Did you know that most Canadians spend approximately 90% of their time indoors? According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, this means that the quality of air inside your home or workplace really matters.
If your furnace filter is not working well, that air might not be as clean as you think. From chilly winters to sunny summers, the right furnace filter can make the difference in keeping your home comfortable and your air fresh.
It’s important to understand that not all furnace filters are the same. Some filters are meant for basic use and mainly catch dust particles, while others, such as high-efficiency or MERV-rated filters, are designed to trap pollen, pet hair, and even tiny allergens around your home. Rather than doing random selection, choose the right furnace filter that best suits your home and heating system.
So, which filter should you opt for? This guide lists the different types of furnace filter available and how each one can make your furnace run better and your family breathe easier.
FiberGlass Filters
Fiberglass filters are made using layers of fine spun glass fibres arranged into either flat or pleated patterns. These filters are the most common and economical choice for basic air filtration, typically rated MERV 1–4. They mostly capture larger airborne particles such as dust, lint, and pet hair, helping to prevent many of these particles from entering the HVAC system.
Their open design supports smooth airflow, which helps maintain heating and cooling efficiency. Because they are disposable, they should be replaced every 30 days if you want your system to work at its full capacity.
Pros
- It is cheap and can be found in almost any hardware store.
- Prevents the accumulation of dirt on the motors and coils of the air conditioning system.
- Allows the system to consume less energy because of the energy-efficient flow.
Cons
- Ineffective in filtering small allergens or bacteria.
- Requires frequent replacement to avoid clogs and reduce efficiency.
Best For: Homeowners who want a low-cost filter that is capable of protecting the HVAC system from large debris only. It is suitable for families where air quality improvement is not the main focus.
Pleated Filters
Pleated air filters are a key component of your HVAC system that help clean indoor air and prevent dust and debris from clogging the unit. These filters are made from paper, cotton, or polyester. Typically, these materials are folded into multiple pleats to create a larger surface area for capturing airborne particles.
This pleated design allows the filter to trap dust, pollen, pet hair, and other airborne particles more efficiently. This ensures your furnace operates efficiently while keeping these particles from circulating indoors.
Pros
- A larger surface area captures more dust, pollen and allergens which improves indoor air quality.
- More efficient than standard fibreglass filters, with MERV ratings typically ranging from 5 to 12.
- Most filters last up to 90 days, which reduces the need for replacements often.
Cons
- Higher upfront costs compared to basic filters.
- If pleats are densely packed and not correctly matched, some HVAC systems’ airflow could be partially blocked.
Best For: Family living in a house with allergy or asthma issues, pet owners, and families looking for higher air quality. Pleated filters offer an optimal balance of efficiency, durability, and safety for HVAC systems.
Electrostatic Filters
An electrostatic filter works through the use of static electricity to charge and capture airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. As air passes through the filter, particles receive an electric charge and are attracted to collector plates or fibres with the opposite charge, similar to how a magnet works.
This physically holds the contaminants without relying on the usage of heavy materials to maintain the flow of air. Electrostatic filters are normally washable and reusable. Moreover, it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for homes requiring continuous air cleaning. Electrostatic filters typically have a MERV rating of 4–8, making them suitable for capturing larger airborne particles in homes.
Pros
- Provide better savings as it is reusable and washable
- Efficient at capturing larger particles like pet hair and dust.
- Environmentally friendly solution with less waste in comparison to disposable filters.
Cons
- High initial buying cost than standard filters
- Requires regular cleaning (every 1–2 months) to maintain optimal airflow and filtration efficiency.
Best For: Homeowners who want improved air quality and savings over the long term. Ideal for homeowners who prefer low-waste, sustainable filtration that consistently maintains fresh and healthy indoor air.
HEPA Filters
A HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is a widely recognized, highly effective air-quality filter. The filter consists of a densely packed network of thin fibres. This filter can capture 99.97% of particles with sizes of 0.3 microns and below.
HEPA filters can reduce allergens, smoke, and dust to levels considered clean for homes, workplaces, or hospitals. Because of their superior filtering capability, HEPA filters are recommended by health authorities for individuals suffering from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
Pros
- Captures ultrafine particulate matter, e.g., pollen and bacteria, in the air.
- Extracts allergens present in the air, which helps to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
- More durable than regular disposable filters.
Cons
- More costly than standard filters.
- It may decrease airflow if not cleaned regularly.
Best For: Homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers. Suitable for high-pollution environments or individuals who want cleaner, healthier interior air with no allergens and irritants.
Washable Filters
A washable air filter is a recyclable, durable filter made from materials such as electrostatic fibres, aluminum fibres, aluminum mesh, or foam, typically rated at low MERV levels (1–4) for general household filtration. It is designed to be cleaned, dried, and reused multiple times rather than replaced.
The filter catches larger contaminants like dust and lint while allowing airflow, providing an affordable and environmentally friendly option compared to disposable filters. But its reduced efficiency in filtering out finer pollutants makes it less appropriate for allergy-prone environments.
Pros
- Reusable design saves long-term replacement expenses.
- An environmentally friendly choice that reduces household waste.
- Easy for moderate air quality needs for a home.
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning and thorough drying, typically every 1–2 months, to prevent mould and maintain efficiency.
- Less effective at removing smaller airborne particles.
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners and eco-friendly households seeking long-term cost savings. Ideal for spaces without pets or severe allergens, where large-particle filtration is sufficient and routine maintenance is manageable.
Final Words
Selecting the right furnace filter can significantly improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and the quality of your indoor air. From basic fibreglass filters to advanced HEPA options, each type offers benefits depending on your home’s needs and budget.
At Infiniti Home Comfort, our certified experts help homeowners choose the most suitable furnace filter to achieve greater comfort, cleaner air, and optimal system efficiency. Our experienced and certified technicians handle everything from furnace repair to maintenance, ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently throughout the year.
Contact Infiniti Home Comfort today to schedule a service or consultation and maintain a comfortable, healthy home all year round.
