A furnace filter is a device that traps and removes harmful particles and other contaminants from the air in your home that may otherwise be harmful to you and your family. Furnace filters are used in both forced-air and natural-draft heating systems, and they come in a range of different types and materials. Knowing which filter is best for your home and heating system will help keep you and your family healthy while reducing your energy bill at the same time. Different types of filters are designed to trap different types of contaminants in your air. Some filters will trap both large and small particles, while others are designed to trap only larger particles. Some filters are designed to trap only certain types of gases, such as formaldehyde, while others are designed to trap all harmful gases. There are also special filters that are designed to trap harmful gases emitted by pets in the home. Depending on your home and heating system, you may need to change your furnace filter more or less frequently than others. Your heating contractor can help you determine which type of filter is best for your home and heating system, as well as when it needs to be changed.

Carbon filter

A carbon filter is designed to trap harmful gases in the air, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, or radon. Carbon filters are usually placed in the return-air duct to trap harmful gases emitted by the home. Carbon filters are usually installed in a metal housing or a plastic box. Carbon filters are effective at removing harmful gases, but they must be changed frequently to prevent them from becoming saturated with harmful gases. Typically, carbon filters need to be changed once every two to three weeks.

Activated carbon filter

An activated carbon filter is designed to trap harmful gases in the air, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, or radon. An activated carbon filter is made from a material that is able to trap harmful gases in the air. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing harmful gases, but they must be changed frequently to prevent them from becoming saturated with harmful gases. Typically, activated carbon filters need to be changed once every two to three weeks.

Activated alumina filter

An activated alumina filter is designed to trap harmful gases in the air, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, or radon. An activated alumina filter is made from a material that is able to trap harmful gases in the air. Activated alumina filters are effective at removing harmful gases, but they must be changed frequently to prevent them from becoming saturated with harmful gases. Typically, activated alumina filters need to be changed once every two to three weeks.

Gel or dry-woven fabric filter

A gel or dry-woven fabric filter is designed to trap bacteria, mold, and mildew in the air, as well as dust, pollen, and other small particles. A gel or dry-woven fabric filter is made from materials that are able to trap harmful substances in the air. Gel or dry-woven fabric filters are effective at removing harmful substances from the air, but they must be changed frequently to prevent them from becoming saturated with harmful substances. Typically, gel or dry-woven fabric filters need to be changed once every two to three weeks.

Gel or wet-woven fabric filter

A gel or wet-woven fabric filter is designed to trap bacteria, mold, and mildew in the air, as well as dust, pollen, and other small particles. A gel or wet-woven fabric filter is made from materials that are able to trap harmful substances in the air. Gel or wet-woven fabric filters are effective at removing harmful substances from the air, but they must be changed frequently to prevent them from becoming saturated with harmful substances. Typically, gel or wet-woven fabric filters need to be changed once every two to three weeks.

Cartridge filter

A cartridge filter is designed to trap bacteria, mold, and mildew in the air. A cartridge filter is made from materials that are able to trap harmful substances in the air. Cartridge filters are effective at removing harmful substances from the air, but they must be changed frequently to prevent them from becoming saturated with harmful substances. Typically, cartridge filters need to be changed once every two to three weeks.

Conclusion

A filter is an essential part of your HVAC system. It traps harmful substances like dust and dirt, helping to clean the air in your home and reduce energy costs. Furnace filters are the most commonly used HVAC filters, helping to trap dust and other contaminants in the air that could be harmful to you and your family. Depending on your home and heating system, you may need to change your furnace filter more or less frequently than others. Your heating contractor can help you determine which type of filter is best for your home and heating system, as well as when it needs to be changed.

Frequently Asked Question

The furnace filter needs to be replaced depending on your location. For colder zones, you might want to change it every 30 – 60 days because furnaces usually go on for many months and do not take a break. For warmer areas, you may only replace it twice during the winter or after 90 days. It also varies on the thickness of the furnace filters. The thinner your filter, the more frequent you get to replace it.
If you fail to change your furnace filter, this might affect the performance of your furnace. It will pressure your equipment to work harder because of a decrease in airflow. Worse, it might damage your equipment forcing you to have it repaired or replaced. The furnace will overheat once you turn it on without a new air filter.
Technically without a furnace filter, your furnace will still operate. However, you will risk your family’s health and your equipment’s performance as well. Furnace filters make sure that contaminants, dust, and microbes do not get inside your house so you will not breathe dirty air.
A dirty furnace filter looks darker than the first time you bought it. The air also smells funny. You get lower airflow and your equipment works hard causing your electric bills to soar. Soon you will get sick, and develop headaches and allergies.
The fibers can’t do their job when it is placed backward. The furnace will work harder to keep up with its desired output. This will increase your energy cost and damage your equipment. Smaller particles will accumulate causing build-up.