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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 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.

by Trevor Owens on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I returned from vacation to find my AC unit on the Fritz. After calling way too many places I connected with TwinTech. I’ve used the company in the past for my furnace so I was happy when I recognized Greg at my front door. He’s great and the service is always top notch. I’d highly recommend using twintech for honest, superior service in the Durham region. Thanks!

by Nicole Alain on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I called Twin Tech when my air conditioning stopped working. Greg came over to diagnose the issue - the same day. He was able to diagnose the issue and resolve it quite quickly. Although it was a quick fix, Greg was very thorough in explaining the issue and provided great advice. Not to mention, I felt very comfortable having Greg in my home - which I consider very important when hiring a service provider. Twin Tech will be my go-to from now on. Thank you!!

by Courtney Parkes on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Just hired TwinTech Heating & Cooling to do an A/C Unit removal & reinstall to allow for landscaping access on the side of my house, and they were wonderful!
Bob, Greg & Mitch make a great team! Quick appointment times, super knowledgeable, expert troubleshooting capabilities & very customer service oriented.
I would highly recommend them for all of your HVAC needs! Great job guys!!

by Jacqueline Graham on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech Heating & Cooling installed my furnace in 2022 and in fall of 2023 installed my Panasonic Heat Pump. Greg and Mitch did a great job. Helped me through the rebate process. Super happy with the Heat Pump. Only used my furnace 5 times this winter. Energy bills lower, carbon emissions lower.Thank you Twintech. I recommend highly!

by Bill Grainger on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Just had a new furnace installed by Twintech. I can’t express how great these guys are at what they do. From the sales to installation they were professional all the way. Very reasonable pricing and courteous during the installation and willing to answer any questions I had. Highly recommended !!!

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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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