Furnace maintenance is an unfortunate fact of life for any home or business running an HVAC system. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to call in professionals to clean the system and give it a checkup. However, you do have some control in how often this happens – and one of the biggest factors is how you handle your furnace filters.
Of course, the filter does need to be cleaned and changed regularly. Most everyone knows that. However, many people don’t realize that the type of furnace filter can actually make a big difference! There are five major types, and each will have a different impact on your furnace maintenance costs, as well as overall air quality.
What Are the Five Major Types of Furnace Filters?
- Fiberglass (or synthetic fiberglass)
Fiberglass-style filters are the cheapest option, so a lot of people use them by default. Unfortunately, this is a “you get what you pay for” situation. They can filter some dust and dirt but do very little else – and as they are designed to be disposable, they often have a shorter active lifespan as well.
- Polyester
Polyester filters work in much the same way as synthetic/fiberglass filters, but they are built to last longer, as well as providing more and better filtering. They cost more than the alternative, but their increased lifespans and more effective filtering generally means they have a superior ROI in the long term.
- Electrostatic
Electrostatic filters are somewhere in the middle, in terms of effectiveness vs cost, and are often a good all-around solution. They’re extremely good at filtering all manner of small particles from the air, although they lack much in the way of biological filtering.
- Pleated
The main selling point of pleated filters is that they can capture a wide variety of biological agents – such as bacteria and viruses – while also filtering out standard dirt and dust. We often recommend these for homes or businesses who need a “broad spectrum” filtering solution, despite their relatively higher costs. Preventing the spread of disease is worth it!
- HEPA
HEPA filters are by far the most capable at filtering both particles and biological agents, capable of trapping up to 99% of contaminants. The tradeoff here is that the filter may reduce the airflow of your HVAC system. You’ll want an expert opinion on whether that tradeoff is worth it, before installing HEPA filters.
Bird Fuels Can Simplify Your Furnace Maintenance Needs
Bird Fuels has been a trusted source for furnace maintenance, tune-ups, and installation in both homes and businesses across Ontario. We carry a wide range of brands and can guarantee you have a great HVAC system for meeting your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
