Air Filters

Think of your air filter as your HVAC system’s first line of defense. Whether it’s installed in your furnace or air conditioner, this crucial component catches dust, debris, and airborne particles before they can enter your system or circulate through your home.

Most filters are rated using the MERV scale (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which ranges from 1 to 20. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles the filter can capture. However, higher isn’t always better – a filter that’s too restrictive can actually harm your system by reducing airflow.

Furnace Filters vs AC Filters

While all HVAC filters serve the basic purpose of catching particles, there are important differences between furnace filters and AC filters.

Furnace Filters

Your furnace filter plays a crucial role during the heating season. As your furnace draws in air to heat, the filter catches particles that could damage the heat exchanger or reduce heating efficiency. During winter months, these filters often deal with increased dust levels due to closed windows and running the heating system more frequently.

Furnace filters also protect against specific heating season challenges. If you have a gas furnace, your furnace filter will catch particles from combustion, preventing dust from being burned off heat exchangers. That burning dust causes that distinctive “furnace smell” when you first turn on your heat each fall.

AC Filters

Air conditioner filters are designed to face different challenges. These challenges include increased pollen and high humidity levels that can make particles stick to your cooling coils. Your AC filter helps prevent these particles from building up on the evaporator coil, which could reduce cooling efficiency or cause freezing issues.

AC filters also help protect against common summer air quality issues. They catch increased outdoor allergens that enter your home during the cooling season while your windows are open.

Types of Air Filters

Fiberglass Filters

Fiberglass filters are the most basic and least expensive option. They catch larger particles but let smaller ones pass through. While they protect your equipment, they don’t do much to improve air quality.

Pleated Filters

Pleated filters offer better filtration. Their accordion-style design increases surface area, allowing them to capture more particles. High-efficiency pleated filters can remove everything from dust and pet dander to bacteria and smoke particles.

Washable Filters

We don’t recommend washable filters. Washable filters might seem economical, but they require regular maintenance and typically don’t filter as effectively as quality disposable filters. They can also develop mold if not dried properly after cleaning.

Choosing the Right Filter for Your Home

When selecting an air filter, consider your specific needs. Do you have pets? Family members with allergies? Is dust a major concern? These factors help determine the ideal filter type and MERV rating for your situation.

For most homes, we recommend pleated filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 13. This range provides excellent filtration while maintaining proper airflow. However, your specific system might perform better with a different rating – something our technicians can help determine.

When to Change Your Air Filter

The frequency of filter changes depends on several factors. Most homes need filter changes every 2-3 months, but you might need more frequent changes if you have:

• Pets in the home

• Family members with allergies or respiratory issues

• Construction or renovation work nearby

• High dust levels in your area

Professional Filter Service

At Getzschman, we do more than just sell filters. Our technicians can:

• Measure your filter housing for proper sizing

• Recommend the ideal MERV rating for your system

• Show you how to properly install filters

• Set up regular filter replacement schedules

• Check your system for any airflow issues

• Recommend complimentary indoor air quality solutions (like whole-home air filtration systems)

Common Air Filter Mistakes to Avoid

Over our decades of service, we’ve seen homeowners make some common mistakes with their air filters. Installing filters backward, buying the wrong size, or forgetting to change them are frequent issues. Perhaps the biggest mistake is choosing filters based solely on price rather than quality and compatibility with your system.

Get Expert Filter Advice

Not sure which air filter is right for your home? Contact Getzschman Heating for professional guidance. Call 402-235-6727 today to speak with our filter experts, or schedule a consultation online. We’ll help you choose the perfect filter for your system, ensuring optimal performance and air quality.