As the weather gets colder, the heater (furniture) starts running all day long. However, if the air in your home feels stuffy or your heating bill has increased compared to previous years, check the furnace filter first before suspecting a breakdown. The filter is a component that traps dust and debris in the air circulating in the house; if it becomes clogged, airflow decreases, causing the heater to work harder.
1. What is the replacement cycle?
- The most common 1-inch thick filter is typically replaced within 1 to 3 months, or at most 90 days.
- The standard lifespan for thin fiberglass filters is about 30 days.
- Thick media filters with a thickness of 4 to 6 inches can be used for up to 6 to 12 months.
- The replacement cycle is shorter if you have pets, family members with allergies, or a house with a lot of construction dust. Take it out once a month to check, and if it is clogged with gray so much that it is barely visible under light, replace it immediately.
2. Things to check when replacing
- Check the size written on the existing filter border (e.g., 16×25×1) and purchase the same size.
- You must insert the filter so that the airflow arrow on the side points toward the furnace.
- It is safe to turn off the furnace power switch before unplugging.
- For condos and apartments, filter replacement may be included in the building management service, so please check with the management office first.
3. Please keep these points in mind as well.
For Canadian households, it is often recommended that a filter with a MERV rating of around 8 is sufficient. Filters with excessively high ratings can actually hinder airflow in older heaters, so please check the recommended range in the appliance manual. Replacing the filter takes only a few minutes, but it is the most basic home maintenance task that affects heating efficiency, indoor air quality, and the lifespan of the appliance. Now is a good time to check it before winter sets in in earnest.
Source: Home Depot Canada — How to Change a Furnace Filter
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/ideas-how-to/heating-and-cooling/how-to-change-a-furnace-filter.html |
