Forced-air furnaces use a blower and duct system to facilitate heating throughout the ductwork in your home. Contaminants and other debris can get picked up in circulation, which is why HVAC professionals recommend using filters. There are a number of types designed to give you the best air quality. Use the guide below to purchase the right product for your home.

A Guide to Furnace Filters

1. Fiberglass

Fiberglass filters are only able to capture large debris like lint or dust. Their main goal is to prevent clogs in the ductwork rather than purifying the air. They are cost-effective, however, and can be coupled with other filter types. Homes that have ample ventilation will do well with these models. Homes in which family members have asthma and respiratory conditions may require something stronger.

2. Pleated

Pleated filters use cotton or polyester to capture large and small debris, including mold spores. They’re disposable and usually need to be replaced every six to 12 months. Homeowners who have pets or allergies may want to replace the heating filters every 90 days. Ultimately, you should check your filter once a month. If it’s coated in dust and debris, replace it as soon as possible. 

3. Electrostatic

Electrostatic furnace filters come in disposable and permanent designs. They use a cotton and paper fiber design to capture the smallest contaminants and particles, including cigarette smoke and allergens. They use self-charging fibers to draw debris closer and cling to it, making it easy to capture contaminants passing in forced air.

4. High-Efficiency

High-efficiency filters use synthetic cotton to capture the finest particles. Hospital-grade products are available for family members with severe allergies, respiratory conditions, or autoimmune diseases. These filters offer the absolute best filtration and are well worth the investment when it comes to your family’s safety.

If you need help choosing and installing heating and furnace filters, the team at Sunshine Air Conditioning & Heating can help. Serving Peekskill and Cortland, NY, these professionals provide a 100% guarantee on all their HVAC services and installations. They work with a variety of industry-leading brands for quality supplies. Call (914) 245-2050 to discuss your needs, or visit their website to learn more about the company.