When it comes to choosing the right furnace filter for your home, there are a few things to consider. The most important factor is the MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This rating indicates how effective the filter is at trapping particles in the air. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter will be at trapping dust, pollen, allergens, bacteria and other air pollutants.
Typical MERV ratings for residential furnace filters range from 6 to 12. If you are concerned about indoor air quality, the Environmental Working Group recommends a MERV 10 or higher. For residential ovens, filters range from 4 to 12 on the MERV scale. A basic MERV 4 filter is probably the cheapest, but it won't trap certain small particles (such as dust mites and pet dander) that might be in your home. If your family has health problems or allergies, then you may want to look for a high-efficiency filter that is MERV 11 or higher. But for most homes, a MERV 7 or 8 filter could be the sweet spot between performance and cost. You might wonder why oven filter prices range so wide and if you'll get your money's worth with an expensive one.
Cheap woven fiberglass filters do one thing to remove dirt and debris that could damage your oven blower motor, while removing some of the pollen and mold spores. Pleated filters are made of paper and polyester and do a good job of filtering out most household particles and allergens. A clogged filter can cause both the oven and the air conditioner to work harder and less efficiently. The higher MERV rating means that an air filter will capture the most dust, while the lower rating means that a filter will capture the least amount of dust. No filter manufacturer can predict how long their filters will last because none of them know the dust conditions in your home, so you should check it often. To be safe, you should check if your oven manufacturer has a maximum MERV rating that your oven model can use.
Permanent reusable filters (also known as washable filters) are built with a solid aluminum or plastic frame and are more efficient than a disposable filter. It's best to confirm what your MERV rating converts to to make sure you're using a safe filter for your oven. Because of their lower quality, disposable fiberglass filters need to be serviced and replaced more frequently than pleated filters. Simply choose the size of your air filter, choose how often you want to replace it, and we'll make sure your new filter is there when you need it. The main purpose of an oven filter is to protect the blower fan from all the dust, hair and other dirt that the return duct carries.
The wrong type of air filter can force your oven to work harder and increase the risk of it breaking.
