Filters are cheap - Furnace Filter Friday

Maureen while there is some logic in this----in terms of the health of the furnace----however, it falls a little short in terms of air quality.  I always recommend REALLY good filters and change them as often as they need it.  In some house, once a month is enough in others once or twice a year might be OK.  The really good filters have tons more surface area than the cheapo ones and this helps compensate for them doing a better job.

I have a 17 year old builder's grade furnace that gets mid-range, or better, filters.

Not buying the ones that you can read the newspaper through anymore...

maureen,Thank you for the post.I do not know much about filters except that they need to be clean and changed often.

Good morning Maureen,

I voted. Thanks for the opportunity..I do not agree with buying the cheaper filters. I've always been told it is better and helps the efficiency of your system to go with a better filter and change it monthly!!

Hi Maureen, I agree that you should not put the cheapest filter in the furnace, but there are limits.  Some of the newest and most expensive filters don't offer any more protection for the air quality than some others.  I suggest that the homeowner read the filter packaging before they buy and make sure that they get the appropriate filter for their needs.  Hospitals use 99% filtration in their operating rooms and electronic filtration in conjunction. Unless you are doing some after hours surgery 99% filtration is a little over the top.  Check to see if the filter is capable of filtering out what the homeowner needs filtered. The idustry MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) can be used.  I usually recommend a MERV of 10, but it really depends on the homeowners needs.

Maureen, people get all excited about Heppa filters as being soo wonderful besides expensive. I am not a filter expert, I would think if you put a cheap one in and change it often it would be better than having an expensive and never changing it. Just my two cents.