How to Choose the Right HVAC Filter for Your Home

February 17, 2026

Your HVAC filter might seem like a small part of your heating and cooling system, but it plays a huge role in your comfort, air quality, and system efficiency. The right filter helps keep dust, allergens, and debris out of your home while protecting your HVAC equipment from unnecessary wear and tear. Choosing the wrong one, however, can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and even shorten the life of your system. 


At Custom Cooling & Heating, we help homeowners make smart choices that improve indoor comfort and protect their investment. With convenient online ordering for HVAC filters and the option to save 10% through auto delivery, maintaining your system has never been easier. 


Here’s how to choose the right HVAC filter for your home. 



1. Understand Your Filter Size 

Before anything else, you need the correct size. HVAC filters come in many dimensions, and using the wrong size can allow unfiltered air to bypass the system. 


Your filter size is typically printed on the side of your current filter. It will look something like: 


16 x 25 x 1 or 20 x 20 x 4 


This represents length, width, and thickness in inches. 


If you’re unsure, Custom Cooling & Heating can help you identify the correct size, so you can order with confidence. 

 


2. Learn About MERV Ratings 

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This rating tells you how well a filter captures particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles it traps. 


Here’s a simple breakdown: 


  • MERV 1–4: Basic protection, captures large dust particles. 
  • MERV 5–8: Good for most homes, captures pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. 
  • MERV 9–12: Ideal for allergy sufferers, pets, and improved air quality. 
  • MERV 13+: Hospital-grade filtration, may restrict airflow if your system isn’t designed for it. 

For most residential systems, a MERV 8–11 filter is the sweet spot. It provides excellent air filtration without putting extra strain on your HVAC system. 

 


3. Consider Your Home’s Needs 

Your household environment should guide your filter choice: 


  • Pets in the home: Choose a higher MERV rating to trap pet dander and hair. 
  • Allergies or asthma: Look for filters designed to capture allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites. 
  • New construction or remodeling: Higher filtration helps capture fine dust particles. 
  • Smokers in the home: A stronger filter can help remove smoke particles and odors. 


The right filter doesn’t just protect your system, but it improves the air you breathe every day. 


 


4. Balance Filtration and Airflow 

It’s tempting to go with the highest MERV rating available, but more isn’t always better. Filters that are too dense can restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder. This can lead to: 


  • Reduced efficiency 
  • Higher energy bills 
  • Increased wear on your equipment 
  • Potential system damage 


Custom Cooling & Heating recommends selecting a filter that matches your system’s capabilities while still meeting your air quality goals. 



5. Choose the Right Filter Type 

There are several common types of HVAC filters: 


  • Fiberglass Filters: Inexpensive, basic protection, lower efficiency. 
  • Pleated Filters: Most popular option, better filtration, longer lifespan. 
  • Electrostatic Filters: Use static electricity to trap particles, washable or disposable. 
  • High-Efficiency Filters: Ideal for allergy control and improved air quality. 


Pleated filters are usually the best choice for most homes because they balance performance, cost, and airflow. 



6. Replace Your Filter Regularly

No matter how good your filter is, it won’t work if it’s clogged. A dirty filter reduces airflow, increases energy usage, and allows dust to build up in your system. 


General replacement guidelines: 


  • Every 1–2 months: Homes with pets or allergies 
  • Every 2–3 months: Standard households 
  • Every 3–6 months: Thicker, high-capacity filters 


Keeping up with filter changes is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your HVAC system and maintain indoor comfort. 



7. Take Advantage of Online Filter Ordering

Custom Cooling & Heating makes it simple to get the right filters delivered right to your door. Instead of remembering to buy replacements, you can order your HVAC filters online and know you’re getting the correct size and quality for your system. 


Even better, when you sign up for auto delivery, you’ll save 10% on your filters while ensuring you never forget to replace them. It’s a smart, stress-free way to keep your system running efficiently all year long. 


Benefits of auto delivery include: 


  • Automatic shipments based on your replacement schedule 
  • No last-minute trips to the store 
  • Consistent indoor air quality 
  • 10% savings on every order 

 


8. Protect Your Investment 

Your HVAC system is one of the biggest investments in your home. The right filter protects critical components from dust and debris, reduces breakdowns, and keeps energy costs lower. A small decision today can prevent costly repairs down the road. 


