Your furnace plays a key role throughout your home. It helps to keep you warm and comfortable, and it affects the quality of air that you breath. Furnaces consist of many parts, including the control system, gas valve, heat exchange, blower, and ventilation system. Filters are integral to all furnaces, with these simple but essential components helping to trap fine particles and remove dust and dirt from the air. Inspecting and replacing your furnace filter are an important part of every home maintenance program.

Let’s take a detailed look at furnace filters and the important role they play in modern Canadian homes.

The different types of furnaces

Furnaces come in many shapes and sizes, with different technologies used to enable home heating and temperature control. There are four main types of furnaces used in Southern Ontario: natural gas, oil, propane, and electric. While each type offers its own distinct advantages, electric furnace products are growing in popularity. Electric furnaces heat the air by exposing heated elements, while all other types require a dedicated heat exchange.

Overview of different furnace filters

The following furnace filters can be found in modern heating systems:

• Disposable fibreglass filters are inexpensive and easy to install, but they don’t clean the air or provide protection against fine particles and allergens.
• Disposable pleated filters are affordable and environmentally friendly. They consist of cotton paper or polyester and provide protection against small particles like mites and spores.
• Disposable electrostatic filters feature self-charging electrostatic cotton or paper fibres. These filters are capable of capturing small and potentially harmful particles.
• Permanent electrostatic filters feature removable, machine-washable filters that can be taken out and cleaned. These filters can last up to eight years.
• High-efficiency pleated filters are made from synthetic cotton and attached to a firm metal grid. These high-quality filters are ideal for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

The many sizes of furnace filters

Replacing your furnace filters on a regular basis helps to maintain good air quality and reduce indoor allergens. Before you carry out a replacement, however, you need to purchase the right size filter for your furnace. Along with different materials, filters come in various sizes to suit particular furnace models. Speak with an expert to source the right filter for your needs.

What makes a high-quality furnace filter?

The most advanced furnace filters on the market are manufactured from high-grade materials. Fine cotton and robust grid materials enable the capture of much smaller air particles. While disposable filters can be useful when replaced regularly, typically, the best filter products are permanent and machine-washable.

How often should you replace a furnace filter?

Replacing your furnace filters regularly helps to protect your indoor air quality. Filters should be changed based on the MERV rating system and timing schedule:

• MERV 1-4 – once a month
• MERV 5-8 – once every 3 months
• MERV 9-11 – once every 6 months
• MERV 12-16 – once every 9-12 months

Furnace filter costs

The cost of furnace filters differs widely based on the type of filter, the size of the filter, and the MERV rating system. In most situations, new filters will put you back $50-$250 a year.

Need help with your furnace filter?

If you’re looking to maintain a furnace in Southern Ontario, Aire One is here to help. As one of the largest HVAC companies in the region, we support the local community with 9 locations, more than 150 trucks, and over 120,000 happy customers. Not sure what type of furnace filter you should use? Contact Aire One Barrie. Call on 705-999-5964 or send us your furnace filter questions online.