The Pros and Cons of Four Types of Furnace Filters

The Pros and Cons of Four Types of Furnace Filters
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When it comes to choosing a furnace filter, you have a wide breadth of options at your fingertips, but all of them may not fit your unique schedule, household, and lifestyle.

If you live with infants or anyone who suffers from a respiratory illness, for example, you'll need a more heavy-duty filter compared to a household where everyone is in peak health. And if you don't have time to make regular trips to the store, a reusable filter might make more sense than a disposable one.

These reasons show why it's so important to weigh the pros and cons of furnace air filters on the market before committing to one. When the health of your loved ones is at stake, there's no reason to make anything less than a well-thought-out decision. Here are four popular filter types for you to consider:

Disposable Fiberglass

These furnace filters are only able to stop particles large enough to see with the naked eye, such as lint and dust. Though they are inexpensive, they rank the lowest on the MERV scale (<6) and provide negligible protection for asthma and allergy sufferers.

Make sure to clean them bi-weekly and replace them at least every month for the best results. Because of their poor quality, they carry the highest long-term cost due to frequent replacements and furnace damage due to build-up and blockages.

Disposable Pleated

Disposable pleated furnace filters are the most popular kind due to their affordability, effectiveness (MERV 6 and up), and ease of use. They're usually made from polyester, cotton, or paper, which allow for ample airflow while keeping you safe from microscopic household allergens like mold and mites.

Take care to clean them monthly and replace them at least every 90 days to avoid overworking your furnace and incurring greater costs down the line. You should also find yourself an online filter provider that does business directly with consumers and offers door-to-door service to save yourself time and money. It's a bonus if their shipments take less than 5 business days and you can sign up for filter subscriptions too!

Washable

Washable or reusable filters do a better job than their disposable counterparts at catching particles before they enter your household air. This is because they're made from sturdier materials like plastic and aluminum designed to last up to a decade with regular monthly cleanings.

You may pay four or five times more than a disposable filter, but you more than make up for the cost with diligent maintenance over time. Simply remove your reusable filter from your furnace and rinse it with a hose or under the sink. You may also use dish detergent depending on the level of dirt and grime.

Electrostatic

Electrostatic furnace filters are made of self-charging cotton fibers that activate when air moves through them. The electrical charge causes particles to stick to the fibers, offering you protection from air pollutants equivalent to a MERV rating of 8 and above.

They come in both reusable and disposable varieties, each of which is appropriate for a home, especially one with pets and children. That said, you must clean them any time you notice excessive build-up to enjoy their on average 6-8 years of useful life.

Every part of your day begins with the air you breathe. Start with the tips in this article, do your own research, and you'll be well on your way to finding a manufacturer committed to your indoor air quality who will match you with the right furnace filter for your particular home.

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