In about 87% of homes, a "furnace filter" and an "air filter" refer to the exact same component. You only need one filter for your central HVAC system. Running multiple filters simultaneously restricts airflow, lowers efficiency, and can severely damage your blower motor.
Are Furnace Filters and Air Filters the Same Thing? For most modern HVAC systems, yes. Both terms typically describe the filter that: Works year-round for heating and cooling.
Air filters trap dust and debris to protect HVAC systems. Air purifiers remove smaller particles, allergens, and pollutants. Filters are essential for system maintenance; purifiers enhance indoor air quality. Combining both offers optimal protection and comfort.
A dirty filter is a breeding ground for bacteria, and too much build-up will cause the filter to break down and let some gunk through. Your AC will then circulate the dirty air through your home, which can lead to a sore throat from air conditioning. That's why most modern window ACs include a “Check Filter” light.
Most homes require at least two air filters: one for the air handler and one for the return duct. Larger homes or those with multiple HVAC systems may require additional filters.
Do furnace filters have to be the exact size? Yes, furnace filters should match the exact size recommended by your HVAC system. Using the wrong size can lead to air leaks around the filter, reducing its effectiveness and possibly damaging your HVAC unit over time.
What happens if there is no filter in the furnace is that contaminants accumulate inside the unit, which can result in extensive furnace damage and poor air quality. These contaminants, such as debris, dander, and dirt, can exacerbate allergies.
A dirty filter can make you sick, worsening allergies, asthma, and even causing musty odors that signal mold. Replacing a clogged filter can cut HVAC energy use. A “black” filter may harbor mold that sends spores back into rooms.
Follow the 2/3 Rule
As a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air cleaner should be equal to at least two-thirds of the room's area. For example, a room with the dimensions of 10 feet by 12 feet has an area of 120 square feet. It would be best to have an air cleaner with a smoke CADR of at least 80.
Cause of Constant Sore Throat May Be Chronically Dry Air
So, while your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious health issue, you may just need to remedy your home's excessively dry air. See how whole-house humidity control from AprilAire can help remedy your sore throat and subsequently your dry air.
The short answer is that you shouldn't run your furnace without a filter for any period. While cycling the heating system with a filthy filter stresses the components, doing so with no filter lets too much debris into it.
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
The right kind of purifier may ease your COPD symptoms. That's because they clear out most of the gunk. Some HEPA filters can get rid of more than 99% of the pollution in your home's air. Using an air purifier can also help if you live in areas with high air pollution or seasonal wildfires.
No. Air purifiers do not dry out the air. Air purifiers are designed to filter airborne pollutants—like dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and some microbes—without removing moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers are appliances built to lower humidity; air purifiers are not.
Types of Furnace Air Filters
Fiberglass filters: Basic, disposable filters that offer minimal filtration. HEPA filters: High-efficiency filters that capture the smallest particles. Pleated filters: Provide better filtration due to increased surface area. Washable filters: Reusable filters that you can clean and ...
The bottom line: Cheap furnace filters are not better. They are merely the minimum standard for protecting your equipment. If you want to protect your family's health and ensure your HVAC system runs at peak efficiency, investing in a high-quality filter or a media air cleaner is the right move.
Signs Your Home is Affecting Your Health
This phenomenon is called “heater sickness” or “furnace flu.” According to HVAC.com, the internal parts of heating systems can accumulate dust, allergens and other pollutants during the spring and summer months. Then, when you turn on the heating system, these particles get blown into the air.
Can someone have strep without fever or sore throat? Yes. Some who have strep may be asymptomatic ― they may not feel sick ― but still capable of spreading the germ. However, a person is much more likely to be contagious if they have strep throat symptoms.
If you have more air purifiers than is necessary, you do stand the chance of over-purifying the air in your home and using more energy than necessary.
While true HEPA filters effectively target particles down to 0.3 microns, H13 filters are rated to capture particles as small as 0.1 microns. This makes them highly effective in environments with vulnerable populations, where the risk of airborne contamination must be minimized.
Another study performed on adults suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that the use of a medical-grade air purifier to reduce indoor PM levels led to an improvement in respiratory symptoms including breathlessness, cough, and sputum in the throat and chest.
Symptoms of Heater Sickness
A dirty furnace filter is discolored. It's gray or brown instead of its original white or light color. You'll notice a thick layer of dust, dirt, and debris covering the filter's surface. The filter may look clogged or matted, with visible clumps of dust and hair.
Legionnaires' disease, a form of pneumonia, can be spread by air-cooling systems contaminated by bacteria, and dirty AC can also lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an allergic reaction to irritants like bacteria and fungi that leads to lung inflammation.