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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:
Jul 28, 2022
On coldest night of the year our furnace quit. At 8:40 in the morning Greg arrived and gave us a diagnosis and a recommendation. By 2:30 we had a new furnace and were warm again. Great company. Great customer service. Good reasonable price.
Peter, Pickering
Jul 3, 2022
Twin tech team was very efficient and prompt. They provided a quote within hours of request and got the job done on time. No disruption to home function. We would highly recommend this team. Job well done.
Jul 3, 2022
Our furnace bit the dust, and Twintech came out to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem within a couple of hours. Mitch was super helpful, patient, and answered all of our questions. When we decided to get the furnace replaced, the crew was over first thing the next morning and did a fantastic job. Not only did they complete the job in a few hours, but they cleaned up and respected our house as they went, and answered all of our follow-up questions. I've used Twintech for our HVAC needs in the past and will continue to do so. I'd recommend them to anyone, and it feels good to support a local, family-owned business.
Jul 3, 2022
Dave and the Twintech team were fabulous from day 1 and helped us through the process to identifying a new furnace and AC unit. This was our first time through this process and Dave did a thorough job explaining all the components and was very patience answering all our questions. Dave provided great insights and fair pricing.
The Twintech team did an awesome installation. Very clean and efficient. I would highly recommended their service.
Jul 3, 2022
We had a new Amana furnace installed by Twintech and we were very pleased with the installation. It is nice to have a warm house again.
Jul 3, 2022
Excellent job. Excellent service. Competitive price. Its rare to find a company with the knowledge and professional results we have experienced with Twintech. The clean and neat installation with attention to detail and drop sheers to respect our property is a clear indication of Twintechs high level of integrity. The 1-1/2 gas line upgrade they did for our pool 3 years ago was awesome. Can't say enough. Thank-you Twintech.
Jul 3, 2022
Twitch did a great job with the installation of our new furnace. I really appreciated their honesty and I could trust what they were telling me. Another company tried to suggest significantly more work at a greater cost claiming it was necessary to meet current building code. Twintech is very fair. All staff I meet were friendly, polite and trustworthy. I would recommend Twitch for a furnace.
Jul 3, 2022
This is a professional team that's easy to deal with. I would strongly recommend them
Jul 3, 2022
Very professional firm from start to finish!
They removed the old oil tank and furnace. They installed air conditioning and a new propane furnace.
Professional installation, on time and no mess.
Very pleased with their work and would highly recommend the company. Our house is three stories so they spent the time to do all the calculations to make sure we would have great performance on each floor.
Thank you again!
Jul 3, 2022
Upon a routine yearly maintenance, it was discovered there was a leak in the heat exchanger and a I needed a new furnace. I know nothing about these things and was completely stressed out. The company I had the maintenance plan with quoted me a huge number to rent a furnace, I just wanted to cry. Then I spoke to Dave at Twintech. He was so knowledgeable and calming, provided me a fair quote and within a few days I had an amazing crew show up to my house and install my new energy efficient furnace! I have already recommended these wonderful people at Twintech to a good friend of mine. Thank you Twintech!!
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