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Lower energy costs

A dirty filter will impede airflow from your furnace, making your heating system work harder to heat your home. This will accelerate the wear and tear on your unit and increase your heating costs. A clean furnace filter reduces stress on the internal components of your appliance, improving your energy-efficiency ratings during the winter and lowering your energy costs.

Better indoor air quality

Clogged filters can recirculate pet dander, dust, dirt, and debris throughout your interior, diminishing your indoor air quality and comfort levels. By changing your furnace filter regularly, you can remove these airborne particles from your living space toimprove the quality of the air you and your loved ones breathe in.

Fewer repairs and longer life

A dirty furnace filter can cause damage to your heating system over time by forcing it to work harder to heat your living space. Changing your furnace filters frequently can save you from expensive repair costs and extend the lifespan of your unit.

Canada-ready guidance

According to Natural Resources Canada, approximately 2/3 of energy used in Canadian households is for heating and air conditioning systems. By conducting seasonal checks on your furnace, especially following natural disasters like wildfires, you can help maintain a healthy home and improve indoor air quality ratings all year long.

Easy DIY

Check out Enbridge Sustain's step-by-step instructions below to change your furnace filter without the need for a professional technician!

As a general rule of thumb, Canadian homeowners should change their furnace filters using these replacement intervals and adjust them according to their daily lifestyle:

1-inch filters

A 1-inch air filter should be changed every 1 to 3 months for optimal results.

2-inch filters

Aim to change your 2-inch furnace filters every 2 to 4 months.

4 to 5-inch filters

A furnace equipped with a 4 to 5-inch thick filter should be changed every 6 to 12 months.

Important: If you live in a home with pets, smokers, or have allergies, your air filter should be changed more frequently. Homeowners who have just completed renovations should immediately change their air filter once construction has wrapped up. And, if your furnace filter has a MERV rating of 11 or higher, replace it monthly.

When it comes to how often to change furnace filters in your home, the thickness of the air filter and its MERV rating are only part of the picture. You'll also want to consider who lives in your household and how often you're relying on your heating system during the winter months.

Filter thickness and material

Not all furnace air filters are constructed the same way. A thicker filter, such as a 4 to 5-inch filter, for example, is designed to hold onto a lot more debris and dust than a thinner, 1-inch filter, which is why they can be used a lot longer and replaced less frequently. Furnace filters made from higher-quality materials like pleated filters and electrostatic filters that catch smaller particles like pollen and pet hair last longer, and don't need to be changed as frequently. In other words, the thicker the filter, the less often a replacement is needed.

MERV rating and airflow

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, ratings signify how effectively an air filter captures particles. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles it can capture, which can cause the filter to clog a lot faster. Because all furnace equipment is different, if the MERV rating is too high than what's recommended, it can reduce airflow and make your furnace work harder, which can reduce efficiency levels and increase wear and tear. The goal isn't to have the highest rating, but a furnace filter that matches what your appliance is designed to do.

Occupants and lifestyle

Your lifestyle directly affects your furnace filters. Those living with pets, have active allergies, small children, or elderly family members, can impact your indoor air quality and the types of particles circulating throughout your living space. The more particles floating around, the faster your filter will clog, and the more often you'll need to replace it.

Home specifics and environment

Homes with a larger square footage will circulate more air than smaller properties, which plays a role in how fast a filter will fill up with dirt, dust, and other debris. Older properties and homes with leaky ducts, gaps, or loose connections can allow dust from unfinished spaces like the attic, crawlspace, or basement to enter the HVAC system, causing the filter to clog a lot faster.

Renovations are also another factor homeowners need to consider. Drywall dust, sawdust, insulation particles, and other odours can clog a filter within a couple of days; your replacement frequency should be adjusted following any house renovation projects. Additionally, if your house is located near construction sites or gravel roadways, the dust can flow into your home to cause clogged filters.

