Nordic Pure are the best option for disposable filters on the market. The MERV score of 12 means that the allergens in your home’s air will be captured, including pet dander, mold, mildew spores, and even pollen.
How long does an air conditioner filter last?
In most cases, the higher-rated, “better” filters will cost you significantly more than a thin, paper filter designed to fill a hole. However, the price will last you at least 90 days, spreading the cost out over three months instead of every four weeks.
Why is it important to have a filter on your HVAC system?
The better the filter, the more particles it will collect. The main focus though is to keep dirt, dust, and allergens out of the HVAC system. Not only will it help the cooler air being pushed around your home become cleaner, but it will also prevent build-up on the coils and inner workings of the system.
Why do you need an HVAC filter?
Here are three reasons to consider. Purify the air, reducing air born particles and can lower the number of allergens in your home. Protection for your HVAC system to keep it running properly, longer. Filters are a reasonable monthly expense that can reduce overall maintenance costs for your entire system.
What is a MERV 8 filter?
The air will be filtered to keep the return clean as well as prevent dust build-up in the evaporator unit.
What is filter rating?
The filter rating is a system that tries to show you a numerical (or colored) value based on how long the filter will last and how many particles it will capture. There are three filter rating systems available: MERV, MPR, and FPR.
How thick is a home air filter?
Most residential filters will be 1-inch thick but can vary in length and width from eight inches up to 48 inches (or more) and every number in between. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all filter size (exceptions made for customized filter frames), so you will need to measure or refer to your HVAC owner’s manual for the proper size.
What are the pros and cons of a HEPA filter?
Pros: The biggest pro of HEPA filters is how effectively they purify the air. The design of these filters makes it ideal for capturing larger pollutants, like pet dander and pollen. These filters are also fairly cost-effective and only need to be changed every few years.
How to determine HVAC filter size?
HVAC filter sizes are allotted by the filter’s thickness, also known as the depth, in addition to its height and length. There are standard sizes, but the exact filter size will depend on your HVAC system and its specifications. The best way to figure out what size filter you need is to remove the existing filter from your HVAC system and check for its dimensions on the filter frame. You can also refer to your HVAC system’s user manual to find the appropriate filter size.
How many types of air filters are there?
There are seven commonly used home air filter types: HEPA filters. UV light filters. Electrostatic filters. Washable filters. Media filters. Spun glass filters. Pleated filters. Each of these filters has its own set of pros and cons, which vary based on your goal for your home.
What is the best filter for mold?
1. HEPA Filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants — including mold spores and dust that are as small as 0.3 microns.
Why are reusable filters good?
An added bonus of reusable filters is that you can save money by never having to worry about buying replacements. Plus, these filters are great at improving indoor air quality. Cons: While this filter handles smaller pollutants, it may struggle to filter larger ones, such as dust or mold spores.
How thick is a HVAC filter?
Generally, filters will have a thickness of 1 inch for common systems and a thickness of 5 inches for larger HVAC systems. The overall size of the filter can vary from a height and length combination of 10 inches by 10 inches to 30 inches by 30 inches. Some of the most common sizes are:
Why is it important to have a good indoor air filter?
Indoor air quality is a crucial element for any homeowner, especially if members of your household have respiratory problems . Proper HVAC filters can make the difference between stuffy air filled with pollutants and clean air that’s healthy and easy to breathe. Understanding the different air filter types for homes is the first step to getting the improved indoor air quality you deserve.
Why are pleated filters better than other filters?
Pleated Filters. "Pleated filters are more efficient because the pleats provide a greater surface area to trap unwanted particles and lower airflow resistance ," explains Joyce. "Many pleated filters are electro-statically charged to help them attract and hold microscopic particles.".
What is MPR rating?
"MPR is a measurement of the efficient capture of particulates, such as bacteria or smoke. A higher number indicates higher efficiency and more micro-particles—like pollen, pet dander, smoke, and bacteria —your filter will capture from the air."
How does an air filter work?
An air filter does its job of screening your air by collecting a buildup of dirt, germs, and debris, which is why keeping your filters clean and in good condition by changing them at regular intervals makes a major difference in the quality of air you breathe at home. If this is your first purchase, you'll want to choose ...
How thick should an air filter be?
