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What You Need to Know About Furnace Air Filters

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What You Need to Know About Furnace Air Filters

Posted On: February 1, 2025

What You Need to Know About Furnace Air Filters

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

  1. Fiberglass Filters – Low-cost, disposable filters that provide basic filtration but need frequent replacement.
  2. Pleated Filters – Made of polyester or cotton, these offer better filtration and last longer.
  3. Electrostatic Filters – Use static electricity to capture particles, available in disposable or washable versions.
  4. HEPA Filters – High-efficiency filters that trap 99.97% of small particles, ideal for allergy sufferers.
  5. 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:

by Jennifer in Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I had cold and hot spots all over my 70 yr old home. My furnace is quite new and Greg optimized the fan and furnace. The original installer just took it out of the box with factory settings and installed it- basically running at 50% of capacity. Greg also routed heat into my laundry room, yeah - so now I can renovate laundry room - thanks Greg. He is honest, professional and knowledgeable. I will be calling him back in the spring to optimize my AC as well.

by Happy Homeowner in Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Wonderful from beginning to end. I tend to fret and worry about home improvements but the excellent team at TwinTech put my mind as ease. They listen, they are patient and best of all ... the work they did is amazing! I chose the Goodman 80K BTU 2 stage furnace and the matching Goodman air conditioner. Greg, Grant and Poitr "Peter" arrived on time, took great care, explained everything to me and they answered all of my questions. They carefully adjusted the factory settings to optimize the furnace for my house and they also checked the duct work in the basement. Dave, the Sales Manager, came by to say "hello" and to see if I was happy. YES, I am happy with the work! The furnace is very quiet. I have it running on low just to circulate the air in the house and it's so much quieter than my old furnace. When I need new duct work for an upcoming basement renovation TwinTech will be my first choice. I highly recommend TwinTech. PS. They were even nice to my dogs.

by Les G. from Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Greg was prompt on the scheduled day of installation and the work was done well within the time estimated beforehand. Installation was neat and the equipment and scope of work was as specified in the quote. One item I must point out is that we were faced with a "No Heat" situation the day before the scheduled installation and Greg came out to address it free of charge. Not only that, but he also corrected an installation fault with our smart thermostat that was not part of the original job, again free of charge.

by one19 in North york on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Greg came by to do a routine furnace checkup. He was very knowledgeable and professional, letting me know what's being checked/adjusted and giving me tips to ensure everything runs smooth. Very honest and upfront about what's working fine vs. what may need to be fixed/replaced. He didn't attempt to up sell anything that wasn't necessary. I'm glad to have finally found someone I can trust and rely on for all my HVAC needs - furnace, A/C, and hot water tank.

by Paul M. from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I'm very happy with the work that was done. Everyone from salesperson to the installers were friendly and professional. They were on time and cleaned up the job site after it was installed. They also answered all my follow up questions promptly. I wouldn't hesitate to work with them or recommend them again.

by Kathy D.in Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Thanks to the team at Twin Tech for a great job installing my new heat pump/ac unit. The guys were very polite and professional. When they left you would never have known they had been there except for the new Mitsubishi unit on the wall!! would highly recommend the Twin Tech team.

by varga p. in Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Installed professionally, no delays, no rework needed. Very reliable contractor and sales person. Also installed BBQ gas line and some duct work.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Greg and Grant are friendly, reliable, and knowledgeable HVAC professionals. The twins, Dave and the entire team provided efficient top quality service. Our family plns to use Twintech for all of our future HVAC needs.

by peter in Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very impressed with this company. They show up on time , kept my place clean and after they left it looks like they were never there. Very professional team. Those people know what they doing . Their installation was on the highest standard. They are very knowledgeable especially they're worker Peter. I strongly recommend this company to everybody. After the installation I receive the call making sure I'm satisfied with their products and their job. Bravo!!!

by James in Bowmanville on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Greg and his brother were referred to us by a friend. They arrived when they said they would, did an exceptional job and left the place as tidy or tidier then they found it. Their professionalism is only surpassed by their kind and friendly demeanor. Even after several calls to help me with my high tech thermostat I feel that I could always call with any concern (No one responds to my texts as quickly as Greg) and have a friendly helpful response. I found out their grandfather started the company and now as a 3rd generation company, they are doing their grandfather proud. I would highly recommend Twintech over any other hvac company out there.

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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Robert Rogers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.

by Robert Mizuno on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

by Ruth on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!

by Anna Chin on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Amazing experience with TwinTech Heating & Cooling! Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient from start to finish. They installed my new furnace quickly and left everything spotless. The technicians took the time to explain everything and made sure I was comfortable with the system before they left. Great customer service and fair pricing. I highly recommend them for anyone needing HVAC services!

by Connor Agnew on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great experience all around. Bob was sharp and easy to talk to, and Greg handled the installation perfectly. Would hire them again in a heartbeat.

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