When it comes to selecting the right furnace air filter for your home, there are a few things to take into account. First, you'll need to check your oven manual to see if the filter is the correct size or inspect the existing filter for dimensions. Most filters display size prominently on the surface in multiple places. You can also use a measuring tape to determine the size, if necessary.
Homes with many occupants, pets, smokers, and people with severe allergies require higher-quality filters than others. The models vary, but there are access panels that you must open or remove to get to the boiler filter (keep a screwdriver handy, you may have to loosen the screws to open a panel). The minimum efficiency informational value (MERV) of a furnace filter measures how well it filters particles from the air, how efficiently air flows through it, and how long the filter should last. However, some HVAC systems have filters inside the return air ducts distributed in several rooms of the house. Air filters generally come in a variety of standard sizes, with some that can be adapted to fit different-sized filter boxes or air return openings. Cheap woven fiberglass filters do one thing: they remove dirt and debris that could damage the boiler fan motor, although they do remove some pollen and mold spores.
The MERV standard is primarily used to measure the performance of filters designed for forced air HVAC systems. But these are usually only filters with a rating of at least MERV 11, the classification where the filters begin to trap most particles the size of common allergens. Consider using high-efficiency pleated air filters, which allow the boiler to pump cleaner air into your home without placing excessive pressure on the boiler. When HVAC filters get dirty and clogged with debris, air can't flow freely through ductwork, making your home less comfortable and ultimately damaging your HVAC equipment. You can extend the life of heating and air conditioning components and breathe better by regularly changing the filter of your boiler. An easy way to choose a replacement filter is to simply purchase the same filter you're already using in your system. You may need to replace the filter more often if you have a few very furry pets, for example, or if you live in an area with a lot of air pollution, such as due to forest fires.
There are also adjustable filters and sizes for non-standard openings, as well as washable filters that can be removed and cleaned. You should replace your furnace air filter every three to 12 months of use, depending on the size of the filter. This will ensure that your home is getting clean air and that your HVAC system is running efficiently.
