Proper maintenance is necessary to keep your furnace working like it should for as long as possible. In addition to taking care of components and controls, preventive maintenance should also include taking care of the air filters in your heating system.
The primary function of furnace filters is to keep your indoor air clean. All of the air that circulates through your heating system flows through the filter at some point. As the air is forced through the filter, airborne contaminants and particulates such as dust, pollen and mold are captured and retained. Higher-efficiency filters capture more and smaller particles.
Dirt and particulates can quickly build up in a filter, which means furnace filters should be checked for condition at least once a month. If the filter is dirty, change it. Filters should be changed every three months as part of routine maintenance. Dirty filters interfere with the function of your furnace and can cause malfunctions or breakdowns. If a filter looks dirty, hold it up to the light; if you can’t see light through it, it should be changed.
Usually, a commercially made filter from any manufacturer should work in your furnace. It is not necessary to use filters from the same source as your furnace. Check the system’s owner’s manual for detailed information on what kind of filter should be used. If you are unsure, ask your trusted local HVAC supplier, the furnace manufacturer, or a filter sales outlet. If you can’t find the information you need, replace the filter with the same type and size as the existing filter.
Be mindful of the filter’s MERV rating. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. It is an industry-standard numerical rating of furnace filter efficiency. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher ratings meaning better efficiency and filtration.
Arpi’s Industries Ltd. has more than 50 years of professional HVAC experience, which the company applies every day to heating and air conditioning projects in Calgary and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information on furnace filters and for help finding the right kind of filter for your home heating system.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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