Just How Efficiently Can A Furnace Filter Function?

Name: Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric
Address: 325 Hopping Brook Rd, 01746, Holliston, MA
Telephone: 508-321-3089
Rating: 5

Being locked inside our Norfolk MA homes during summer heat and frigid winter temperatures means we're also locked up with indoor contaminants. Furnace filters can help to keep indoor air quality at acceptable levels, and it also keeps the furnace clean. To select an efficient furnace filter, you should know what efficiency ratings to look for:

MERV: This is the best method for rating the filtration quality of any furnace filter. MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, rates a filter's ability to trap particles. Most particles are so small that the human eye cannot see them, and they are measured via microns.
Pressure Drop: This rating shows how well a filter maintains airflow. When a filter is dirty (or full), the pressure drop increases and the furnace's efficiency decreases. When a filter is clean, the pressure drop decreases and the furnace's efficiency increases. Therefore, you'll want to select a filter with the lowest pressure drop rating possible.
Dust Holding Capacity: This metric reveals the filter's capacity to hold dust within a particular pressure drop. Don't compare filters with different dust holding capacity pressure drops, as you'll be comparing their efficiency at different airflow levels.
Initial and Sustained Efficiency: A filter is rated in its "initial" state to show how well it works before used; then, a filter's sustained rating shows its efficiency over its lifetime of use (generally a month or two).

How will understanding these ratings help you select a filter? It's all about airflow and particles:

Choosing a filter that is very dense means it can trap the tiniest particles, but it will restrict airflow. Your equipment needs to "breathe." If it doesn't, you are (a) overworking your furnace, (b) reducing your equipment's efficiency and, (c) not cleaning the air effectively. Therefore, a furnace filter has to walk a fine line between density and airflow, and you can use these ratings (and your system's manufacturer's guide) to select the right furnace filter.

If you need help with finding the proper filter for your equipment, contact Rodenhiser. It's our business to know how your home comfort equipment should operate for maximum efficiency.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.

Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Norfolk MA. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

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^*Conditions apply, not applicable with any other offer, nor off any trip or diagnostic fee, or previous service. No cash value. Call For details. ^*For WEB-AC-CHECK Offer also: Promotional price limited to 1 system per home, additional units will be billed at full price. Refrigerant not included. Includes standard 1in air filter, other sizes subject to additional charges. Residential systems only. Must reside within our service area. *For WEB-A-50 Offer also: Not valid on preventative maintenance nor prior purchases. *For WEB-A-75 Offer also: Call or see specials page for more information. *For WEB-H-3250 Offer also: Subject to rebate eligibility and qualifying system choice. The $189 A/C System check examines and assesses the mechanical parts of the air conditioning system. Refrigerant not included. Promotional price applicable to 1 unit per household, additional units will charged at standard rate. Limited to residential homes within our service area. *$79 per drain. The $79 drain evaluation offer does not include any modifications, such as the installation of cleanouts or access points, required to perform the inspection on older homes with limited access to existing plumbing infrastructure. Conditions apply, not compatible with any other offer or discount.
^*Heating system check terms and conditions: Residential Only. Must reside within our service area. Offer only available to 1 unit per household additional units are at full price. Can not be combined with other offers
^*Late Season Special Extra Conditions: Gas Systems only. No Discounts on oil systems. Promotional price limited to one system per home, additional systems will be charged at full price. Residential Systems only. Must reside within our service area. ^*For EV Charger Offer also: valid only when the system is purchased through Rodenhiser.