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CartHow to Choose the Right Filter for Your Furnace
Breathe easy with the right furnace filter. A forced-air furnace draws air in through ducts, warms it over a heat exchange and then forces the warm air through your home with a furnace blower fan. The furnace filter protects this fan from dust, hair and debris, and improves air quality by preventing contaminants from being recirculated. Here’s how to find the right one for your needs.
Types of Furnace Filters
There are two main categories of filters —each available in different styles — disposable or reusable. Here’s how they compare
Furnace Filter Styles
The material and composition of a furnace filter affects its efficiency and cost. Filters are performance rated from 1 to 16 using the MERV system (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value).
MERV Rating
Good | A rating of 1-4 means that the filter can capture larger particles of dust mites, dust and pollen. |
Better | A rating of 5-8 does a better job of capturing dust mites, dust, pollen, mould and pet dander, so it’s a sound choice for the average household. |
Best | At a rating of 9 or above, a filter can capture all of the above while also blocking viruses, other germs, odours and smoke particles. |
TIP: Households with pets or allergies should choose a filter with a higher MERV rating. Here’s an overview of common filter options.
Air Quality Accessories
Dealing with odour, excess moisture or dryness, or allergens? These accessories will work alongside your furnace filter to dramatically improve the air quality in your home.
Air Purifiers
Clean and improve air quality in a targeted space with high-performance air cleaners or purifiers
Humidifiers
Banish harsh, dry air with soothing cool, or warm, mist humidifiers
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers can prevent dampness and mould in basements or other moisture-prone spaces.
Purifier Filters
Optimize the performance of your air purifier with regular filter replacements
Furnace Humidifiers
Add, upgrade or replace furnace humidifiers so they add moisture to the air during dry winter months.
Humidifier Filters
Keep your furnace’s humidifier running at peak efficiency with fresh replacement filters
