Air and Furnace Filters

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Reduce Indoor Air Pollution and Use Less Energy with Furnace Filters

One of the simplest steps you can take to ensure good air quality in your home is to use air and furnace filters. There are many filters available on the market, so how do you choose the right filter for your Phoenix or Tucson area home? Factors to consider when choosing your air or furnace filter include filter size and type, MERV rating, and material.

Air Filter Type & Size

  • One inch filters – the most common type, found in supermarkets and home supply stores.
  • 4-5 inch filters – these provide good airflow, but aren’t great at collecting particles less than one micron in size.
  • Electrostatic filters – good at filtering pollutants, but can restrict air flow.

MERV Rating

Air and furnace filters with higher MERV ratings provide more effective air filtration, but can also be less energy efficient.

  • MERV 1-4:        60-80%
  • MERV 5-8:        80-95% (ideal for filtration and airflow)
  • MERV 9-12:    >95%
  • MERV 13-16:  >98%

Material

  • Fiberglass – Most common type of air filter.
  • Polyester & Pleated Fiber – Similar to fiberglass but have higher resistance to airflow and superior dust-stopping ability.
  • HEPA – Filter air passing through them at a very fine scale.
  • Electronic – Known as air ionizers, these filters use fibers or elements with a static electric charge to attract dust particles.

How effective is your air filter?

There is a fast and easy test you can do to find out how effective your air filter is. While standing outside or over your sink, hold the filter horizontally and pour salt through it. The amount of salt that flows through lets you know how effective the furnace filter is. If some salt flows through, that filter will let dust the same size flow through, meaning it isn’t a very effective air or furnace filter. If little to no salt flows through, the filter is highly effective and will not let much through.

When you think Air Filters, think Alaskan!

Call or contact Alaskan Air Conditioning and Heating today to learn more about air and furnace filters and how they can improve your Phoenix or Tucson’s air quality.

Why Choose Alaskan Air Conditioning and Heating for your Furnace Filter?

The NATE certified professionals at Alaskan Air Conditioning and Heating have served Phoenix and Tucson for over 45 years. Our highly educated and expertly trained technicians have comprehensive knowledge of filter types and capabilities  and can help you choose the right air filter to keep your home’s air clean and healthy.