A high-quality furnace filter can drastically reduce dust, allergens, and other particles floating in the air. The popular Allergen Defense Filter from Honeywell is an excellent choice, with more than 100 years of experience in the industry. It has an MPR of 1500-1900 and a MERV of 12, making it a great option for protecting your furnace and keeping the air in your home clean. The Allergen Defense Filter can capture even the smallest particles, with a MERV of 12 and an MPR of 1550.
This means that dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and smoke can all be eliminated from your home. If you're looking for an extra level of protection, the Air FilterBuy Silver is a great option. It has an improved filtration level that can protect you from 90% of harmful air particles. The Air FilterBuy Silver also has up to 14 folds per foot, which means it has a larger surface area and can attract more particles.
The higher the minimum value of the efficiency reports, the finer the filter and the more effective it will be. The thickness of the filter also determines its effectiveness in removing dust and dirt from the air that feeds the filter and circulates around your home. The most common thicknesses are 1 inch and 4 inch, so make sure to check your furnace before purchasing a filter. During a wildfire, you'll need to change filters more often than under normal air conditions.
There are some indicators that can help you know when it's time to replace one. The frames that hold 0.75-inch thick air filters together can withstand up to 200°F of heat, which exceeds the capacity of cardboard versions. The most common types of filters are pleated filters, electrostatic filters, polyester filters, reusable filters, synthetic filters, and HEPA filters. A recent innovation in air filters allows for high MERV ratings (11 to 1) with low pressure drop.
When filters become clogged and dirty, it can also cause an HVAC system to overheat, which not only affects the output of hot or cold air but can also damage the furnace itself. To combat symptoms and ensure that air quality at home is safe, Filtrete air filters are a good starting point. These are installed on wall-mounted return air grilles or on the air handler. FPR is the filter performance rating and is a rating system developed by Home Depot and used to classify filters sold in its stores.