One of the easiest things you can do as a homeowner to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently is to change the filter.  Spring Lake furnace maintenance technicians recommend changing the filter every few months.  As the change of seasons is upon us, it is a good time to take a look at your furnaces filter and see if it is ready for a change.

There are a lot of options when it comes to filters for your furnace.  How do you know which one to choose?  If you have reviewed all the options and are ultimately unable to select a filter type, contact a trusted furnace maintenance company in Spring Lake for their recommendation.

The Rating System for Air Filters

Let’s discuss the rating system of furnace filters.  It is known as the minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV.   The ratings start with 1 and go up from there with the lower end filtering out common things like pollen, dust mites, and small fibers and the higher end filtering out things like carbon dust, smoke, and virus.  Most homes will use a filter in the 1 to 13 range where hospitals and electronic cleanrooms need filters on the highest end of the scale.

An average homeowner will select a filter on the MERV scale rating somewhere on the range from 1-8.   A filter with a MERV rating around 7-8 is a good balance between rating and cost.  However, if you have someone in your home that is very susceptible to airborne particles, you may want to get a better filter with a MERV rating closer to 11 or 13.  With a higher rated filter, you have to run the furnace fan more often to truly see the benefit due to its restricted air flow.  You will not only be spending a bit more for the filter, you will be using a lot more energy, and your furnace fan will be in use a lot more causing increased wear. 

Many home furnaces are not built to deal with the added resistance of a high rated filter.  These are all things to consider that when making your decision.  If you are unsure of which rating filter to choose, place a call to your favorite furnace maintenance company in Spring Lake.

When to Upgrade Your Filter

If you find yourself, your family, or your housemates and guests complaining about headaches or congestion, it may be time to not only change your filter, but upgrade to a higher rated filter.  There are a few common clues that indicate the filter you have may not be the best for your home.  If you find more than 1 of the below indicators are true for you, talk to your Spring Lake furnace maintenance technician about an upgrade.

• A member of your home experiences asthma
• You have pets
• Your home seems to be dusty all the time despite cleaning
• Headaches or congestion are common complaints among people in your home
• Odors remain in your home regardless of attempts to rid them or your home smells stuffy

A Spring Lake furnace maintenance expert can give you a recommendation

With so many choices available to you when it comes to furnace filters, it’s best to ask a Spring Lake furnace maintenance professional at Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning what they recommend.  They will probably ask you a few questions about your home life to get an idea of what MERV rating filter would be best for your furnace.

More on Spring Lake Furnace Maintenance Tips

An update for our readers on furnace maintenance in Spring Lake

Keeping the space around your furnace clean and clear is not only a matter of cleanliness but also a crucial aspect of ensuring its efficiency and safety. Dirt, debris, and clutter can significantly interfere with the operation of your furnace. Disarray and mess around your furnace can lead to fire hazards, reduced efficiency, and even premature breakdowns.

Firstly, a clutter-free area around the furnace ensures proper airflow. Furnaces require a certain amount of air circulation to operate efficiently. If the vents and air intakes are blocked by debris or household items, it can strain the system. Just as with a dirty air filter, this reduces efficiency and increases energy costs. Moreover, restricted airflow can cause the furnace to overheat, posing a serious risk of damage to the furnace components or, in extreme cases, leading to fires.

Secondly, dirt and dust accumulation can be harmful to the furnace’s internal parts. Over time, dirt builds up inside the furnace. This build-up clogs filters and affects the performance of critical components like the blower motor and heat exchanger. This diminishes the furnace’s efficiency and also puts undue stress on these components, leading to wear and tear that could necessitate costly repairs or replacement sooner than expected.

Furthermore, keeping the area around your furnace clean reduces the risk of accidental fires. Items stored too close to the furnace can be fire hazards, especially if they are flammable. Regular cleaning and ensuring a clear space around the furnace can significantly reduce this risk, protecting your home and family.

In conclusion, the importance of maintaining a clean area around your furnace cannot be overstated. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the efficiency, safety, and longevity of your heating system.