Furnace filters should be changed every two to three months depending on the type of filter. When it’s time to shop for a new filter, finding an efficient furnace filter based on a few different ratings can help you save money on your overall energy consumption over the course of a month. When the weather in Los Angeles doesn’t allow you to open your windows or doors, you should be able to rely on your furnace filter to provide you healthy indoor air quality.
Furnace filters are rated according to the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale. The scale is based on the smallest particle that a filter can trap, measured in microns.
Low quality filters are rated from 1-4 on the MERV scale. Not many particles are going to be trapped using these filters, but they will help keep particles from overwhelming the intricate components of your furnace. Filters that range from 5-8 on the MERV scale are better at capturing smaller particles, but these are mostly used commercially. Ideally, shopping for a filter rated from 9-13 is your best bet for removing the most particles from your indoor air. Anything higher than 13 could overload your furnace because it impedes air flow. Special furnaces use these types of filters.
The thickness of your furnace filter and the thickness of each individual fiber also contribute to the overall efficiency. Thick filters trap more particles, but as such, they may need to be cleaned or changed more often. Otherwise, the buildup of particles they capture may eventually impede airflow.
Contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.for more information on how you can select an efficient furnace filter suited to your home and lifestyle. Our staff can help you make the best selection for your furnace, and help you save money by minimizing your energy consumption.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace filter ratings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating services Los Angeles, North Hollywood and the surrounding areas in California. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!
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