Guide to Choosing HVAC Air Filters

Amy Newcomer • July 26, 2024

Routinely changing the air filters for your furnace is an important home maintenance task. This article discusses: why you should change your air filter; how often to do it; how to choose the right filter; and how to do it yourself.


Why Is It Important To Change Your Furnace Air Filter?
Changing your furnace’s air filter is important for two reasons: 1) A dirty air filter makes your furnace’s blower motor work harder, which wastes energy. Changing your air filter can save you up to $50/year in energy savings; and 2) Over time, your furnace’s air filter gets clogged with the particles that it is made to take out of the air, and as such, as it gets dirty it can’t do its job of cleaning the air in your home. 


How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Air Filter?
The frequency of when you should change your air filter can range between once every month, to once every 3 months, and for your particular home it will depend on several factors: 

· If you have someone in you family that has respiratory problems, such as allergies or asthma, then you will want to change your furnace’s air filter more often.

· If you have a high level of particulates from pets, smoking, construction projects, etc., then you will want to change your air filter more often.

· The recommended frequency will also depend on the efficiency of the filter that you use. Higher efficiency filters do a better job of removing smaller particles from the air, but they also get clogged faster, and therefore need to be changed more often.

 

How To Choose the Right Furnace Air Filter?
Similar to how often you should change your filter, the choice of the right air filter for your particular home and living situation depends on a number of factors.


The first thing to consider in choosing the right filter is knowing its size. To find the size of the filter you need, just check on the side of the current filter that is in your furnace. Most filters will have the size written right on them. However, if you have any doubts as to whether the correct size was originally installed, then it is best to check with your furnace’s manufacturer.


The next thing to consider in choosing the right filter for your home is the MERV rating of the filter. MERV ratings are used to rate the ability of an air filter to remove dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, etc. from the air as it passes through the filter. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, and the higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle that the filter can trap. Some of the most common filters found in residential use only have a MERV rating of between 1 to 4. These are relatively inexpensive, but they do NOT do a good job of filtering the air, because they will not stop particles smaller than 10 microns. Filters with MERV ratings of between 5 to 8 are a better choice, and these filters will catch particles as small as 3 microns. Filters with a MERV rating of 9 to 12 will stop particles in the 1-to-3-micron range, and these filters are a great choice for homeowners who want the best particle control possible. And finally, the most efficient filters have MERV ratings of 13 to 16 and will stop particles as small as .3 microns. These filters are used in hospitals and other super-clean environments.

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By Amy Newcomer • July 28, 2025

How to Flip a Historical Home

By Amy Newcomer • July 24, 2025
As home flipping becomes increasingly popular, so does the concept of flipping a historical home. However, although the idea can be enticing, it’s important to stay realistic. Historical homes often come with their fair share of complications, especially if they haven’t been lived in or maintained for a number of years. Interested in flipping a historical home? We’ve compiled some tips to help you along the way. What Do I Need to Know to Flip A Historical Home? Often, historical homes are severely lacking in an array of modern amenities. Unfortunately, these are amenities you’ll need to have installed if you’re hoping to sell the home to an enthusiastic homebuyer. First, you should hire an electrician to take a closer look at the home’s electrical system. There’s a chance this will be outdated and pose a safety issue. You’ll also want to have the roof professionally inspected—if there are any problems, these will need to be corrected right away. Some other concerns when it comes to updating and modernizing your historical home include: Are there any drafty windows? If so, have these sealed. Does the masonry need to be touched up? Repointing and foundation work are critical to a home’s value. There’s a good chance the current heating and cooling units (if they exist) will need to be updated and replaced with energy-efficient models. It’s entirely possible to modernize the bathrooms without hurting the space’s historic character. Make these plumbing updates as needed. What Is Most Important? If you’re looking to flip to sell, in particular, then you’ll need to concentrate on the correct projects to make the best possible profit. In this instance, focus on what’s most important to a future homeowner. This includes searching for and repairing any structural or foundational problems, repairing water damage, handling septic concerns, and eliminating any pest issues. If you’re hoping to profit off of your flipped historical home, all the aforementioned issues will need to be addressed. Be sure to have a thorough inspection performed on the home, so that you’re better able to find and address any of these core problems. Otherwise, the value of the home isn’t going to be what you’d hoped, no matter how good it looks aesthetically. Interested in fixing up a historical home and need advice? Contact us for more information today.