Custom Cooling & Heating is committed to helping homeowners maintain comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. With expert support, quality filters, and convenient online ordering, choosing the right HVAC filter has never been easier. 


 

Need more than just filters? We’ve got you covered. 

Whether you need HVAC maintenance, repairs, or a full system replacement, Custom Cooling & Heating is here to help keep your home comfortable year-round. Order your HVAC filters online today and set up auto delivery to save 10% while staying on top of routine maintenance. And if you ever need additional services, our expert team is just a call or click away. Start your order now and let us handle all your heating and cooling needs with ease. 

Get Your Free Estimate & Schedule Your Installation!

Get a Quote

Read our latest articles

Browse all articles

Why Your Furnace Runs Constantly (And What That Means for Your Home)

January 5, 2026
If it feels like your furnace never shuts off, you’re not imagining things and you’re not alone. One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is why their furnace runs constantly, especially during colder months in Nebraska. While some run time is normal in winter, a furnace that seems to run nonstop can be a sign of underlying issues that affect comfort, efficiency, and energy costs. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we help homeowners understand what their heating system is telling them and when it’s time to take action. Here’s what it means if your furnace is running constantly and what you should do about it. Is It Normal for a Furnace to Run All the Time? During periods of extreme cold, your furnace may run longer cycles to keep your home at the set temperature. This can be completely normal, especially if outdoor temperatures are well below freezing. However, if your furnace rarely shuts off or struggles to reach the desired temperature, there may be an issue affecting performance or efficiency. Understanding why your furnace runs constantly starts with identifying the most common causes. Common Reasons Your Furnace Runs Constantly 1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter A dirty air filter is one of the most common and easily fixable reasons a furnace runs nonstop. When the filter is clogged, airflow is restricted, forcing the furnace to work harder and longer to circulate warm air throughout your home. What this means for your home: Reduced airflow can lead to uneven heating, higher energy bills, and unnecessary wear on your furnace. Regularly changing your air filter helps your system run more efficiently and maintain proper airflow. You can buy your air filters online and save 10% on auto ship. 2. Thermostat Issues or Incorrect Settings Sometimes the problem isn’t the furnace itself, it’s the thermostat. Incorrect settings, calibration issues, or an aging thermostat can cause your system to run continuously. What this means for your home: If your thermostat isn’t accurately reading the indoor temperature, your furnace may think it needs to keep running even when your home is already warm. A properly functioning thermostat helps regulate heating cycles and prevents unnecessary run time. 3. Poor Insulation or Air Leaks If warm air is escaping your home through poor insulation or drafts, your furnace will continue running in an attempt to maintain the desired temperature. What this means for your home: Heat loss forces your system to work harder, increasing energy usage, and reducing comfort. Sealing air leaks and improving insulation can significantly reduce furnace run time and improve efficiency. 4. Mechanical or Maintenance Issues Worn components, improper airflow, or lack of regular maintenance can also cause excessive run time. Small issues can add up, reducing efficiency and shortening the lifespan of your furnace. What this means for your home: Ignoring these issues can lead to more serious repairs down the road. Routine maintenance helps identify and correct problems before they impact system performance. What Constant Furnace Run Time Means for Energy Costs When homeowners ask why their furnace runs constantly, energy efficiency is often the biggest concern. A furnace that runs longer than necessary uses more energy, which can lead to noticeably higher heating bills. Addressing airflow issues, maintenance needs, and insulation concerns can help your system operate more efficiently, saving money while improving comfort. When Should You Call a Professional? If your furnace is running constantly and you’ve already checked the air filter and thermostat settings, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a closer look. Ongoing run time can signal issues that aren’t visible to the average homeowner. A professional inspection can help determine whether your furnace needs adjustment, repair , or routine maintenance to restore proper operation. How Custom Cooling & Heating Can Help At Custom Cooling & Heating, we help homeowners diagnose heating issues, improve efficiency, and stay comfortable throughout the winter. Whether it’s routine maintenance, system repairs, or evaluating overall performance, our goal is to help your furnace work the way it should efficiently and reliably. We focus on practical solutions that extend the life of your system and help prevent costly breakdowns during the coldest months of the year. Take Control of Your Home’s Comfort If you’re wondering why your furnace runs constantly, don’t ignore the signs. Addressing the issue early can improve comfort, lower energy costs, and protect your heating system. Contact Custom Cooling & Heating today to schedule an inspection or maintenance service and ensure your furnace is running efficiently all winter long.

