What is the Difference Between a Furnace Filter and an Air Conditioner Filter?

You can describe the filter according to the current season, calling it a furnace filter in winter and an air conditioning filter in summer. The main purpose of a furnace filter is almost identical to that of an air conditioning filter, except that it applies to “hot air” and not to “cold” air. If your home has centralized cooling and heating, the systems use the same filter in the air controller. Most of the time, this filter is located in the same area as the oven. Your home also has filters in each of the vents.

Here, too, it's essential that you have efficient and well-functioning filters. Heating and cooling systems incorporate an air filter to clean incoming air before conditioning and distributing it throughout the house. A higher MERV rating equates to finer filtration, meaning that fewer dust particles and other air contaminants can pass through the filter. An air conditioner filter serves exactly the same purpose as a furnace filter, preventing all bacteria, dust, and allergens from entering the air in your home. The second is to eliminate dust, pollen, pet dander and other air contaminants, which improves indoor air quality and can reduce symptoms of conditions such as asthma and allergies.

They are installed in wall-mounted air intake vents (most common in the south) or in the air treatment system (more common in the Mid-Atlantic and Northern states, where the air handler is usually placed in the basement, near the oven). So, if you look at the full spectrum of what's floating in the air in your home, the MERV ratings reflect the performance of the filter in all its parts. As an expert on HVAC systems, I recommend that you regularly check both furnace filters and air conditioner filters to ensure they are working properly. In a traditional air conditioning system, the air filter is usually installed between the air conditioning unit and the return duct. Remember that the filter offers quality filters for residential and commercial use from brands such as AAF Flanders, Natural Aire and EZ Flow. For optimal indoor air quality, you should choose an air filter with a MERV rating of at least 8 to 10. Both are evidence that unclean air is finding its way around the clogged filter and not through it, indicating that it's time to install a new one.

I bought a filter of the wrong size and you guys did everything you could to get me the right ones.

Lacey Russomano
Lacey Russomano

Avid pizza scholar. General internet expert. Lifelong tv scholar. Devoted web geek. Typical beer enthusiast.