It is Daylight Saving Time which is a perfect time to change your filter! We will be coming into spring soon, so a nice clean filter is in order. Let’s go over a few of the options out there for your standard central heating and air conditioning system filters.
Spun Fiberglass: If you can see through it, imagine what else is getting through it. We recently ran across a filter and return duct that is the perfect example of what not to use. The thin layer throw away filters you buy in bulk can’t filter much more than a boulder. As you can see, all of the dust and dirt that made it to the other side of the filter and into the return air duct. In our opinion, the fact that these are even manufactured anymore is a disservice to consumers and contractors alike. They say a picture can tell a thousand words, and these are no different.
Pleated 1” Filters: These are becoming the most common and easiest to purchase filter on the market. They are exponentially better than the above filter. For one reason, surface area. Having all of the peaks and valleys creates more area for dirt and dust to accumulate on. Another is that they come in a variety of MERV ratings (8-13) which is how well they filter down to smaller particulates in the air. One thing to be cautious of is that if you select a filter with too high of a MERV rating it may to too restrictive for your system. Over time this can be hard on your central heating and cooling system and cause damage. If you want to go with a MERV 13 1” filter we recommend replacement at 30 day intervals regardless of what the packaging says because of the higher air restriction. The best thing to do is to call us and go over your options. We’re happy to provide you with filters or make recommendations on filters available in retail locations that would be best for your HVAC system.
Washable 1” Filters: Once the cream of the crop filter we are finding them to be more restrictive on systems than we would like. They also don’t provide the surface area as explained in the pleated style of filter above. Additionally, over time some of the dust and dirt cannot be completely removed from them and may cause more harm than good in the long term. Anyone that knows me knows how much I hate waste. But when it comes to filtration, I am a firm believer in throwing away a filter and putting a new clean one in is the best for my system and for my lungs. 
Washable Old and New
4” Pleated Return Air Filter: Honeywell makes a thicker pleated filter that starts as a 1” filter and reduces slightly to fit up into a return air grille to create a 4” total thickness pleated filter. This is a nice option for customers who are looking for advanced air filtration but who aren’t able to make an additional investment into a whole house air cleaner. This filter is rated at a MERV 10 so restriction isn’t an issue. The added benefit is that it is only replaced on average at every 6 months!
Honeywell 4″ Filter
TIPS
Make sure you are getting the correct size filter! Any air that can get by a gap can potentially get up through the return and into the equipment. Dirty equipment can cause major problems.
Do you hear a clang or sucking sound when the system turns on? It could be that the filter is a little loose in the filter grille and is being pulled up every time the system comes on. This is totally normal. But if the sound is annoying, take the filter out and run a bit of foam tape around the edge of the metal for a more snug fit.
Make sure if there is an arrow on the filter for direction of airflow that the arrow is pointing toward the furnace/ air handler. This is the direction the air is pulling. From inside the house toward the system.
If you have to change the filter in a ceiling mount application, switch the fan to the on position on the thermostat before you open the grille. This will hold the old filter in place so it doesn’t hit you in the face. Then take the new filter and it should suck right into place while you lock the metal grate back down. A lot easier than trying to hold the filter in place and swing the grille up at the same time!
Do you have a newer furnace that is multi speed? Chances are that if you do, you can turn the thermostat fan on to circulate air through the filter and it runs it on the lowest speed setting. This is a great way to filter the air in your home even when you aren’t heating or cooling the house. If you don’t have this type of furnace, but have a newer thermostat with a “Circulate” option on the fan setting, try this. It just turns the fan on for a few minutes of every hour to circulate the air through the filter doing the same thing.
Stay tuned for more upcoming information on air cleaner upgrades for even higher quality air filtration!