Are furnace filters necessary?

Are furnace filters necessary?

A furnace filter doesn’t just purify your air, it keeps the inner mechanisms of your HVAC system functioning properly. Without a furnace filter, dirt, dander, and debris won’t be cleaned out of the air, which can be bad for you and your family’s health.

What happens if you don’t change your furnace filter?

Without a new air filter, the furnace will overheat every time it starts up again. This is referred to as short cycling. Dirty furnace filters cause your furnace to work harder than it should due to a decrease in airflow. The harder your furnace works, the quicker its parts will wear out and need repairs.

Do furnace filters make a difference?

A clean filter will not only allow your furnace and A/C to operate at peak performance, thus saving you money on energy bills, but it will also prolong the life of your furnace.

What is the difference between a furnace filter and an air filter?

However, if you have separate heating and cooling systems, your furnace and air conditioner may require different filters. In terms of function, there is no difference between the two as they’re both designed to serve the same purpose: protect your system from harmful air particles and improve air quality.

Can you run your furnace without a filter?

Technically, you can temporarily run a furnace without a filter. The consequences of running a furnace without a filter include: Poor air quality: For one, not having a filter in place means there is nothing to prevent dust and debris from being sucked into your furnace and recirculated throughout your home.

How do I know if my furnace filter is dirty?

What Are the Symptoms of a Dirty Air Filter?

1. Filter is a different color.
2. Energy bills are higher than usual.
3. Low air flow.
4. Rise in physical issues.
5. Headaches.
6. Allergies.
7. Carbon monoxide poisoning.
8. Forces HVAC systems to work harder.

Why are furnace filters so expensive?

Furnace filters have been getting more effective in collecting dirt and dust particles since at least the early 1980’s, with corresponding increases in costs of production and profits and costs. The smaller the particle that the filter will trap, the more expensive it is to produce and buy.

Should I buy expensive furnace filters?

Yes, in general, the more expensive air filters are more effective, but a single person with no pets and allergies might not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Also consider how long your air filter will last.

What type of furnace filter is best?

Furnace manufacturers prefer the traditional spun fiberglass ac filters (MERV 2). These filter out enough of the large particles to protect the furnace while providing maximum airflow.

Are expensive filters worth it?

More expensive filters like Pleated Residential filters filter out dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander and even bacteria and so are worth the money especially for those with severe allergies. HEPA filters filter bacteria and viruses and are worth the extra money for those with respiratory conditions like emphysema.

Are HEPA filters worth the money?

High-efficiency particulate air filters are one of the most effective and commonly used filters. HEPA filters will effectively remove most allergens, dust, pollen and mold from the air. However, they won’t remove viruses or VOCs.

Are filter buy good filters?

Filterbuy and Filtrete both offer pleated air filters. They are superior to fiberglass filters and tend to be more cost-effective over the long-term. We exclusively sell pleated air filters because they are more durable and provide better filtration.

Why are filters so expensive?

The Real Reason HEPA Filters are So Expensive Put simply, it comes down to psychology and marketing. We buy HEPA filters and air purifiers to protect our health. And we really value our health. Companies market and sell their HEPA filters with a higher price tag to make their filters look superior.

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive air filters?

In general the difference between cheap and expensive air purifiers is how many different types of pollutants can they remove from the air, their air cleaning effectiveness, their room size coverage, and the features and options they offer.

How much does a HEPA filter cost?

HEPA filters should be tested at least annually. Replacement filters can cost as much as $200 (average is $75 – $150). Many air cleaner brands using HEPA filters now require that you change the filters at least once and often twice a year in order to validate the unit’s warranty.

What is in a HEPA filter?

HEPA filters are high efficiency filters that typically capture over 99.5% of all particulate pollution. They’re made from either plastic (PP+PET) or fiberglass, and can capture things like pollen, viruses, bacteria, mold and PM2. 5. Diffusion also means they are highly effective at capturing nanoparticles too.

Are HEPA filters dangerous?

While HEPA filters do release a very small number of fiberglass particles into the air, their overall effect on the human body is negligible.