Is your furniture dustier than usual? Or maybe you’ve noticed your furnace needs to work harder to heat your home? If so, it’s probably time to replace your furnace filter. Here’s what you need to know so you can choose the right one for your ...
Is your furniture dustier than usual? Or maybe you’ve noticed your furnace needs to work harder to heat your home? If so, it’s probably time to replace your furnace filter. Here’s what you need to know so you can choose the right one for your home in Edmonton.
Know Your Options
These are the types of filters that you can buy for your home:
- Fibreglass filters are inexpensive but flimsy. They need to be replaced at least once a month. You can use them to capture large dirt particles that may damage your furnace motor, but they do little more than that.
- Pleated Filters are more expensive, but the pleated material means these furnace filters have more surface area. In addition to dirt and debris, they also filter out pollen, mould, pet dander and mites. They only need to be replaced every three months.
- Electrostatic filters use electricity to magnetize tiny particles in the air such as bacteria and smoke. They even filter out bad smells. With regular maintenance, electrostatic filters can last up to a year. You’ll need to vacuum or wash the filter every month, clean your home regularly, and install an air purifier.
- HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate air filters) remove more than 99% of particles that are more than 0.3 microns. That’s really small! The problem is, they are too dense for many household furnaces, and air can’t get through them. If HEPA is the way you want to go, it’s best to install a separate HEPA air filter.
To choose a type of filter, consider your budget, the efficiency of the product, any special health considerations and how much maintenance you want to do. Remember, if you have pets or smoke, chances are your filters will need to be replaced more often.
MERV
All furnace filters are given a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). This rating system goes from 1 to 16, with 1 being the least efficient. However, the higher the MERV rating, the more difficult it is for air to flow through the filter. Filters with the highest MERV ratings may not be the best for your furnace. Check your furnace’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
Choosing the Right Size
The furnace filter should fit snugly into the furnace but must never be forced. Filters are sold in “nominal” dimensions and may not be exact. If you’re unsure of what filter size you require, measure your current filter and then look for the best match when you shop.
Have Your Furnace Filters Taken Care of By a Professional
Modern Air & Water in Edmonton offers the sales and installation of both standard furnace filters and high-quality HEPA filters to help you and your family or employees. We also offer replacement filters for Lennox HRVs and Lennox air purification systems.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment. We proudly serve Edmonton, Ardrossan, Beaumont, Bon Accord, Devon, Fort Saskatchewan, Gibbons, Leduc, Morinville, Namao, Nisku, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Stony Plain and many of the surrounding communities.
