Taking Care of Your Furnace Means Taking Care of Your Filters
Regularly Change Your Furnace Filters to maintain both your furnace and indoor air quality. Most furnace filters last about 3 months, but it’s recommended that you inspect your furnace filter monthly and replace it when required.
Furnace Filters Remove Various Particles From The Air before they enter your heating system through the return ducts. Removing these particles helps protect sensitive components in your furnace (such as the blower fan) and improves your indoor air quality.
Did you know that Action Furnace Club Members receive a FREE annual supply of standard filters? It’s one of the many benefits of being a Club Member with us!
What Type of Furnace Filter is Right for Your Home?
When it comes to choosing a Furnace Filter, your individual lifestyle and personal preferences are what really determine which filter is best for your home. When choosing a filter you should consider: how big your home is, whether you have pets if you need help managing allergies or are sensitive to air pollutants, and your environmental impact.
DISPOSABLE FIBERGLASS
Disposable fibreglass furnace filters are generally the cheapest and lowest quality furnace filters available. These are best used for filtering larger particles, such as during home renovations.
DISPOSABLE PLEATED
Disposable pleated filters are the most common type of furnace filter used in homes. Pleated filters are denser than fibreglass filters, and their wavy design creates more surface area to capture dust.
PERMANENT REUSABLE
Permanent washable furnace filters have a lot of perks if you want to commit to the cost and maintenance. They last an average of 5 years with proper care, and should be checked and cleaned regularly.
Furnace Filter MERV Ratings
MERV 1-4 | Least Efficient These filters are the most basic. While they can remove lint and debris from the air, they are not fine enough to catch small particles.
MERV 5-8 | Moderately Efficient Pleated filters are made from folded cotton and paper materials. These filters can remove finer particles from the air as well as household lint and dust.
MERV 9-12 | Most Efficient These highly effective filters can remove microscopic particles from the air, including smog, pollen, smoke, mold, spores, and dust.
A MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating is a valuable piece of information when purchasing furnace filters, as it defines what kind of air particles a filter will pick up. For example, hospitals will use filters with higher MERV ratings for better air purity.
Being A Member Pays Off!
Total Comfort Club – Premium
- Front of the line priority service (within 24 hours)
- 20% off future furnace repairs
- Installation discounts
- Annual WOW! tune-up and duct cleaning with unlimited vents
- Annual supply of standard furnace filters (16X25X1 & 20X25X1 filters only)
$29.95 / Month + GST
Furnace Filters FAQs
You can always contact our team with questions about furnace filters. Here are some questions our customers often ask!
What is a furnace filter?
Furnace filters are installed in your home’s heating system to remove pollutants and particles from the air before it flows through the return ducts and into your rooms.
How does a furnace filter work?
A furnace filter works by trapping pollutants and particles as they pass through the filter, preventing them from circulating through the air in your home.
Why is it important to clean or change my furnace filter?
As your furnace filter traps pollutants, it becomes clogged and less effective. If a filter is not changed regularly (or cleaned, for reusable filters), it can lead to poor indoor air quality and reduce the efficiency of your heating system.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
We recommend changing or cleaning your furnace filter once at the start of each heating season, and once per month for as long as you are regularly using the furnace.
Can I wash and reuse my furnace filter?
Reusable filters can be washed, while disposable filters must be replaced regularly to prevent air quality and efficiency issues. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your unit or contact Action Furnace to determine whether your filter can be washed and reused.
What does the MERV rating mean on my furnace filter?
A MERV rating is a measurement of the effectiveness of a furnace filter in trapping small particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter is in trapping small particles.
How do I know what type and size of filter to use for my furnace?
The type and size of filter you should use for your furnace will depend on its make and model. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to find out what kind of filter your specific furnace needs.
What happens if I use the wrong size or type of filter for my furnace?
Using the wrong size or type of filter for your furnace can lead to poor indoor air quality and reduced efficiency of the heating system. It can also cause damage to the furnace itself.
Can a dirty furnace filter cause my furnace to malfunction?
Yes, a dirty furnace filter can cause your furnace to malfunction. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and potentially leading to damage.
Can I install a furnace filter myself?
Yes, installing a furnace filter is a relatively simple task that can be done by a homeowner. However, if you are unsure of the correct type and size of filter to use, or if you encounter any problems during the installation process, contact Action Furnace for assistance.
WATCH OUR VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW ACTION FURNACE HAS BEEN ALBERTA’S COMFORT LEADER SINCE 1975.
