When to Change Furnace Filters: A Complete Guide 

SkyTech Home Comfort covers when and how often to change furnace filters, correct filter direction, MERV ratings, rebates in Ontario, duct cleaning, and FAQs.

When to change furnace filter

The issue of when to replace a furnace filter is more of an art than a precise science because it is influenced by several things in your house. It is a good rule of thumb to make sure that you check your filter at least once a month. Replace the filters when there’s an unknown of light due to pet peril, fur, allergies, asthma, smokers or excessive dust or pollution. Cleaner Fresher Air – Ages beautifully and cleans easily when needs, especially if you have pets, smokers or people with allergies asthma, or live in a city during high pollution times. The theory is that a clean filter will help the flow of air in a furnace, and that this is necessary for efficiency and to avoid failure.

How often should you change furnace filter?

How many times do you change the furnace filter? Although periodic replacement of filters is prudent (say at least once a month), there should be a rough schedule of a standard but expensive filter replacement (say after every 90 days). But shall we be more particular, according to your case:

• Basic Fiberglass Filter (1-inch): Every 30-60 days. These are simple filters which are easily clogged.
• Pleated Polyester Filter (1-inch): After every 90 days. This is the best suggestion that can be made for an average household that does not keep pets.
• Households with Pets: Every 60 days. When you have several pets, you will probably have to switch them even more often, maybe after every 30-45 days.
• Households with Allergies or Asthma: Every 30-60 days due to the most favorable air quality.
• High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) or Thicker Filters (4-5 inches): It can be 6-12 months (they are larger in size and have more space).

Does furnace need to be off to change filter

Put safety first! Yes, before changing the filter, you should always turn off your furnace. The query is “Should furnace be off in order to change filter? is the most significant answer: yes, most certainly. It is easy to adjust furnace off. Find the power switch that is usually a typical light switch on the wall close to the furnace unit. Just turn it off the switch. Alternatively, you may switch off the circuit breaker, which runs the furnace.

Which direction does air filter go in furnace?

This is the most misunderstood thing by the homeowners and to be sure that it is done correctly is important. When you put the filter in reverse it will not filter the particles properly and overload your system. A furnace air flow is set to go in one way, that is, the return ducts to the filter to the blower fan to be heated.

Which way to insert air filter in furnace?

It is the arrows that determine how to know which air filter is to be inserted in furnace. Each furnace filter is equipped with a cardboard side edge that is of a robust nature and has an arrow printed on it. This arrow is applied to show the proposed direction in which the furnace air will flow.

Which way does arrow go on furnace filter? (H3)

What direction then is the furnace filter arrow? The arrow must be facing into furnace and away the duct of the return air. In plain words, the arrow is supposed to be flowing in the same direction as the air. One should have in mind a short expression: “Arrow in Towards the Unit.” The air exits the return vent and enters the furnace hence the filter arrow needs to be facing inward towards the blower motor. Even then you are not completely certain, look at the slot upon which the filter slides; most manufacturers print an arrow on the housing itself to show which side to put the filter.

What does MERV mean on a Furnace filter? (H3)

Whenever you are buying filters, you will come across a term called MERV. What is the MERV rating on a furnace filter? MERV is a short term used to represent Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It has a rating of 1 to 16 on the capability of a filter to trap larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. Its MERV rating indicates it captures smaller particles than standard 1 only.

• MERV 1-4: Faster filtration without significant reduction in the system\’s output for bigger particles such as dust and lint.
• MERV 5-8: Standard mid-range filters, which deal with mold spores and dust mite debris.
• MERV 9-12: More efficient, trapping smaller particles such as vehicle emissions and lead dust.
• MERV 13-16: The maximum efficiency that is usually offered to be used at home and can filter bacteria, smoke and carriers of the virus.

Summary

Replacing your furnace filter is a very simple exercise with huge payoffs. Being aware of when to change your furnace filter, the direction of the furnace filter arrow, and the MERV rating to implement will keep your furnace out of needless consumption, reduce your power expenses and enhance the quality of air your family inhales. It is the least troublesome method to make sure that your heating system is working well throughout the season.

FAQs

Question 1: Is there a rebate for a new furnace in Ontario (H3)

Yes, Ontario has rebates available on making the transition to a high-efficiency furnace under the Canada Greener Homes Initiative and the local utilities. These incentives promote energy efficiency although specifications differ. Apply as per the information at Natural Resources Canada or a trained contractor in HVAC.

Question 2: how to clean furnace ducts (H3)

Vacuums clean the furnace ducts and have them professionally cleaned with high powered vacuums and brushes or vacuum visible areas of the floor vents. Cleaning should be done regularly after every 3-5 years particularly when there is mold, dust or renovations. It enhances the efficiency of the system and air quality through proper cleaning.