How to choose a furnace airfilter

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I have a furnace/air-conditioner that can support filters of various thicknesses: 1", 2", or 4". Filters are available in various MERV ratings. How should I decide which filter to use?

Best Answer

Depends a bit on your furnace. If you have someone that services your furnace, ask them.

I used to use a pleated filter with a high MERV value. The second time my furnace broke when it was well below 0 degrees, I spent some time talking with the service man. Apparently the type of furnace I have does not draw air through these filters as well as it should. This causes this part to burn out.

I now use the filters that are fiberglass screens and no longer have the problem.