How to Handle a Broken Heater in the Middle of Winter

December 11, 2025
When temperatures plunge and your home suddenly feels more like a walk-in freezer, a broken heater can be more than an inconvenience, it can be an emergency. The middle of winter is the worst time to be without heat but knowing what steps to take can help protect your home, your family, and your comfort. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we help homeowners restore warmth quickly and safely. Here’s what to do if your heater stops working when you need it most. 1. Check the Basics First Before assuming the worst, start with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Many heating failures are caused by basic issues that can be resolved without a service call. Check your thermostat: Make sure it’s set to “Heat” and that the temperature is set higher than your home’s current indoor temp. If it’s a battery-powered thermostat, swap in fresh batteries. Inspect your circuit breaker: A tripped breaker can shut your furnace down completely. Reset it if necessary. Ensure your furnace switch is ON: Furnaces often have a standard light-switch-style power switch on or near the unit. Make sure it wasn’t accidentally turned off. Look at your air filter: A severely clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to shut down for safety. If the filter looks dusty or blocked, replace it . If these quick checks don’t restore heat, the issue may be deeper inside the system and require professional attention. 2. Avoid Overworking Your System When heat stops flowing, it’s natural to keep adjusting the thermostat, hoping the furnace will kick back on. Try to avoid repeatedly turning the system on and off, as this can make the situation worse or cause damage. Instead, turn the system off if you smell burning, hear unusual noises, or see signs of overheating. These can signal electrical issues or mechanical failures that need a technician. 3. Use Safe Temporary Heating Solutions While waiting for repairs, you'll need to keep your home comfortable, but safety should always come first. Avoid using your oven or grill to heat your home, as these methods are extremely dangerous. Safer alternatives include: Electric space heaters: Keep them on a stable surface, at least three feet from flammable items. Fireplaces: Ensure the flue is open for proper ventilation. Layered clothing and blankets: A simple and safe short-term solution. If indoor temperatures drop too low, consider staying with a friend, family member, or in a hotel to avoid the risk of frozen pipes or health issues. 4. Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing A broken heater doesn’t just affect comfort, but it can also put your plumbing at risk. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. To help prevent freezing: Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air around plumbing. Let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving. If your home has multiple stories, keep doors open between rooms to allow even air circulation. If temperatures in your home drop below 55°F, your pipes may be at risk, so monitor them closely until the heat is restored. 5. Call a Professional HVAC Technician If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a certified expert . Heating systems have complex electrical, mechanical, and safety components, so attempting repairs without training can be dangerous. At Custom Cooling & Heating, our technicians diagnose heater breakdowns quickly and offer reliable solutions to get your home warm again. Whether it’s a faulty ignitor, blower motor issue, dirty flame sensor, or aging furnace components, we’ll pinpoint the problem and recommend the most cost-effective fix. 6. Consider the Age of Your Heater If your heater is over 12–15 years old, repeated breakdowns may be a sign that it’s time for replacement. Older units lose efficiency, struggle to maintain consistent temperatures, and can increase your energy bills. A new high-efficiency heating system can: Reduce monthly utility costs Improve indoor air quality Deliver more consistent comfort Provide safer, more reliable performance Our team can help you compare repair vs. replacement options, so you can make the best choice for your budget and home. 7. Prevent Future Breakdowns with Regular Maintenance Once your heat is restored, the best way to avoid another winter surprise is to schedule annual furnace maintenance . Preventive service keeps your system running smoothly and can catch small issues before they turn into emergencies. Routine maintenance from Custom Cooling & Heating includes: Full system inspection Cleaning and lubrication Filter replacement Safety checks Efficiency testing Not only does this reduce the risk of winter breakdowns, but it also extends the life of your equipment. Stay Warm with Reliable Winter Heating Support A broken heater in the middle of winter can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The experts at Custom Cooling & Heating are here to restore your comfort quickly and safely. Whether you need emergency repairs , routine maintenance , or a new system installation , our team is ready to help. Need fast heating service? Contact Custom Cooling & Heating today and let us bring the warmth back to your home.