As far as home improvement gear goes, furnace filters are admittedly among the least, um… exciting. There’s none of the danger and raw efficacy of power tools, none of the visual impact of perfectly mitered crown molding, and certainly none of the reassurance that accompanies big investments like new windows or new roofing. But there can be big impact even in little things, and finding the right furnace filter can not only save money, but also improve air quality. Originally, filters were designed to protect the moving parts of the furnace itself, but thanks to technological advancements, filters now prevent harmful particles from cycling back into the air that you breathe at home. Below are five common options, available in all sizes and budgets. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) scale rates the efficiency on a scale of 1-20. Disposable fiberglass – this is the option that comes to mind when you think “furnace filter.” Created from 1″-thick spun fiberglass, it does little more than prevent larger particles like dust, lint, and debris from gunking up your system. 

MERV rating: 2-3, cost: $1-2 Pros: Very inexpensive, good for renters and those without allergies or asthma Cons: Has little to no effect on cleaning the air Disposable pleated – this popular option, made from polyester or cotton paper, can remove some small particles like spores and mites, but needs to be changed frequently to avoid clogging and taxing your HVAC system. MERV rating: 6, cost: $4-5 Pros: Relatively inexpensive, can be made from green materials, blocks some small particles Cons: Can add more resistance to air flow, making your system more expensive to operate Disposable electrostatic – contains self-charging electrostatic cotton or paper fibers that attract and trap small particles. MERV rating: 10, cost: $10 Pros: Affordable in standard sizes; good for homes with children, pets, or smokers Cons: Custom sizes are expensive, high costs if replaced regularly over several years Permanent electrostatic – similar to their disposable brethren, these contain self-charging cotton fibers that attract particles.

Permanent options have  a removable, machine-washable filter that can be removed and reused for six to eight years. carrier air purifier pricesMERV rating: 8, cost: $15-20air duct cleaning for apartments Pros: Little waste, more effective than pleated; philips air cleaner 75a good option if you use a popular size Cons: Less effective than electrostatic, custom sizes are expensive High-efficiency pleated – the grandaddy of furnace filters. These are made from deep 4-5″ pleated synthetic cotton, attached to very rigid metal grid to prevent leaks or fluttering. MERV: 14-16, cost: $100 Pros: Used in hospitals, these screen out the smallest of particles. May be very helpful for those with respiratory problems or autoimmune disorders

Cons: Expensive – $100 a year, and can only be installed in special housing due to thick size For more on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, consider: Radiant Floor Heating 101 Gas Fireplaces: A Showcase of Design and Innovation Quick Tip: Ventilation for the Home That means millions of unwanted airborne particles are being inhaled by you and your family.  Airborne pollutants like pollen, dust, pet hair, dander, viruses, dust mites, spores, tobacco and cooking smoke can damage your draperies, upholstery and even your heating & air conditioning system. Allergy sufferers know, that even trace pollutants can trigger miserable allergic reactions and the quality of your home's indoor air becomes even more critical to your comfort.Most Maryland homes use ordinary throwaway furnace filters to clean the air, capturing only about 5-15% of the air's polluting particles. Here are some indoor air facts that you should be aware of; Notice that we said solutions, we have found, that a combination of approaches works best to remedy your indoor air problems. 

Humidifiers and/or a UV "ultra violet air cleaning & treatment system, are just a few other products worthy of your consideration that will work in tandem with your new furnace air cleaner or filter, helping you and your family breathe the freshest air in your neighborhood. Listed below are several Md furnace air cleaner & air filter options to help filter the air that passes through your Maryland home's duct system and your lungs.  Your HVAC technician will provide you with complete indoor air cleaner solutions! Md air cleanerfurnace air filters: Md media air cleanerfurnace filters: For Your Freshest Indoor Air... 301.249.0300 • 410.451.HVAC • 1.888.8BELAIRSpecial Offer Plumbing | Frigidaire Electronic Air Cleaner Works 24/7: Every minute of the day your air cleaner is working hard for you by purifying the indoor air by taking it through four stages of filtration. Cleaner Air: Electronic Air Cleaners remove airborne contaminates through the principle of electrostatic precipitation.

The friendly cleansing ions treat your indoor air by suppressing bacteria growth, suppressing mold growth, suppressing viruses and reducing odors. Effective: The lifetime, environmentally-friendly filtration system is designed to remove lung-damaging air pollutants down to 0.01 micron. It attacks all three classes of indoor air contaminants, particles, bioaerosols and odors/chemical vapors – when an optional Carbon Filter is added. An electronic air cleaner can be one of the best things you add to your home heating and cooling system. It uses innovative technology to filter out even the smallest particles from your indoor air. Frigidaire Ultra Violet Germicidal Light SystemWe at BPA have assembled what we consider to be a list of the most effective home air purifiers and that improve indoor air quality by removing... HEPA home air purifiers and electronic air cleaners below have been chosen for their unique qualities that make them best for a given application.