Understanding the Function of Furnace Filters

When it comes to keeping a home's heating system running efficiently, furnace filters play an important role. These devices are designed to capture dust, dirt, pollen and other airborne particles that could otherwise enter the furnace and air ducts, potentially clogging them up and reducing their effectiveness. But how exactly do these filters work? Let's take a closer look.

What is a Furnace Filter?

Furnace filters come in various sizes and types, including disposable fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic and washable varieties. Each type has its own advantages depending on your needs and budget. Disposable fiberglass filters are the most common type as they are relatively inexpensive but don't do a great job of trapping smaller particles like pollen or pet dander. Pleated filters provide better filtration but need to be changed more often than fiberglass ones. Electrostatic filters use static electricity to attract particles so they can trap even smaller ones than other types of filter. Washable filters can be reused after being cleaned with soap and water.

How Do Furnace Filters Work?

When air enters your home through the return vents, it passes through the furnace filter first, where any particles in it get trapped before reaching the furnace itself. This helps keep the system clean by preventing dust or debris from clogging it up, which would reduce its efficiency over time. As such, you will need to replace your filter regularly as it gets clogged with all sorts of contaminants.

Benefits of Using Furnace Filters

Using a furnace filter helps improve indoor air quality by trapping airborne particles before they can enter your HVAC system, while also helping extend the life of your furnace by preventing dust or debris from clogging it up, which would reduce its efficiency over time.

Changing Your Furnace Filter

Furnace filters should be changed regularly for optimal performance. How often you need to change yours depends on what type you have, but most should be changed every three months or so. If you have pets or allergies, however, you may need to change them more frequently.