Everything You Need to Know About Furnace Filters

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Everything You Need to Know About Furnace Filters

Posted On: April 7, 2018

Everything You Need to Know About Furnace Filters

Furnace filters are an integral component of an HVAC system. There are a variety of sizes and options available when talking about filters, and it is no wonder that most homeowners have so many questions about furnace filters! In this article, we will help you understand furnace filters more – how they function and how you can choose the best one for your HVAC system and your home! 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FURNACE FILTERS? 


Furnace filters can either be disposable or reusable. Disposable models are the one that is simply pulled off from the unit and just replace them with new, clean ones as needed. Reusable or washable filters, on the other hand, can be removed from the filter cabinet, cleaned accordingly, thoroughly dried, and reinserted in the filter cabinet for continuous provision of quality air to your home. Disposable furnace filter options are as follows: 

*Fiberglass filters 
*Polyester filters 
*Synthetic media filters 
*Electrostatic filters 
*High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters 
*Pleated media filters 

MERV - What does this mean? 
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is the rating system used to express the efficiency of furnace filters. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, and when reading it, you have to remember: the higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at capturing contaminants of different sizes. 

Filters that are rated MERV 8 through MERV 12 are known for offering excellent air filtration for residential properties. While you might think that it is best to purchase the highest MERV-rated filter, using such filters can actually restrict airflow through your HVAC system. This can cause comfort issues, system breakdowns, and increased energy consumption. 

HOW LONG DO FURNACE FILTERS LAST? 
The service life of furnace filters can vary depending on different factors. The efficiency rating of a filter greatly affects its lifespan. For instance, filters with higher MERV ratings can typically last longer than lower-rated, low-efficiency furnace filters. 

There are also factors concerning your household that can impact a furnace filter’s service life. For instances, homes that have pets or smokers have more airborne contaminants. The filters in such homes need to be changed more frequently as their filters can also become clogged faster because of the presence of more contaminants. If there are people who are suffering from asthma or allergies in your home, then you should also frequently change the filters to help reduce airborne triggers inside the home and thus, lessen the symptoms they are suffering from. 

If you have more questions about furnace filters, the experts here at Twintech Heating and Cooling are ready to answer your questions! Reach out to us today or simply visit our website for more information. 
 



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by Todd Whyte on Twintech Heating and Cooling

My existing 15-yr old A/C went down on me during the first major heatwave of the season. Researched my options, as well as a few different installers, and decided on Twintech.

They gave me confidence right from the beginning. Extremely knowledgeable. Their communication was excellent - always responded to questions quickly. Given we were in a heatwave, they were fully booked. However, within days they were able to fit me in due to a cancellation. Upon learning that the Amana unit I was getting installed was on backorder, TwinTech went to bat for me with the manufacturer and was able to get me the next model up within a day, for the same price - Amazing!

As far as the installation was concerned, I couldn’t be more impressed. These guys were clearly very experienced and did a fantastic job. Very clean, polite, timely & informative. They even thoroughly sealed all the exposed gaps in my ductwork. I’ve had plenty of heating and cooling work done in the past and have never used the same contractor twice because I’ve never been very impressed. However, from now on, I’ll always be contacting Twintech first!

by Jordan Arnott, Courtice on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They were very friendly and took care of everything. The install looks great (and works great), they were very knowledgeable. Installed our a/c efficiently despite the difficult install location both inside and outside and they made it work.

by Lori Ellis on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Phenomenal service, so glad I found these guys a few years back after being "hosed" badly by 3 other companies. I've recommended them to so many, and they all are so thankful.

by Jonathan Rogoza on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This company is fantastic. Dave came out and gave me a very honest and reasonable quote, unlike a quote received from another company. I had a bunch of questions that were easily answered and when I had questions regarding heating/cooling a previously unheated room above the Garage, Dave arranged for Greg to come out for an assessment of this new space and gave me his recommendation along with his professional thoughts on all of my options.

These guys have been nothing but Professional, honest and helpful along the way. I can't recall the two other guys doing the install, but they were great as well. Good workmanship, everything was cleaned up and everything functions as promised. I could go on and on about my experience, but it's all positive so what more could you want?

Give them a call, see for yourself. If I had to buy another furnace/AC or heat pump, they'd be my first call.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I hired twin tech to convert my townhouse heating from electric to gas and install a furnace and a/c unit. I had talked with many other vendors, and received several quotes, but chose them, and very happy I did. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. They were realistic about the timeline for the work, when they could start and how long it would take. (They said upfront, it was their busy season and would need to get back to me in 3 weeks, which they did):
2. They had a quote with options for me. They were clear about the entertainment of what they would and would not do (they’d build duct work, id need another contractor to box in ductwork). This allowed me to plan as I was my own general contractor for my renovations).
3. They spoke to me in a language I understood, neither too technical nor too simple. They answered all my questions as I had them. Everyone is so lovely to work with, the sales team and the contractors who are worked in my home.
4. It’s been 4 m since the work was complete. They still answer my emails and my furnace is working very well!

I unabashedly recommend! Price, customer care and quality workmanship were all amazing!

by Anna Chin, Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

On one of the coldest days of winter, our furnace stopped working. Our regular furnace company came and told us we had a CO2 leak and shut us off. Their quote for a new furnace was way too high and they couldn't even install it on the same day. TwinTech was recommended to us by a friend. We called and spoke to Dave who was very nice and knowledgeable. Grant showed up a short time later and a new furnace was installed the same day with no troubles at all. Best of all, we received a higher-end furnace than what was offered by our previous company and at a cheaper price. I would recommend TwinTech with no hesitation at all.

by Hiba, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I installed a new furnace and Air conditioner with them. The installation is of high quality and according to standards. The guys are professional and reasonably priced.. I highly recommend them.

by Robert, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Had new furnace installed and ran into some difficulties but the contractor responded in a timely and efficient manner - after further service calls were made, a reasonable resolution was found.

by Brian Burns, Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The work was done quickly efficiently neatly and professionally. Pleased with the service, information, product, and the company.

by Geoff, Port Perry on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great sales member named Dave came in told us some amazing items and how they would be priced installed an all. We couldn’t believe it! The next day the ac was installed, that day one employee named Greg told us that our furnace was working way to hard and was causing us to use way too much gas. So two days later they came in an installed a new furnace!

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