Your furnace is the cornerstone of your home's heating system, and the air filter keeps your furnace running smoothly. With the cool Atlanta winter temperatures, you need a working heat source to keep your home comfortable. This guide covers furnace filters, replacement, cleaning, and more to help you maintain that perfect winter temperature.

How an HVAC Furnace Works

If you install an HVAC system in Atlanta with a furnace for heating, you need to understand how it works. These devices have a simple operating concept. A heat source warms a heat exchanger, which warms the air flowing over it, as a fan ensures consistent air circulation. The heated air is blown throughout the ductwork, transporting heat evenly through the home.

Why Furnace Filters Are Critical to the Process

HVAC filters, or furnace air filters, play a critical role in keeping your air conditioning system running smoothly by:

  • Preventing contaminants from affecting sensitive components.
  • Protecting your family from pollutants and allergens.
  • Maintaining air quality throughout your home.

They keep the air quality up by removing contaminants as new air is pulled into the system. That's why regular furnace filter replacement and overall furnace maintenance are essential.

Benefits of Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance, like replacing furnace filters regularly, is both essential and beneficial, offering advantages like:

  • Improved energy efficiency.
  • Extended system lifespan.
  • Reduced breakdown potential.
  • Increased performance.
  • Better air quality.
  • Even heating.

Additionally, regular maintenance may be part of your warranty terms, making it essential for your long-term HVAC health.

Types of Furnace Filters

Furnace filters come in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the right one for your Atlanta home. The right choice depends on your specific needs, with options including:

Washable

These filters are a popular option among environmentally conscious individuals. They may seem less affordable up front, but you save significantly over time since you can wash and reuse the filter multiple times. Just keep in mind that these filters require regular maintenance and can retain odors.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass filters are common due to their affordability and excellent lint and dust removal abilities. They can easily remove most large particles and are designed to protect system components from damaging debris. However, they can have difficulty removing smaller particulates, require frequent replacement, and clog easily. 

Pleated

Pleated filters generally consist of materials like cotton or nylon and have numerous wire-supported pleats that increase surface area. While these filters have a longer lifespan, they're highly porous and not the best at removing microscopic particulates.

Electrostatic

Electrostatic filters consist of various electrostatically charged fibers, giving them a sort of magnetism. Their electrostatic attraction improves filtration efficiency without negatively impacting airflow.

Polyester

A somewhat more expensive yet effective solution, polyester filters offer exceptional filtration capacity. They work well for capturing smaller particles.

Furnace Filter Ratings

Before we discuss furnace filter replacement and other aspects, it's essential to understand that there are multiple ratings used to define furnace filters, including:

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)

This filter rating ranges from 1 to 16, with higher numbers offering better performance. MERV 8 is the standard option and removes most day-to-day contaminants, but MERV 16 is best for systems that cater to people living with asthma or those with severe allergies.

MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating)

This rating is for filters that remove particles even smaller than those removed by MERV 16. They remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, offering enhanced filtration.

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)

HEPA filters are one of the most efficient solutions for hospitals and homes that require premium filtration. According to the EPA, they remove a minimum of 99.97% of microscopic particles with a size of 0.3 microns. That's why these filters are popular in North Atlanta for buildings with a high risk of biological contamination.

How to Clean a Furnace Filter

You can extend your furnace filter's lifespan by cleaning it periodically. It's a fairly simple task:

  1. Power off the furnace.
  2. Unscrew or unclick the filter panel.
  3. Remove the dirty filter.
  4. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the filter.
  5. Reinsert the filter and reinstall the filter panel.

If you have a washable filter, you can use a mild soap like dish detergent to wash the filter, then leave it to dry before reinserting it in the furnace. If you don't have a washable filter, it's worth considering a furnace filter replacement instead.

When to Change Your Furnace Filter

North Atlanta can be dusty, and knowing when to change your furnace filter in your home is essential. However, filter change intervals depend on multiple factors, including:

  • Air filter type: Different types of filters have different lifespans. Fiberglass filters only have a lifespan of around a month, while pleated filters often last around three months.
  • Quality and rating: Generally, the better quality your filter is, the denser it is. These filters capture more contaminants, but they also clog quickly since they pick up so many pollutants, shortening their lifespans.
  • Contamination levels: If you live in a region with many airborne contaminants, your furnace filters may have shorter lifespans than in an area with cleaner air.
  • Traffic and movement: The number of people and animals in the building can affect how quickly filters become ineffective. For instance, if you have multiple cats that shed heavily, the dander will clog your furnace filters.

Replace most filters every one to three months, or sooner if airflow or air quality decreases.

Why You Need Professional Maintenance for Your HVAC Furnace in North Atlanta, GA

While you may be able to replace or clean a furnace filter, regular furnace services are important to your HVAC system. Benefits include:

  • Maintaining product warranties: Many manufacturers require professional services at specific intervals to maintain warranties and guarantees. By signing up for a professional HVAC or furnace maintenance plan, you meet warranty and insurance requirements.
  • High quality, low effort: When you hire a team of local experts in Atlanta for your HVAC maintenance, they do a professional job every time. Additionally, you won't need to take responsibility for the maintenance of your furnace.
  • Professional recommendations: Whether you're looking for a basic solution that keeps your furnace running or the best possible air quality, professionals can recommend the ideal filter for your needs and air quality goals. They also understand the air quality challenges unique to the Atlanta area and will factor them into their recommendations.
  • Replacement reminders: Many professional HVAC service companies will remind you when your HVAC is due for a filter change. This approach means you won't need to track it yourself, and ensures you never miss a maintenance session.

When to Replace Your Furnace

If you have an HVAC furnace in your Atlanta home, it will need a replacement at some point, even with regular maintenance. Generally, you know it's time to replace the furnace if:

  • The furnace is more than 15 years old.
  • You regularly need to repair the system.
  • Your heating system is energy-inefficient.
  • Some parts of your home are hotter than others.
  • The system is making strange noises or releasing odors.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to book a professional evaluation or furnace replacement.

Get Professional Furnace Assistance, From Maintenance to Replacement

Professional maintenance keeps your home comfortable and helps your furnace last longer. Partner with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® for all your furnace services, maintenance, and replacement needs. We serve families and homeowners in North Atlanta and the surrounding areas, and can help you find the right filter and keep your furnace properly maintained. 

Call us today to discuss your needs or schedule a maintenance appointment.