Maintenance, Resources + Tips

Furnace Filter Basics

Your furnace filter is an important part of your home’s heating system. Its main purpose is to remove particles and debris from the air entering your furnace in order to protect the mechanical components of your furnace, such as the motor.

Here are some basic tips to make sure that your filter is doing its job:

  1. Check & change your filter regularly – This is typically every 3 months, but more often if conditions require (ex. if you live in an area with a lot of dust, if you have pets who shed, or if you run your furnace fan continuously.
  2. Never try to clean a disposable filter – the materials break down over time and are not meant to be reused or cleaned. Looking for a permanent filter? Find out more about our exclusive Air Renew Electrostatic washable filters.
  3. If your filter doesn’t fit, it doesn’t filter – Air takes the path of least resistance so it is important that your filter fits in as closely as possible. It needs to reach right to the end of the filter track, and there should not be a visible gap on either the plenum or the furnace side. If your furnace needs a specialty size, you should get one, or, get your filter slot changed to fit a standard size. If there is a gap to the sides of the filter and there is not a snug fitting door, using a piece of duct tape down the slot to seal the gaps is a good idea.
  4. More “Merv” is not always better – A good Merv rating for residential use to balance particle trapping with air flow is between 5 and 8. You should consult with an HVAC professional before using a very high Merv filter, as your system may not be able to handle the air drop (decrease in airflow) caused by a very high efficiency filter. If you have a 2” or a 4” filter slot, using a filter with a higher Merv rating will be less of a concern, as the higher surface area of a thicker filter causes less resistance to air.
  5. Consider Running Your Furnace Fan Continuously – To encourage continuous air flow and filtration, run your fan continuously. Keep in mind that if you have not done this before, you will need to check your furnace filter more regularly, as running the fan will pull more air through the filter and cause it to become full quicker.

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Alberta Furnace Cleaning Reviews

We recently had a flood in our basement this past year. Now that the construction is all completed we had to get the furnace cleaning done after all the construction made so much dust over. We are so thankful that they came in, very efficient, fast and very kind gentleman that took great care of us. Highly recommended we been going to them for 6+ years never had an issue. Always say yes to the dryer duct getting cleaned out!! Thank you Norshaedy the Furnace Technician and team for taking great care for us.

- Sarah Spence

Benito and his partner gave exceptional service for us. They came when they said they would, were quick and efficient. We had fewer vents than first estimated so were even able to get a lower price than the initial quote. They were professional, polite and friendly. We highly recommend them if you are looking for a furnace cleaning. They also gave great advice, don't wait until the fall to clean your furnace, do it now when they have more times available and if you have air conditioning then it's good to have them clean for the summer too.

- The Real Tracie Gray

This company knows their stuff, provides great customer service and excellent work. I’m totally happy with how the two very friendly and knowledgeable associates cleaned my furnace, vents, dryer vent and AC coil. I will certainly book my next appointment with them.

- Mark

We had Edison and Roberto out to our home to clean our furnace vents and dryer. They were extremely polite, professional, thorough and efficient! They explained the entire process before they got started and even as they were working. I really appreciated the care they took to wear boot covers, lay down mats, and seal the front door. I couldn't have asked for a better customer experience! Alberta Furnace also offers competitive pricing and I was really pleased with the communication provided before and after our service. All around, a great experience with wonderful people every step of the way! Oh yeah, and clean vents too 😉

- Aimee Canepa

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