Does the Brand of Furnace Filter Really Matter?

When it comes to furnace filters, what's really important is the filter rating. For instance, you can purchase replacement Honeywell oven filters from several filter manufacturers. These are made to the same specifications as the brand name filter. All you need to do is select a filter size and a MERV rating that meets your needs.

Often referred to as OEM filters or original equipment manufacturers, they are produced by the brand name company. There are also many aftermarket or discounted home air filters available for purchase. So what's the difference? In terms of cost, OEM filters are usually much more expensive since you're paying for one brand. When it comes to the material from which each air filter is made, they look and feel identical.

The only difference you may notice is if the OEM filter material is limited or has a patented design. The other difference is simply the brand and name of the oven filter. However, when it comes to generic oven filters, there's no difference in quality. The OEM filter is manufactured by the brand manufacturer, while the generic equivalent (also known as an aftermarket product) is usually not created by that manufacturer, but is designed to fit and perform as well as the OEM.

If you want to go further, buy 3 different types of filters and take readings with each of them at once in the filter slot. Also consider having a layer of dirt on them. If a clean filter is about to be out of parameters, chances are that if it's dirty it will go out of specification. This means that if the air pressure readings with the clean filter are close to not being in the parameters of what should be ideal readings on the reference sheet, chances are that with that filter it's dirty or slightly dirty and not in the parameters. For more information on individual products that use filters, such as air purifiers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, refer to their specific buying guides.

If you use a washable filter, make sure to dry it before reinstalling it to keep moisture out of the ducts. He later chaired the ASHRAE 52.2 committee, which regularly updates the standard to address changes in filter technology. With a patented algorithm that detects airflow to track filter usage, users can worry less about changing the filter at the right time. There are also visual cues you can look for when judging if you should replace your oven filter. We think manufacturers' concerns are a little cautious, partly because a recent innovation in air filters allows for high MERV ratings (11 to 1) with low pressure drop. Available in a variety of sizes and usually at a lower price than other similar competitors, this pleated electret filter traps just about anything you'd breathe at home. However, contrary to these warnings, there's a mountain of owners' testimonies that MERV filters 11, 12 and even 13 have worked well in their systems for years. Many blower motors run at a higher speed in air conditioning mode than in heating mode, which means you have to change filters more often in summer. If your HVAC system uses a coarser filter (typically in the 4 to 5 inch range and typically mounted on the air handler), it's likely designed specifically for medium efficiency MERV filtration. I found that low-fold accordion filters tended to be restrictive even when they were new ones fresh out of the wrapper.

Protecting the oven is the main task of the filter and a pleatless filter that provides sufficient airflow may be all you need. You should replace the filter along with the change of season as regular maintenance ensures that the filter isn't clogged with dust, pet hair and other airborne particles which can reduce oven efficiency. The stark truth is that OEM filters can be up to 60 percent more expensive than their generic counterparts.