With the cold weather descending upon us, it’s more important than ever to keep furnaces running smoothly. One way to maintain your furnace and prolong its lifespan is to regularly change the filter. Furnace filters should be changed at varying times depending on thickness. For example, a standard 1- or 2-inch filter should be exchanged every 90-days, 4-inch filter every 180 days, and 5-inch filter every 365 days.
Aside from thickness, there are a few things you should know about filters, including type and cost. Here are the basics to get you started on long-term furnace maintenance.
When making a furnace filter comparison, it’s important to know how the filter works. The filter protects the blower fan in your furnace from sucking up debris like dust and hair sitting around it. This not only extends the life of your furnace but also keeps it from blowing out debris into your house through heating vents.
Choosing the right filter could change the outcome of your furnace’s heating abilities. Types of filters include:
Disposable Pleated Filter – The disposable pleated filter is the most common, affordable, and easy to find. Crafted from a mix of polyester and paper, it’s more durable than some other filter types.
Washable Filters – Also known as a permanent reusable filter, washable filters are designed using plastic. They’re easy to wipe down and maintain, without the need for constant replacement. This makes them more eco-friendly and cost-efficient.
Fibreglass Disposable Filters – The cheapest of the filters, the fiberglass disposable filter is lightweight and comes in a variety of brands and sizes. This filter is also the most fragile, needing to be replaced often.
Remember that any disposable filter, while cheaper, adds up in cost over time. If you’re not sure which filter to choose, consult a heating and cooling professional. At Handy Bros. Home Comfort, we’re always eager to hear from clients, old and new. Serving Blenheim, Ontario, and surrounding areas, we know a thing or two about the best filters for Canadians.
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) system is how filters are rated. It helps you determine which filter will offer the least blockage while still doing its job. The ranking system runs from 1 to 16, with 1 being the least efficient at blocking debris from entering the furnace. You might assume that a 16 would be the best possible filter, however, filters that are too efficient, block everything, including proper airflow into the ductwork.
When purchasing filters for your furnace, the cost depends on several variables, such as:
Costs of filters could range anywhere from a few dollars to more than $50 per filter. For lower quality products, such as disposable fibreglass filters, you pay less. Reusable filters are more costly because it costs more to produce them.
Looking for a professional furnace service in Blenheim? Handy Bros. Home Comfort is happy to help.
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