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If you live in the South Eastern, CT or Western RI, area, your furnace is a necessity during the winter months. While it's important to schedule yearly maintenance, it's vital to change the air filter frequently to keep your system running efficiently. With so many filter options on the market, the HVAC specialists at Duncklee Cooling & Heating, Inc. understand how confusing it can be for homeowners to make a decision. Below, they offer their expert tips to help you choose the right one for your home.

3 Things to Remember When Choosing a Furnace Filter

Consider the Air Pollutants In Your Home

The type of air filter you choose can dramatically affect the level of air quality in your home. If no one in your household suffers from allergies, you may not be as concerned with your air quality, so a basic fiberglass air filter will suffice. However, if reducing air pollutants is one of your main goals, opt for a higher quality option like an electrostatic filter.

Efficiency Rating Matters

Like home appliances, furnace filters are accompanied with an efficiency rating known as the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). Instead of focusing on energy, the system assigns a number to a particular unit based on the level of filtration it provides. MERV ratings range from one to 20, but residential furnace filters usually top out at around 12 or 13.

furnaceYou can use the rating system to find a filter that matches your personal situation regardless of the material it's made from. For instance, filters that fall into the five to eight range battle contaminants like dust, mold, and pet dander while the nine to 12 category protects against even smaller particles like lead dust. If budget is a concern, choose a middle of the road option with an eight or nine MERV rating to achieve quality filtration without a high price.

Frequency of Change

The one downside of higher quality filters is that they need to be changed at least once a month, but it should be more often if you have multiple pets. For some residents, frequent changes aren't an issue, but others have a tendency to go months before they remember to complete the task. If you fall into the latter category, you may want to go with a low- to mid-range furnace filter to avoid clogging your system.

Choosing the right filter is an important aspect of a healthy heating system, but it won't be of much help if your system isn't functioning correctly. For dependable, high-quality furnace repairs, turn to the HVAC specialists at Duncklee Cooling & Heating, Inc. For more than four decades, the family-owned and -operated company has proudly served the heating and cooling needs of their Connecticut and Rhode Island clients. Schedule your furnace inspection, maintenance, or repair appointment today by calling (860) 535-2552, and learn more about the team online.

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