Posted on

Furnace Filters

We are well into winter and our furnaces are working hard to keep our homes and families warm. This is also the time of year we get questions coming in from our customers regarding their furnace filters. The two main questions asked are:

  • Is a furnace filter the same thing as an air conditioning filter?
  • I just learned my furnace has a filter. How do I change it?

If you find yourself asking the same questions, read on to see the answers!

Is a furnace filter the same thing as an air conditioning filter?

Furnace Filters - What are they and how do I change them?The answer to this question is YES if your house or home has central heat and air conditioning. It is also YES if your house or home has a separate cooling (HVAC or AC) unit and heating (furnace) unit as they both typically share the same air-handler. Since the air-handler is the exact area your air filter resides, both systems share the same filter. Air will flow through your air-handler whether you’re cooling your home in the heat of the summer or warming it during the winter months. It is important that the airflow not be constricted or impeded or strain will be placed on your furnace/AC unit, causing less efficiency and can eventually lead to damage to your unit.

In many newer homes and houses and those that are located in climates that only require moderate cooling and heating, a heat pump may be installed which is your AC/heating unit. More efficient than traditional separated AC and furnace systems, the heat pump model uses the same compressor and the same air-handler. So, in this case, the answer to this question is YES once again! Your heating and air conditioning filters are one and the same.

During this time of your it is important to remember to replace or change your furnace/AC filter to make sure you continue to be prepared for the cold weather. Also commonly known as whole house air filters, you want your furnace filter to be clean in order for it to continuously provide you and your family with the freshest air possible without issue during the winter months.

I just learned my furnace has a filter. How do I change it?

This question is most often asked by homeowners who don’t have central air conditioning systems. In older homes, especially across the Northern states and sections of the US, many houses do not have a central heating and air conditioning system, rather they have individual wall-mounted AC units (or no air conditioning at all) and a separate furnace.

In these cases, here are the proper steps to change your furnace filter:

  1. First and foremost, turn the furnace off! Next, find where your filter is housed. It will either be located inside your furnace, or sometimes it is located inside of the air return vent. Before removing, take notice of the little arrow on the filter (before removing) which indicates the direction of the air flow. We recommend taking a non-erasable marker/pen and marking the air flow direction on the outside of your furnace to make sure you always remember the correct way to re-install future furnace filters. You can proceed to remove the existing filter.
  2. When removing the old filter, take a look on the frame of the filter for the size. If you happen to find that there is no filter in place, follow these measurement guidelines to make sure you purchase the correct sized filter.
  3. Purchase the right filter for your furnace. A quality filter will make sure that dust, pollen, and smoke are removed from the air, plus ensure that you and your family breathe the freshest air possible while your furnace is in use.
  4. You are now ready to install your new filter. If covered with a plastic wrapper, be sure to remove the wrapper before installation. Looking for the markings that indicate the airflow direction and simply slide the new filter in place. Close or replace any cover that was previously over it. To make sure you know when it’s time to change the filter again, it’s a good idea to write down the date you changed your filter in your records or even right on the filter itself.

Selecting the Right Furnace Filter

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. Although not exactly rocket science, choosing the best furnace filter to replace your old one can be a bit of a challenge. What MERV rating is best for my family? Is there an advantage to getting a higher-rated filter? Am I paying the right price? At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have.

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

If you have any questions about furnace filters (or any other questions about AC, custom air filters, Whole House filters or Grille filters), we have an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We carry humidifier filters and pads for all major manufacturers (including Air King, American Standard, AprilaireGeneralAire and Honeywell). We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

 

 

 

Posted on

Covid Virus and Home Air Conditioning Filters

Research has been ongoing to understand COVID-19’s transmission and spread since it began way back in January of 2020.

CDC guidance indicates that COVID-19 primarily spreads through large respiratory droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes, but there’s mounting scientific evidence indicating that even smaller virus particles can stay in the air and infect people as they breathe.

