Not all furnace filters are created equal. Standard one-inch filters often let air leak around the edges, while dynamic and media filters create a better seal and catch more.
Joe compares three filter types: basic one-inch filters, which restrict airflow to distant rooms and let air bypass around the edges when they get dirty; dynamic filters, which stay breathable while filtering out wildfire smoke; and 4-inch media filters, approved by the American Lung Association, which catch dust, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses while only needing to be changed once or twice a year.
For homeowners unsure which filter their system is currently running, this episode is a quick way to check whether an upgrade is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do one-inch filters restrict airflow to distant rooms?
They often don’t create a good seal, so air bypasses them, and once they get dirty they impede airflow to rooms farther from the furnace.
How often do 4-inch media filters need to be changed?
Media filters typically need changing once or twice a year, or every six to 12 months depending on factors like how many pets are in the home.
Full Transcript
Alright, welcome back to airing it out with Joe. This week, we’re gonna be talking about are my furnace filters actually working. So the few keen ways to identify whether or not your furnace filters are actually working.One is that if they’re gonna actually have a proper seal, how big are they? Are they restricted stuff like that? We’re gonna be going over on today’s video.
At the first filter we’re gonna talk about is your normal one inch filter you can get from Home Depot or everything else.You’ll see these filters on your return drop, what would call a guillotine door, um, going in at an angle or going into a filter box, kind of, like the one below this furnace right here sliding in or actually inside your furnace.
The problem with these is these do not create a good enough seal, air still gets around these and get your furnace dirty. On top of that, when these get a little bit dirty, they impede the airflow throughout your house. So you can have problems getting air to the upstairs or to farther rooms.
So your second option is gonna be those dynamic filters like we talked about in last week’s video. These dynamic filters are gonna be a really good option. They help with the wildfire smoke and they’re also very breathable. You can see how that light goes and shines through this filter.
When these get a little bit dirty, they still catch everything, but they still allow your system to breathe, and they make everything a lot better for your system.
Alright, the next best option is gonna be these media filters. These media filters are amazing option. We see a lot more homeowners going with them. They’re approved by the American Lung Association for their style and the way they’re designed. There are 4 inch filter accordion style that allows it to filter more dust and harmful stuff that you don’t wanna be breathing in, like pet dander, bacteria viruses, stuff like that.
Next best thing about these, you only have to change them once or twice a year. They’re good for up to six to 12 months, depending on your own living style.More pets probably means more changes at the end of the day. They’re simple, easy to have a rail system that you just slide them in on, and then adore. You just pop in. All right, I wanna thank you guys for watching this week’s video, next week’s video, stay tuned.