- Disposable furnace filters are the least-expensive kinds available. However, they are also the least effective in filtering and cleaning indoor air. They are only designed to trap large dirt and dust particle, earning them the industry moniker "Birds and Bugs" filters. And the cost can add up because they need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days.
- Permanent furnace filters offer significantly more efficient air filtration than the disposable kind. They are designed to be permanently installed. To ensure that the furnace works efficiently, these filters need to be washed regularly.
- There are two main types of disposable furnace filters: fiberglass and odor-relief. Fiberglass furnace filters are produced from dense fiberglass or other man-made materials to maximize their filtration capacity. The fiberglass is thermally bonded between two heavy-duty metal grids that gives it some rigidity.
- Odor-relief furnace filters eliminate odors, fumes and pollutants, such as those emitted from cigarettes, food, mold and pets. They trap odor-generating molecules using an active-carbon medium, similar to that used in high-quality air purifiers. The pleated design of these odor-absorbing furnace filter provides a larger surface area for capturing air pollutants.
- The most common types of permanent furnace filters are the pleated and electrostatic varieties. Pleated filters feature fabric pleats that suck the emissions from the furnace, capturing harmful air particles. Electrostatic furnace filters use static electricity to clean the air. The filter's static charge attracts and captures airborne particles, trapping them until they are washed out.
- Changing or cleaning your furnace filter at the recommended intervals ensures optimal functioning of the appliance and guarantees a cleaner, fresher smell and healthier indoor air. A buildup of dirt, dust and dander can clog up any furnace filter, resulting in airflow resistance, which forces your furnace to work harder and may even damage components.
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