Today people use furnace filters to protect the furnace. Such filters increase the quality of air which we breath in the house with and by this contribute to the health improvement and general good well-being of the people. Engineers invited different kinds of filters and systems for user’s comfort. Some filters can stop big particles from getting into the air but allow smaller particles to flow through. Large particles are considered to be from 6 to 100 microns and they are pollen, lint, and mold spores. Medium particles are from 0.3 to 6 microns in size include animal dander, dust, and bacteria. Small particles are less than 0.3 microns and they are smog, smoke, and viruses.
What kinds of filters exist?
- fiberglass or cellulose pad – if you get furnaces in Richmond Hill of this type are usually put into a cardboard frame; they protect the equipment and catch large dust particles which can block the heating and cooling coils; the price is not high but they don’t stop smaller particles.
- reusable filter – it is a flat plastic/metal foil pad; can be washed and should be washed every month; some can be sprayed with special material to increase the process of catching small particles; serves 3 to 5 years.
- pleated polyester filter – stops more particles than flat filters; made with fibers that can attract small particles; serves to 3 months.
- deep-pleated air filter – has the same size as the regular filter but is thicker; cannot fit into standard filter holders and needs a special box in the system.
- electronic filter – has the same size a the previous one; needs electricity to operate; should be washed every month; removes all small particles; expensive in maintenance.
Are such furnace filters effective?
Different types of filters effectiveness varies from 2 to 94 percent. If you have pets in the house , be ready that they may become a very influential factor that affects the working period of a furnace filter.
Regular air filters may stop many but not all causative agents of asthma or allergy. But furnace filters reduce the quantity of molds, pollen, and dust which are usual for any household. Such a filter will also keep air conditioning and heating systems coils cleaner, and it saves not only your health but also up to 15 percent of the energy bills.
When to change the filter?
Regularly. As experts from metroair.ca furnaces and filters in Thornhill are strongly advised to be changed at least once in three months in order to preserve maximum efficiency. But there are also some types of filters, which you will need to wash or replace by new ones even more often (usually around once a month). Considering this fact we advise to check your filter monthly. Always change your furnace filters according to the manual, and use the filter as recommended. If you are unsure about the frequency of replacement, consult a furnace expert on your precise model.