These risks are greatly increased in enclosed spaces with smaller particles, such as your home, where the air isn’t circulated as often, and you may be interacting directly with others.

In such a situation, the air conditioning filter in your home is the first line of defense against airborne transmission and is  the easiest to replace.

Air Cleaners and HVAC Filters

Air filters and air cleaners are equipped to remove pollutants and contaminants from the air. By purifying and cleaning the air, airborne contaminants, such as viruses, can be reduced. When extra ventilation with external air is not possible without compromising indoor comfort (temperature or humidity), or when outdoor air pollution is excessive, portable air cleaners (also known as air purifiers) can be very useful.

Air cleaners and HVAC Filters in Homes

There are a variety of air conditioning filters and cleaners available, including;

  • Air Filters and Furnace Filters

    The primary purpose of air conditioning filter and furnace filters is to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on your system’s vital components. As a result, dust, pollen, and pet dander are collected and reduced, as well as airborne viruses. US Home Filter offers a wide range of MERV ratings and sizes to fit your specific requirements.

  • Whole House Air Filters

    A whole-house air filter is also called a residential air cleaner, a media filter, or a whole-house air cleaner. All of them protect your HVAC system, remove contaminants from the air, and improve indoor air quality. Due to the large surface area of these large filters, they only require replacing every 6-12 months.

  • Grille Filters

    The grille filters are used in return air vents, in-wall and ceiling grilles, and in-ceiling grilles as well. Ideally, the grille should extend 7 inches behind the wall. In this way, it will be possible to install the filter and let air flow through it. Compared to standard 1-in filters, grille filters offer greater airflow and efficiency due to their increased surface area and depth.

  • Humidifier Pads

    When it’s cold outside, humidity helps to stop your skin from drying out because of the furnace. Having a humidifier in your home can also help you save on energy costs! By reintroducing moisture to the air, the air can feel warmer and more comfortable despite its lower temperature.

Air Cleaners and HVAC Filters & Coronavirus

While portable air conditioning filters have not yet been proven to filter out COVID-19, there is research to support the assumption that an air purifier can filter common airborne viruses, provided the air is captured by the system.

As mentioned earlier, an air cleaner, a furnace, or an HVAC system filters the air throughout a home. It can improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutants in the air, such as viruses. HVAC filters and portable air cleaners do not provide enough protection against COVID-19. However, when combined with other best practices such as filtration can help keep people safe indoors.

To mention a few, bipolar ionization can be used in HVAC systems or portable air cleaners to produce positively and negatively charged particles. Some manufacturers market these devices for removing viruses from the air, including SARS-2-CoV, which causes COVID-19, or for disinfecting surrounding surfaces such as doors, windows, and other surfaces.

A limited amount of research has been done to evaluate this technology outside of lab conditions, as it is an emerging technology. Newer technologies are typically less well documented in terms of safety and effectiveness than older ones. Nevertheless, it can generate ozone and other potentially harmful by-products indoors, unless specific precautions are taken in the product design and maintenance.

It is also possible to supplement increased HVAC system ventilation and filtration with portable air cleaners, especially in areas where adequate ventilation is difficult to achieve. When the airflow is directed away from people, it reduces the chance that infectious viral droplets will spread from person to person.

It may not be possible to prevent viruses with air filtration methods. Keeping your hands clean and disinfecting surfaces is still essential. In the end, more infections are contracted while you’re outside (at work, shopping, etc.) than at home. However, keeping your home clean and safe from dirt must not be avoided.
Shop Now with US Home Filter and Receive Free Shipping!

You may find it challenging and confusing to select the right filter for your home to take necessary air precautions for COVID-19. US Home Filter understands this, which is why we have an experienced staff on hand to answer any questions you may have. If you require assistance with selecting an air filter, please contact us now online or call (855) 237-1673, and we’ll do our best to help you. Bringing you satisfaction is our goal! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and FREE SHIPPING on all air filter orders within the contiguous United States.