Your furnace works hard to keep your family warm and cozy all winter long. Keeping the furnace maintained will help it continue to work for many more years to come. Changing the furnace filter is an often forgotten about, but very important, part of keeping your furnace in good working order. But how do you choose which filter is right for your home?
Types of Filters
There are several different types of filters available for purchase from local home improvement stores. They differ in their effectiveness at removing particles from the air, their price varies, and some are single use while others are reusable. Understanding the differences between the types will help you decide which option is most suitable for your home.
- Disposable Fiberglass Filters – These are the most common, and least expensive, filters available. They do little to improve indoor air quality but are effective at protecting your furnace from dirt and debris.
- Disposable Pleated Filters – These filters capture smaller particles than their fiberglass counterparts, but they also restrict airflow more as well. When choosing these filters you will want to be sure to change them regularly to avoid strain on your furnace system.
- Disposable Electrostatic Filter – These filters are very effective at removing very small particles from the air. Once they become dirty, though, their effectiveness decreases. They are a relatively inexpensive option if you need a standard size and desire a higher level of filtration.
- Permanent Electrostatic Filters – These filters are similar to their disposable counterparts. They are machine washable and can be reused for up to eight years, although in exchange for their long life they are not as effective as the disposable electrostatic filters. Standard sizes are relatively inexpensive but if your furnace requires a custom size they can get pricey.
For more information on choosing the right furnace filter for your California home, and many other topics related to home comfort, contact our professionals at Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.. We have been serving Los Angeles and North Hollywood since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace filters and other HVAC topics, downloadour free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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