New Furnace Filter Recommendations for Homes in Chicago, IL
Depending on what type of furnace you have in your Chicago home, and how particular you are about dust, you will have an important decision to make when it comes to furnace filters.
Owning a home in Chicago, or the suburbs for that matter, comes with a lot of responsibility. One responsibility that many homeowners overlook is changing their furnace filters on a regular basis. If you have been neglecting to change your furnace filter, you are neglecting to properly care for your unit. This can lead to irreparable damage. A clogged and dirty furnace filter will cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to a damaged blower motor, and an increase in energy bills as a result of energy inefficiency. If you are looking to maximize the energy efficiency of your unit, and also avoid an unnecessary furnace repair in Chicago it is time that you though seriously the proper filter to use, and regular replacement.
When you walk the aisles of a hardware store, you have surely noticed the enormous selection of new furnace filters available. The purpose of this blog is to article you through the mess.
What is a MERV RATING on New Furnace Filters?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This refers to how effective the filter is at removing particles and allergens from the air in your home. The Higher the number, the more a filter removes. Spun fiberglass filters offer an average of 4 on the MERV Scale, standard pleated offer a 6, the highest quality electrostatic pleated filters can be as high as 12. With higher levels of efficiency comes a higher price tag. Most homes can make do with a standard pleated or a low cost fiberglass filter. However, if you suffer from allergies or asthma, you will want to consider a higher efficiency.
Special Considerations for a New Furnace that is High Efficiency
If you have a high efficiency furnace installed, you will want to stick with a fiberglass filter or install a whole home filter. On these particular types of furnaces, the fan constantly runs and therefore cannot work properly with high efficiency filters. As with anything, consult a HVAC professional about any concerns you have.
If you would like more information about furnace filters, whole home air purifiers, or high efficiency furnaces, contact us today.
