We’ve discussed how important it is to regularly change your furnace filter in the past, but people often ask us which furnace filters are the best. There are several options to choose from, but most furnace filters are one of three types.

Standard Fiberglass
These are the most basic options, and as a result, they’re also the cheapest. Standard fiberglass filters are made up of woven fiberglass strands, which are designed to trap large particles. Unfortunately, these filters aren’t able to trap most allergens, so they end up circulating throughout your home. It depends on the number of people and pets in your home, but typically these filters only last 30 days. These aren’t the best furnace filters, but if you change them frequently, they’re reasonably effective.

Pleated Filters
Pleated filters are the most common filters because of their effectiveness to price point ratio. These filters are constructed from synthetic fibers, and can capture smaller particles like dust, pollen, dander, and mold. Pleated filters cost slightly more than standard ones, but they keep the air in your home much cleaner, and they last longer. They tend to last for 60 days on average, which is why people consider them to be the best furnace filters in terms of efficiency.

Media Filters
If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory illness, you should definitely be using media filters. These filters are much bigger than the other options, usually measuring in at least five inches thick, which allows them to trap more particles than other filters. These filters are more expensive than their standard and pleated counterparts, but they tend to last for at least six months. When you consider how beneficial they are to the air quality in your home and how long they last, they really aren’t that much more expensive in the long run. It should be noted that because these filters are so much larger than the others, they aren’t compatible with all HVAC systems, so be sure to check if your system is compatible before purchasing a media filter.

There are many options, but finding the best furnace filter for your home will depend on your specific needs and what type of HVAC system you have. You can get your furnace filters and more air quality tips by contacting the experts at Fahrhall.

The home comfort specialists at Fahrhall have been proudly serving the HVAC needs of the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions for over 50 years. Our certified technicians are committed to providing our clients with reliable service and quality equipment.

Do you follow us on Facebook and Twitter?
Connect with us for more tips and to stay up to date with our latest promotions.