HVAC technician replacing a furnace filter in New Jersey furnace

Maximizing Energy Efficiency: The Best Furnace Filters for NJ Homes

Proper furnace filter selection and replacement is one of the most essential things a New Jersey homeowner can do to maximize the energy efficiency of their HVAC system. As a leading HVAC company serving New Jersey homes for over 25 years, the technicians at Stashluk Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Generators recommend using MERV filters to balance energy performance, indoor air quality, and cost. 

Read on as we discuss furnace filter basics and provide our top recommendations for the best furnace filters for NJ homes.

Don’t let a malfunctioning furnace leave your New Jersey home cold during this time. Contact E.J. Stashluk & Sons Inc. at 908.277.6200 immediately to schedule expert furnace repair and ongoing maintenance services that keep your family warm and safe all season.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency: The Best Furnace Filters for NJ Homes

What is a Furnace Filter, and Why Does it Matter?

A furnace filter is a thin mesh screen placed in the air return vent of a forced-air HVAC system. As air circulates from the home’s living spaces, back to the furnace, it passes through this filter. The filter captures dust, pollen, pet dander and other airborne particles that would otherwise build up inside the furnace or ductwork. Over time, dirty HVAC components lead to restricted airflow, increased energy use, and even early system failure. 

A quality furnace filter also dramatically improves indoor air quality by trapping particles and preventing them from circulating back through the home. This leads to reduced allergy symptoms and better health for NJ homeowners. Replacing furnace filters on schedule is one of the most important regular maintenance tasks that Stashluk technicians recommend.

How Often Should You Change Furnace Filters in NJ?

Most New Jersey HVAC technicians recommend changing out furnace filters every 90 days. However, actual filter replacement frequency depends on several factors:

  • MERV Rating – Higher efficiency filters capture more particles, requiring more frequent replacement. On average, MERV 8 filters can go three months, while MERV 11-13 may need changes monthly.

  • Home Characteristics – Homes with pets, smokers, or those located on dirt roads tend to need new filters more often. 

  • Run Time – Homes where the furnace runs often due to weather extremes or large spaces need filter changes more frequently.

  • Manufacturer Recommendations- Check your filter’s packaging for specific change interval instructions.

New Jersey furnace technicians suggest creating reminders to check your filter each month. If it appears clogged with debris, swap it out regardless of strict time intervals. Restricted airflow can begin reducing your system’s efficiency within 30-60 days. Replacing furnace filters costs little compared to the expense of HVAC repairs or increased energy bills from a struggling system!

What is a MERV Rating for Furnace Filters? 

MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value” and rates a filter’s particle capturing ability on a scale from 1-16 (higher is better). Most New Jersey HVAC technicians recommend a minimum MERV rating of 8 for sufficient filtration, but ratings of 11-13 provide the best balance of particle removal without restricting airflow for most homes. Here’s how the MERV scale breaks down:

  • MERV 1-4 – Basic protection against large particles like hair and lint. Too porous for effective home filtration.

  • MERV 5-7 – Traps mold spores, coal dust, and auto emissions. It’s still very porous.

  • MERV 8-10 – Becoming a more restrictive filter. Traps smaller allergens like pollen and dust mites. 

  • MERV 11-12 – True HEPA equivalent catching most lung-damaging particles. Restricts some airflow.

  • MERV 13-16 – Medical or laboratory-grade. Traps viruses and fine particles below 1 micron. Restrictive.

Ideally, most NJ homeowners should use a MERV 11 pleated filter. These remove at least 85% of the 1.0-3.0 micron range particles, including mold spores and bacteria. MERV 13 filters trap even smaller particles, but the tradeoff is higher cost and restrictive airflow, requiring fan speedup.

Stashluk’s expert New Jersey HVAC technicians can recommend the proper MERV rating for your home. We offer free quotes to assess your system and ensure proper filter sizing. 

Recommended Furnace Filters for NJ Homes

There are lots of furnace filter options available to NJ homeowners. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of different filter materials and brands Stashluk’s team recommends to help you make the best choice.

Disposable Polyester Panel Filters

The most basic and inexpensive option is a simple 1” thick panel filter made of porous polyester fabric. These only earn a MERV rating of 1-4 and require frequent replacement. While better than no filter, upgraded options trap far more particles for better indoor air quality.

  • Pros: Very inexpensive. Easy to find.

  • Cons: Poor filtration allows dust and debris to back into the system. Frequent changes are needed and not recommended by most HVAC companies for NJ homes. 

Disposable Pleated Filters 

The staple filter used in most New Jersey HVAC systems, pleated filters use specially engineered media that increase surface area. More nooks and crannies trap higher amounts of household allergens. They come in both 1” and 4” depths.

  • Pros: Better filtration than panels while maintaining a reasonable cost. Suitable for typical homes.

  • Cons: Still disposable despite higher initial cost. It could be better at trapping small particles below 3 microns. 

