The furnace filter that you should use depends on your furnace itself. It depends on whether it is an individual unit or combined with your air conditioner. Service 1st Pros is going to list the different filter types below for your information. We recommend, however, that you consult your furnace owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends in terms of the filter size and the type of the filter.
Fiberglass
If you are on an extremely tight budget, you may have no choice but to purchase disposable fiberglass furnace filters. These filters are the cheapest on the market, and they do a good enough job in terms of collecting the large particles that are floating in your interior air. They don’t work well with small particles, so they aren’t a good choice for people with allergies or asthma.
Pleated
You are likely familiar with disposable pleated furnace filters because they are very popular. These filters are made naturally, which makes them environmentally friendly. Most filters that are disposable and pleated are made from cotton paper, a natural resource. There are some polyester filters on the market, however. These filters are affordable and capable of cleaning small and large debris out of the air.
Electrostatic
There is an electrostatic furnace filter available on the market that is made from natural fibers and is disposable. These filters do a fine job collecting both the small and large particles in the air. They use electrostatic magnetism to draw the particles to the filter. The disposable filters are affordable, but if you have a furnace that needs a special size, you may end up paying more.
Permanent
The electrostatic filters also come in a permanent filter that lasts for years. The average lifespan of these filters is about eight years. You might wonder how you clean these filters and the answer is simple: You wash them in the washing machine. These filters use the same electrostatic magnetic charge to draw the small and large air particles out of the air and into the filter.
HEPA
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter. These filters are used by people who suffer from severe allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. These filters are so good at cleaning the air, that hospitals use them, as well. These filters can be very expensive, thick, and not all furnaces can use them. It’s important to check with your furnace manufacturer to see if you can use HEPA filters.
We here at Service 1st Pros in Auburn, GA, would be happy to help you determine the best filter for your furnace. Call us today to discuss the options over the phone. If we feel it necessary, we will come out and inspect your furnace to recommend the right filter.