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What You Need to Know About Furnace Air Filters
Posted On: February 1, 2025
Here’s an informative overview of what you need to know about furnace air filters:
What Are Furnace Air Filters?
Furnace air filters are essential components of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. They trap dust, dirt, pet dander, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home.
Why Are Furnace Air Filters Important?
- Improved Air Quality – Filters remove allergens and pollutants, making indoor air healthier.
- Protects HVAC System – A clean filter prevents dust buildup in the furnace, which can cause overheating and damage.
- Energy Efficiency – A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
- Extends Equipment Lifespan – Regularly changing filters reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Types of Furnace Air Filters
- Fiberglass Filters – Low-cost, disposable filters that provide basic filtration but need frequent replacement.
- Pleated Filters – Made of polyester or cotton, these offer better filtration and last longer.
- Electrostatic Filters – Use static electricity to capture particles, available in disposable or washable versions.
- HEPA Filters – High-efficiency filters that trap 99.97% of small particles, ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Activated Carbon Filters – Help remove odors, smoke, and chemicals in addition to dust and debris.
Choosing the Right Filter
Filters are rated using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale (1-20):
- MERV 1-4 – Basic filtration (low-cost but ineffective for small particles).
- MERV 5-8 – Good for residential use, capturing dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.
- MERV 9-12 – Superior filtration, effective for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
- MERV 13-20 – Used in hospitals and clean rooms, may restrict airflow in standard furnaces.
How Often Should You Change the Filter?
- Basic fiberglass filters – Every 30 days.
- Pleated and electrostatic filters – Every 60-90 days.
- HEPA and high-efficiency filters – Every 6-12 months (depending on usage).
- Homes with pets or allergies – Change filters more frequently.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace Filter
- Reduced airflow from vents
- Increased dust buildup in your home
- Higher energy bills
- Strange odors from vents
- Allergy symptoms worsening
Final Tips
- Check your filter monthly and replace it as needed.
- Choose a filter with the right MERV rating for your home and HVAC system.
- If unsure, consult your furnace manual or an HVAC professional.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
May 11, 2020
We couldnt have been more impressed with Twintech - from our first service call with Mitch who took the time to thoroughly diagnose the issue with our furnace, to Dave who proposed a well thought out solution to meet our needs and finally Greg and team who acted quickly to install given we had no heat.
We did our due diligence by soliciting quotes from alternate providers and were shocked and disappointed by the aggressive and manipulative tactics used.
Twintech was honest in their approach, detailed in their product knowledge, reasonably priced, diligent in their follow-up and valued our business.
Well done Twintech! You made this a positive experience for us and our new furnace works beautifully!
May 10, 2020
We recently purchased an Amana high efficiency furnace and humdifier through Twintech. The work was completed very professionally and the quality of the workmanship was high. There was some additional sheet metal work required to complete the installation, which they were able to complete themselves. Overall I am very pleased with the work and would highly recommend Twintech for a furnace replacement.
May 9, 2020
We were very pleased with every aspect of the work that was done. They were very professional and polite. They arrived when they said they would and job was completed on estimated time
We would highly recommend them to whoever needed a recommendation
We have a very large dog and they were very understanding and respectful of him being around
May 8, 2020
The blower on our furnace stopped working leaving us with a cold house. Dave from TwinTech responded immediately to our HomeStars service request. From beginning to end Dave was nothing but helpful, friendly and professional, he did a great job of walking us through the quote and scope of work.
The replacement of the furnace went smoothly. The Guys did a great job, everyone was very friendly and polite. There were no hiccups, or unexpected costs. The only surprise was they left the work area cleaner than it was before they started.
Was a great experience with the whole TwinTech team. Its been a couple of months since the new furnace has been installed and its working great!
May 7, 2020
I heard about TwinTech when researching new furnaces at furnaceprices.ca. After contacting them about my broken down furnace, Dave came to my house the next day to assess my situation and requirements for a new furnace. He recommended one that had stainless steel heat exchangers which sold me since my previous furnace had issues with a rusted secondary heat exchanger that had to be replaced. Dave also set me up with an appointment with an energy audit company so that I could take advantage of a rebate to help improve the energy efficiency of my home and get some money back. A few days later, Greg, Grant, and Mitch came to install the new furnace and remove the old one. When delivering and removing the furnaces, they were very careful not to damage my floors and walls, and even laid out red carpeting to protect the floors. They were very friendly and professional. The installation was completed in the time they said it would take and they cleaned up their work areas. Within a week, Dave called to follow-up to see how everything was going. I have already recommended them to several friends and family members who may need new furnaces soon.
May 6, 2020
Twintech did a great job, from Dave the Sales Rep to the Office staff and The Professional Technicians who did the installation. They were professional, courteous, knowledgable and informative. From beginning to follow up we were completely satisfied with everything. Thanks Again. Sincerely The Laytons
May 5, 2020
Great product, great service, great follow-up. The Twintech Heating and Cooling arranged removal of my existing oil tank and they installed the new gas furnace Amana (made in USA). I am very happy with the final result and support I received throughout the process. My thanks go to the entire Twintech team for their professionalism, great communication and follow-up.
May 4, 2020
We've had Twintech provide us with work in the past, for an inground pool heater and required rough-in for a new gas stove. More recently they provided the same friendly, professional, timely and clean installation of our new furnace.
May 3, 2020
Reasonable price and the workmanship was prompt and timely and the employees were great to deal with.
May 2, 2020
The sales process was friendly, informative, and very consultative. They worked hard to earn our business by taking a careful look around our home to assess our needs, providing a lot of information about the product, and answering all our questions and finding the right solution for our home at a competitive price. They prepared us very well for what to expect on installation day, and the installation went very smoothly - no surprises, all very professional! They gave us a call after installation to ensure we were happy with the work. We're very happy that we chose to work with TwinTech to get our new furnace.
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