Keeping Your Home Safe During a Showing

By Amy Newcomer • July 21, 2025
When you’re looking to sell your home, you may not think twice about organizing a showing with an interested buyer. However, it’s important to remember that a showing essentially involves inviting a stranger into your home. For this reason, there are some important precautions you’ll need to take if you’re looking to protect yourself and your belongings. 1. Hide Away Valuable or Important Items During a showing, it’s a good idea to avoid having all your most valuable items sitting out in the open. You may even consider having some items locked in a storage facility or kept at a friend’s house during the showing. Even if you believe your items make your space look good for staging purposes, keeping valuables stored away is a safer choice. In addition, personal items like personal electronics, medications, credit cards, bills, and other important records should also be hidden away and out of the visitor’s eye. 2. Only Show by Appointment Under no circumstances should you perform a showing that hasn’t been scheduled in advance. The only exception to this rule is when you’re running an open house, but this will still take place during a pre-determined timeframe. Any individual who enters your home should have made an appointment. For extra safety, ensure that each of these appointments is confirmed and cleared by your agent. Use a trusted appointment management system to stay organized and specify that appointments can only be scheduled by active agents who are in good standing. 3. Don’t Show Your Home on Your Own Especially if you currently live alone, you shouldn’t be the only individual at home during the showing. As such, there should be a minimum of two parties observing the showing, typically including a real estate agent and either the home’s owner or listing agent. Both of these individuals should accompany the potential buyer throughout their tour of the home. Remember, there is real value in using the buddy system when it comes to protecting your home and yourself. Looking for more tips on how to organize a showing for your home? Contact us for more information.

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July 17, 2025

Inspect and Maintain Your Roof Right

By Amy Newcomer • July 15, 2025
When it comes to keeping your home in top condition, there are countless tasks to consider. Still, few are as essential as maintaining your roof. Serving as your home’s first line of defense against the elements, the roof protects both the structure itself and everything inside. That’s why it’s crucial to keep it well-maintained throughout the year. The good news is that you typically only need to inspect your roof once a year—preferably after the harsher seasons have ended. Waiting until storms, wind, and heavy rains have passed allows you to get a clear and accurate picture of any potential damage or wear. While minor repairs may be needed every few years, a complete roof replacement is usually only necessary every 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of roofing material used.

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By Amy Newcomer • July 12, 2025

Let Your Firewood Shine Always

By Amy Newcomer • July 10, 2025
Want to add an instant touch of warmth and charm to your home this winter? Use your fireplace or wood-burning stove not just for heat—but for atmosphere. A crackling fire brings a rustic, comforting feel to any space, and your firewood can enhance that cozy look when it’s thoughtfully displayed. Instead of hiding your chopped wood, turn it into a design feature. Neatly stacked logs under or beside the fireplace are not only convenient but also add a visual element that complements the glow of the fire. If you prefer a cleaner look, consider using a stylish firewood holder or rack to keep things organized and appealing. Your fireplace is a beautiful focal point—so take full advantage of it. Let both the flames and the firewood contribute to the cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home this season.

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By Amy Newcomer • July 7, 2025

Simple Drain Unclogging Tips

By Amy Newcomer • July 5, 2025
Dealing with a drain clogged by hair? You don’t need harsh chemicals to fix it. Skip the drain cleaner and try a hands-on approach that’s gentler on your plumbing. Clearing a clogged drain is one of the simpler home maintenance tasks—and you can do it yourself with minimal effort. All you really need is a drain snake or a plunger. A barbed drain snake is especially effective, as it clears blockages quickly without damaging your pipes or increasing the risk of leaks. If the clog doesn’t come loose right away, try using a plunger to help dislodge the debris. With just a couple of basic tools, you can keep your drains flowing freely—no chemicals required.

Why Home Insulation Is a Smart DIY Upgrade?

By Amy Newcomer • July 2, 2025
When it comes to simple home improvement tasks with big payoffs, adding insulation is one of the smartest moves you can make. Nearly every part of your home can benefit from having proper insulation in the walls, and the advantages go far beyond just staying warm. Here’s how insulation can make a big difference: Moisture Control: Keeping your home evenly heated during colder months helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and other issues. Lower Energy Bills: A well-insulated home is easier to heat and cool, reducing your energy usage—and your utility costs. Consistent Comfort: Insulation helps maintain steady temperatures, giving you better control over the climate in every room. Installing insulation is both cost-effective and beginner-friendly. Just measure, cut it to fit between wall studs or ceiling joists, and secure it using staples or nails.