Real Talk: Why Filters Matter
If your furnace had a best friend, it’d be the air filter. Filters:
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Keep dust and gunk out of your system
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Help your family breathe cleaner air
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Protect the life of your furnace (yes, really)
Even the Goodman GR9S920603BN, with its smart ECM blower motor, still depends on a clean filter to do its job well.
🧠 What Is a MERV Rating? (And Why Should You Care?)
MERV = Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
It tells you how good a filter is at trapping stuff like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
| MERV Rating | Captures | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Big stuff: dust, lint | Basic protection, least costly |
| 5–8 | Mold spores, pet dander, pollen | Standard homes with no allergies |
| 9–12 | Fine dust, exhaust particles, allergens | Families with asthma/allergies |
| 13–16 | Bacteria, smoke, sneeze particles | Medical-grade (not always furnace-friendly) |
📎 Tip from EPA’s Indoor Air Quality resource: Most homes are perfectly fine with a MERV 8–11 filter.
🏡 Match the Filter to Your Family’s Needs
Let’s break it down like a smart shopping list.
👶 If You’ve Got Kids (or a Petting Zoo at Home)
→ Go for MERV 8–11.
It grabs pet hair, dander, and everyday dust without overworking your system.
🤧 If Allergies or Asthma Are an Issue
→ Aim for MERV 11–13.
You’ll catch smaller particles and breathe easier — literally.
🧹 If You Just Want to Protect the Furnace
→ A basic MERV 6–8 is cost-effective and easy to find.
🧠 Savvy Tip: Don’t go higher than MERV 13 unless your furnace is specifically built for it. High-rated filters can block airflow and hurt efficiency.
📏 What Size Do You Need?
You can’t just guess. Furnace filters are sized like Goldilocks’ bed — it has to be just right.
Look on the side of your current filter or in your furnace manual. It’ll say something like:
“16x25x1” or “20x20x4”
If you’re using the Goodman GR9S920603BN, you’re likely using a 1-inch filter, but always double-check the cabinet specs.
🔁 How Often Should You Change It?
Short answer? Every 1–3 months.
Long answer? Depends on life.
| Home Type | Replace Every... |
|---|---|
| No pets, no allergies | 90 days |
| One pet, no allergies | 60 days |
| Multiple pets or light allergies | 30–45 days |
| Allergy-prone or smoker in home | 20–30 days |
Savvy Mom Hack:
Set a recurring phone reminder or leave a sticky note on your calendar. Trust me, your air (and your furnace) will thank you.
💵 Are Expensive Filters Worth It?
Not always. Some $30+ filters are overkill and may strain your furnace motor. Focus on:
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Right MERV level
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Proper fit
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Consistent replacement
Instead of buying a year’s worth of high-end filters, try a mid-range MERV 8–11 filter and stick to a solid schedule.
🛠️ According to This Old House, staying on top of replacement matters more than price tag.
🔄 Reusable vs. Disposable Filters
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable | Cheap, easy to swap | Adds up over time |
| Reusable | Eco-friendly, washable | Can be less effective, labor-intensive |
If you’re eco-minded and don’t mind some rinse time, reusable filters are fine — but make sure they’re MERV-rated and furnace-safe.
🔧 Filter Features to Ignore (Unless You're a Marketing Major)
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“Electrostatic” claims — unless backed by data
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Fragrance layers (can trigger allergies)
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“Allergy-rated” labels with no listed MERV score
Always check the actual rating and size first. Marketing buzzwords don’t trap dust.
🧠 Final Thoughts from Savvy
Furnace filters are one of those simple-but-powerful home upgrades. Choosing the right one helps:
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Keep your air fresher
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Protect your heating investment
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Avoid allergy flare-ups and HVAC stress
You don’t have to overthink it. With a solid filter and a simple schedule, your Goodman 92% AFUE Furnace can run like a dream all winter long.
Clean air. Safe kids. Happy furnace. Now that’s what I call living the savvy life. 💙
In the next topic we will read about: Do You Really Need a Smart Thermostat? Let’s Break Down the ROI for Families
