Can I put vanilla extract on my furnace filter?

Add a few drops of vanilla extract or essential oil onto your furnace filter. Don’t overdo it; add just enough to get a fresh spring scent circulating — even in the middle of January.

Is MERV 13 bad for my furnace?

Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.

What MERV filter can my furnace handle?

The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress. However, many residential systems require modifications to pull air through these filters.

How often should I change my MERV 13 furnace filter?

For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.

Can you put air freshener on a furnace filter?

Most furnace filter air fresheners are simply scented pads or bags of potpourri attached to the metal screen on the outside of the filter. When applying a filter air freshener, remember to only apply it to a fresh filter and to attach it to the outside of the outflow filter if your system uses two.

What can you put on furnace filter to make house smell good?

Oils. Every month when you change your air filter, you can add a couple of drops of essential oils to the fabric of the filter. When the air conditioning turns on and the air passes through the filter, the scent of the oil will also waft into the home. Lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus are all pleasant options.

Is MERV 11 too restrictive?

A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. Meaning, it can capture finer particles and clear more contaminants out of the air. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.

Is a MERV 13 filter too restrictive?

At this point, it’s also important to note: MERV ratings go above 13. However, they’re too restrictive for normal home HVAC systems, and thus using them can cause potentially expensive problems.

Will MERV 11 hurt my furnace?

A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that’s too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.

Is MERV 13 too high for residential?

One factor to consider is air flow through the system. In some cases, using an air filter that is too restrictive for your system may cause low air flow problems as well. MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units.

What is the difference between MERV 8 and MERV 13?

MERV 8s will collect particles as small as three microns, which is an excellent choice for home owners. This is a good performance level for the average home. The MERV 13 can collect particles as small as . They remove dust and allergens so well that they pack with dust much faster than a standard MERV 8.