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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 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.
May 1, 2020
Twintech promptly responded to request for quotation. They were thorough and helpful in explaining options. The quote was very competitive. Installation of new furnace was very professionally completed. Excellent work.
Jan 17, 2020
When our old oil furnace finally broke down we decided it was time to finally convert to natural gas and finally install central air conditioning at the same time. Knowing it was going to be a significant investment for us, we wanted to make the right choice. Twintech came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed. From the first contact with the salesperson, until the final touches on the installation, we were so pleased with their service. Everyone from the company was so friendly, efficient and a pleasure to deal with. Best of all, the cost was very competitive. We would certainly recommend Twintech to anyone requiring HVAC work in their home.
Jan 15, 2020
Mitch from Twintech came out for our annual furnace inspection. We found him to be friendly, conscientious & he left the work area clean. We were also very impressed with the thoroughness of the job he did. This is the 2nd job weve had Twintech do for us & have been very happy with the results for each. We highly recommend this company. Thank you, Mitch, Dave & Greg.
Jan 14, 2020
Work was done on schedule, professionally, according to quote and with minimal inconvenience to building users. Very happy with the end result. The only area for improvement from my experience - need more timely quoting process.
Jan 13, 2020
The team was great! Very knowledgeable, professional and extremely helpful. A few days after install the unit didnt seem to be working, user error, but within minutes of contacting them..on a Saturday.. a tech was on the phone troubleshooting with us. I highly recommend Twintech for your cooling or heating needs. They stand by their products and a pleasure to deal with.
Jan 11, 2020
During the hottest week in the summer our old A/C decided to call it quits. I called Twintech Heating & Cooling after receiving a referral from a family member; came highly rated for being an honest, family-run business, who appreciates their customers. Dave was able to accommodate my hectic schedule and book a late evening appointment to walk through the specifics. Greg and Mitch arrived exactly on time a few days later, were very polite and friendly, and within a couple of hours had a new unit up and running. I also received a follow-up call to ensure we were happy with the Amana.
Jan 10, 2020
They were on time and very professional. I'm so glad I decided to go with Twintech, thanks!
Aug 20, 2019
Timely and appreciated - this was during the hottest days this year when our Air and Furnace way.
Efficient. Professional. No BS or overselling. What was promised, was delivered at a cost-effective price point.
Down to earth.
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