Are all air filters created equal? The answer is no. HVAC air filters vary in quality, dimensions, and features. In most cases, it's best to use the filter that your HVAC manufacturer recommends for your system. All filters are assigned MERV ratings, ranging from 1 to 20.
OEM filters, or original equipment manufacturers, are produced by the brand name company. There are also many aftermarket or discounted home air filters available for purchase. So what's the difference? Generally, the biggest difference you'll see is the cost of HVAC filters. OEM filters are often more expensive because you pay for one brand. When comparing the material from which each air filter is made, they will look and feel identical. The only difference you may notice is if the OEM filter material is limited or has a patented design.
The other difference you may notice is simply the brand and name of the oven filter. What's important is the filter rating. For example, replacement Honeywell oven filters can be purchased through several filter manufacturers. They are manufactured to the same specifications as the brand name filter. Simply choose a filter size and a MERV rating that meets your needs.
Air filters and oven filters are the same thing and are also known as AC filters, air conditioning filters, and HVAC filters. Therefore, a 20x25x4 air filter is the same element as a 20x25x4 oven filter. If you search for this item, somewhere will list it as 20 x 25 x 4 air filters or 20 x 25 x 4 filters. The sizes of these air filters are all the same. Not all filters are created equal, quality really matters, especially when buying an air filter.
In areas with high air pollution, an air filter with quality components can make a difference between a healthy and an unhealthy living environment. Indoor air quality is a crucial element for any homeowner, especially if your household members have respiratory problems. The right HVAC filters can make the difference between clogged air full of contaminants and clean air that is healthy and easy to breathe. Understanding the different types of air filters for homes is the first step to getting the best indoor air quality you deserve. A household air filter is simply a simple filter and they all work the same, right? Not even close. The overall air quality in your home won't be the same with cheap replacement filters.
As with many things in life, you get what you pay for, and the same goes for high-quality household and oven air filters. Keep reading for a complete guide to HVAC air filters that will answer all your questions, or watch a short video to learn how air filters work. You can check the MERV rating, which is a scale that determines filter efficiency from a low level of 1 to a high filter index of 20. But when it comes time to replace it, does it really matter what type of filter you choose? Aren't all filters basically the same? Or, thanks to today's smart home technology, you can even purchase smart filters such as 3M Filtrete smart air filters that use sensors to monitor airflow. Ensuring that the filter fits correctly in your HVAC system means making sure that it is not only the correct length and width, but also the thickness of the filter. It's one of the best types of AC filters because it's cost-effective, disposable, and protects air conditioners and ovens from dirt. Filters don't need to fit a “tight seal”, but you should be able to easily install and uninstall the filter effortlessly. The Lennox filter below shows part number X0583 and Honeywell part numbers FC100A1029 and FC35A1001 which this filter can replace.
No need to modify the HVAC unit. In the same vein as all air filters are not the same, the way your HVAC unit will be affected by different filters is not the same either. To properly install household air filters, check which direction the arrows on the side of the filter point in. Not all filters are built equal, so choosing the right filter depends on what you need to purify the air. Most air conditioning and HVAC units use standard-size filters, but some require custom-sized air filter purchases and installations. Some people need HVAC system filters that keep allergens and other contaminants out of their home's air while others just need a basic filter to get by. A high-efficiency filter can restrict airflow so you should avoid a filter that doesn't fit specifications or compensate for it by hiring an HVAC specialist to increase fan power to circulate enough air through your system. While certain types of air filters come with reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an eco-friendly way to save money. In conclusion, when it comes to choosing an HVAC system or oven filter for your home or business there are many factors to consider such as size, MERV rating, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness and more.
It's important to understand how each type of filter works in order to make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.
