Trusted HVAC Contractors in Naperville, IL

Q: How do I choose an air filter for my furnace? What furnace air filter should I buy/use? A: It's VERY important to NOT use a filter that will RESTRICT air flow to your furnace. It can actually HURT the system and destroy the motor. It will cause the motor to work extra hard to pull air through the return system, and cause the motor to overheat, DAMAGE the heat exchanger. The MERV rating on the filter is what is used to reference the "efficiency" value of the filter to dust and particles. It's also = to resistance in the filter. Higher the MERV, higher the resistance. Some micro filters used for allergies and pollen have very high MERV values (MERV 13), however, these can actually DESTROY your furnace. Some choose the complete opposite and use the cheap fiberglass filters (2 MERV). Those don't do ENOUGH to filter particles or dust, and allow too MUCH to pass, allowing dust build-up on the motor and components, which also causes overheating and other issues, leading to failure and emergency service calls. When choosing an AIR FILTER for your furnace, we recommend choosing an INEXPENSIVE PLEATED filter with a rating around 7 MERV and changing it more often. By using a standard white, pleated, air filter with a lower MERV rating, and changing the filter more often, you will still collect the smaller particles and allergens, without choking the return air system, and without causing stress to your furnace or overheating of the heat exchanger.