Best Brands: Filtrete, 3M, Camfil

Extended Surface Pleated 

Stashluk technicians recommend extended surface or “high capacity” pleated furnace filters for high-performance filtration on a budget. These feature additional media, allowing more depth and surface area while maintaining reasonable airflow. Many use electrostatic charging to attract and trap particles better.

  • Pros: Excellent particle removal up to 85% between 1.0 – 3.0 microns. It often lasts 6 months vs 3 months for basic filters. It’s still reasonably priced.

  • Cons: Eventual disposal could be better for landfills—some airflow restrictions are possible, requiring fan adjustment.

Best Brands: Honeywell Air Genius, Filtrete 1900/2200

Washable Electrostatic Filters

Washable filters provide an environmentally friendly permanent option. Stashluk recommends them for green homeowners willing to handle regular filter cleaning. Their electrostatic charge pulls in more debris than disposables.

  • Pros: Reusable for 5+ years. Lower long-term cost than disposables. Good for allergens. Rinse clean with water.

  • Cons: Requires labor for cleaning every 2-3 months. Long-term cost benefit requires years of use.

Best Brand: Space-Gard 

HEPA Furnace Filters

True HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters use dense fiberglass or plastic media folded into pleats. They trap a minimum of 99.97% of particles above 0.3 microns, including dust mites, mold, bacteria, smoke, smog, and other lung irritants.

  • Pros: Hospital-grade filtration. Unmatched removal of allergens and lung-damaging particulate. It can dramatically improve indoor air.

  • Cons: Very restrictive to airflow, resulting in higher fan speeds and energy use. Require fan motor upsizing—higher cost. 

Best Brands: Honeywell Enviracaire, Camfil Farr HEPA 

IAQ Air Purifiers and UV Lights 

While not directly replacing furnace filters, Stashluk also installs advanced air purification systems and UV germination lights. These supplement filtration to actively destroy chemicals, gases, mold, bacteria, and viruses as air circulates—excellent supplemental protection for those with chemical sensitivities or chronic respiratory issues.

  • Pros: Actively destroys airborne pathogens and irritants beyond just filtration—important layer for the immunocompromised. 

  • Cons: Substantial added equipment cost for purchase and installation. Requires maintenance.

Furnace Filter Pricing Guide for NJ Homes

Here is a general cost overview for furnace filters commonly installed in New Jersey HVAC systems:

  • Disposable Polyester Panel Filters: $5-$10 

  • Disposable Pleated Filters: $10-$25

  • High-Capacity Pleated:  $20-$40  

  • Washable Electrostatic:  $40-$70

  • True HEPA: $60-$120+

  • Automated Delivery: $20+ per change

  • Smart Thermostats w/ Filter Status: $200+

Prices vary based on MERV rating, filter size, brand selection, and quantity purchased. Stashluk offers discounted rates on filter club programs. Plus, HVAC tune-ups allow our technicians to catch airflow restrictions and recommend the right filter for your home.

FAQs about Furnace Filters from Stashluk’s NJ HVAC Technicians

Stashluk’s expert New Jersey HVAC technicians answer common questions about choosing the best furnace filters for your NJ home:

  1. What Happens If I Use The Wrong Size Furnace Filter?

Improperly sized filters lead to air leaks, bypass, and poor filtration. They can also get pulled into HVAC components, causing damage. Have a professional assess and recommend the right size.

  1. Where Is My Furnace Filter Located? 

The filter slot is along the return air duct path, pulling air back to the furnace. Usually behind a vent cover or panel on a wall or ceiling. Consult your owner’s manual if unsure.

  1. Should I Buy The Cheapest Furnace Filters?

While pleated options cost more upfront than basic panels, they better protect your system and indoor air. Short-term savings lead to more significant expenses in the long term. Invest in a quality filter.  

  1. How Can I Remember To Change Furnace Filters Regularly?

  1. Mark your calendar seasonally, set reminders in your phone.

  2. Why Does My New Filter Have Higher Airflow Resistance?

Higher-performance filters have increased depth and pleating, leading to natural resistance. This is normal but monitors fan speeds and changes when airflow drops below 350 CFM per ton.

Let New Jersey HVAC Leader Stashluk Recommend the Best Furnace Filter for Your Home  

Don’t leave furnace filter selection to chance. For over 25 years, Stashluk has been leading HVAC companies in New Jersey, providing personalized recommendations to maximize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall home comfort. Their NATE-certified technicians offer FREE in-home consultations to examine your HVAC system and ensure proper sizing for clean, unrestricted airflow season after season. Protect your family and stop wasting money on energy costs by getting the right furnace filter for your home.

Call at the first sign of cold spots, high energy bills, strange smells, or error codes, and phone our team immediately at 908.277.6200. We’ll dispatch our licensed heating experts to diagnose issues when you contact us. We carry replacement parts in our vehicle stock to restore comforting warmth quickly. You can count on us 24/7 for same-day repairs.