Air filters play an important role in maintaining your comfort at home. Changing them regularly is the first step to protecting your furnace and ensuring clean indoor air, but it’s also best to do your research before you commit to any single type of filter. That’s because quality is critical to preventing unnecessary air conditioning, furnace, and heating repairs. Here’s what you should know about why research is key.

3 Reasons to Research Furnace Air Filters

1. Varieties

Disposable filters are designed to be replaced every couple of months, whereas reusable filters can simply be washed and put back into place each time. Both are universal enough to work with any system. Pleated filters, however, are capable of removing even more contaminants than the others, but might not fit into all furnaces. Electrostatic filters aren’t universally compatible, either, but filtrate harmful particles especially well. There are even filters designed specifically for pet owners. Learn about each and determine what will best work for your furnace.

2. Allergies

It’s not unusual to develop indoor allergies in response to dust mites, dander, and other particles that collect in the air. These can lead to severe allergic reactions that mimic the symptoms of hay fever. Researching filters in this case is critical, because there are many designed specifically to remove those harmful contaminants and promote cleaner air. Advanced filters will trap even the most minuscule of particles. If you’re uncertain about what to buy, an air conditioning contractor can provide the best possible recommendation.

3. Ratings

All filters have minimum efficiency reporting values (MERVs). These efficiency ratings provide you with a straightforward idea of how well they perform. A higher rating implies improved quality, and therefore less of a chance that you’ll need to schedule heating repairs. Standard woven filters typically have a rating of about 4, while pleated filters rate a 6. Higher quality filters achieve ratings of anywhere between 8 and 12. Consider how much you want to spend, as higher-efficiency filters ultimately cost more.

Need help deciding on the right filter? The team at Noakes Heating Air Conditioning & Refrigeration provides expert heating repair services throughout Southeast Nebraska. Located in Gage County, these HVAC contractors offer over 40 years of combined experience and are ready to inspect your system before temperatures drop—and to ensure that you’re comfortable year round. They can even assist if you aren’t certain about the right filter for your property. Visit the company’s website to learn more about scheduling an air conditioning maintenance or heating repair appointment, or call (402) 223-5348.