"Simply check the existing filter to get the dimensions," says Joyce. "There's nothing worse than thinking you know it, and then getting to the store and drawing a blank." Most home HVAC filters are one-inch thick, but some residential systems may require filters that are four inches thick in order to effectively filter the volume of air in your home.
What is MPR in filter?
"MPR is a measurement of the efficient capture of particulates, such as bacteria or smoke.
What is the rating of an air filter?
Home air filters will commonly have ratings between one and 12. A higher number means the filtering is more efficient so you can use this number to compare filters between companies. According to Joyce, the size and density of the material of filter has an effect on its performance as does the size and volume of particles. Some types of filters are more effective at screening out smaller particles than others.
What does a higher filter rating mean?
A higher number indicates higher efficiency and more micro-particles —like pollen, pet dander, smoke, and bacteria —your filter will capture from the air.". Another rating system that most filters are measured by is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV).
What scale is an air filter rated on?
To understand the differences in the filters available, there’s a couple of things you need to know. All filters are rated using the MERV scale. Filters for residential use are generally rated ...
Why does my HVAC unit freeze?
If the air flow is restricted by the filter , then the HVAC unit has to work harder to pull air through it. This means that a higher MERV filter can cause the unit to burn out or the coils to freeze. Uh oh.
What is the MERV rating for air filters?
All filters are rated using the MERV scale. Filters for residential use are generally rated from 1-13, with higher-rated filters being used in places like hospitals and laboratories. Higher-rated filters have smaller openings, which is supposed to make them able to catch smaller particles in the air. A MERV 2 filter will only catch the largest ...
How to clean air in HVAC system?
If you want to actually clean the air as it flows through your HVAC system, you should consider installing a whole-house air purifier or a UV light that goes inside of your HVAC unit. These will more effectively clean your air without harming your HVAC unit by decreasing air flow.
Do residential air filters clean air?
And the truth is that those higher-MERV residential filters don’t really do that great of a job cleaning the air. Plus, they get clogged up with dirt and dust very quickly, which reduces the air flow to your HVAC unit even more. See Also: Most Common Air Conditioning Problems.
What is the MERV rating of an air filter?
The filtration level is noted as a MERV rating from 1 to 20. The higher the MERV number the more the AC air filter will be able to clear out of the air. AC air filters usually have a rating between 8-13 MERV.
How long does a furnace filter last?
The thickness of the furnace filter makes a huge impact on the lifespan. Furnace filters that are 1-2” thick need to be replaced or cleaned every 1-3 months. Furnace filters that are 3-4” thick can last up to nine months before needing to be replaced . And a 6” furnace filter can last up to 12 months.
What is the difference between an air filter and a furnace filter?
While both the air filter and furnace filter serve the same function – to clean the air in your home – features like the filter location, lifespan, filtration level, and cost are the key differences.
How do return air filters work?
Both components clean air as it circulates through the home, removing contaminants before the air passes through the HVAC equipment to the rest of the house. Whenever your HVAC system is running, this process is happening.
What are the functions of air filters?
The primary functions of an AC air filter include: 1 Clears contaminants, allergens, bacteria, viral particles, dust, mites, and debris from the cooled air 2 Helps the AC system run efficiently 3 Protects the AC equipment from harmful contaminants
Where is the furnace filter located?
Furnace Filter Location. Furnace filters are located in the blower compartment of the furnace. The compartment is usually located in a tray or door on the blower compartment. Usually, the air blower is located in a central location in your house, often close to your air intake vents.
How many filters does a central air system have?
In most cases, your central air system uses 2 separate filters to adequately filter out unwanted particles, allergens, bacteria, and more. Since most people use the term “air filters” interchangeably with other terms like “ac filters” and “furnace filters,” there’s a misconception that they’re either the same thing, or in some instance, ...
The Job of the Furnace Filter
No, the furnace filter is not in place to improve the quality of your air. It may have a minor effect on it, but cleaner air isn’t its purpose.
Air Filtration Systems That Make an IAQ Difference
If you have too many pollutants circulating through your house, we recommend the installation of special filters into the ventilation system that will remove them. Air filtration systems are specially matched to a home so they trap the unwanted particles without interfering with air circulation.
Quality Heating and IAQ Service
We offer the finest work when it comes to both indoor air quality and heating service in Garfield, NJ and throughout the Tri-State Area. If your furnace isn’t doing the job you need from it, we’ll take care of the repairs.