In Western Canada, like British Columbia, Alberta, and the prairies, hotter summer temperatures and wildfire smoke can clog your filter, even when you're not using your HVAC system and when windows are closed, which is why you should change your furnace filter in the fall, regardless of your system remaining unused for a couple of months.

Seasonal use in Canada

As Canadian winters can be frigid from coast to coast, you'll likely rely on your furnace between December and April. During these months, it's recommended that you conduct a visual inspection of your furnace filter every month to look for debris, even if you don't end up replacing it each time.

Even if you follow the recommended guidelines of how often to change the furnace filter, sometimes, your air filter may need some TLC before your next scheduled replacement. From changes in air flow to inconsistent comfort levels, if you notice any of the following signs in your home, it's a good idea to check your furnace filter right away:

• Visible dust buildup: Your furnace filter looks dark, grey, and is visibly clogged with debris and dust instead of being clean and white.

• Weak air flow from air vents: Your rooms feel stuffy and take longer to heat than normal.

• Dust around your home: You find yourself having to dust your interior a lot more often than normal.

• Allergies or asthma flare-ups: If you or your loved ones are experiencing increased congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, it could be due to airborne particles and irritants in your air.

• Usual strain on your furnace: Your HVAC system is taking longer than usual to reach your set temperature on your thermostat.

• Higher energy costs: A clogged filter will make your furnace operate at higher stress levels, increasing your energy consumption and energy costs, which you'll notice on your monthly utility bill.

• Musty or stale smells: Poor air flow can trap unusual odours in your home.

• Recent renovations and smoky outdoor conditions: Dust and debris from recent construction or wildfires can clog your filters a lot quicker.

• It's been over three months: Even if your filter looks clean, an old filter won't work as effectively to capture airborne pollutants.

When in doubt, if you're unable to see light through your furnace filter, it's time for a replacement.

Most disposable furnace filters are easy to remove and replace, and should only take a few minutes to do so. If you still have the manual that came with your furnace appliance, take a peek beforehand to see if there are any specific instructions you need to follow during the replacement process. If you don't have access to this information, turn off the main power to the unit before opening any of the access panels to ensure both you and your equipment are protected.

Turn off the furnace for safety

Switch your thermostat to "off," so the system doesn't kickstart while you are replacing the filter. If your furnace has a nearby power switch, shut that off as well, or cut the electrical supply using your home's circuit breaker.

Locate the filter slot

A furnace filter can be found in two places, depending on the model of unit you have:

1. Behind the return air vent on your wall or ceiling:

2. Inside the furnace itself, where the air enters the blower.

If you're unable to locate it, follow the large air duct that draws air into your furnace; that is your return vent, which should lead you to your filter.

Read the size and airflow arrow

Now that you've located your furnace filter, you'll notice the filter size printed on its frame. You'll also see an arrow, which shows the direction of airflow. That arrow should always point toward your furnace or the blower motor.

Insert the new filter correctly

Remove the old filter and slide the new one in. It should fit snugly into place. Ensure there are no gaps around the edges, as it can allow dust to bypass the filter, which will defeat the purpose of the filter altogether.

Record the date and set a reminder

On the filter frame, write down the date and adda reminder to your phone calendar to notify you when your next replacement is needed.

Dispose of properly or wash if reusable

Your dirty furnace filter can go straight into the trash. If your furnace is equipped with a reusable filter, rather than replacing it, you'll need to rinse it gently with water and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it to prevent moisture problems, like mould and mildew growth.

As we mentioned, choosing the right furnace filter for your unit shouldn't entail finding the strongest one available; it's about matching the filtration to your furnace and your household needs:

• MERV 5 to 8: These capture dust, lint, and some pollen while still allowing for strong, consistent air flow. They're a safe and common choice for most homes and are designed to ensure your furnace operates efficiently during those long Canadian winters.

• MERV 9 to 12: These furnace filters trap small airborne particles like pet dander and finer allergens. They are most popular in houses with pets or if you have sensitivities to dust and other contaminants. Before purchasing this type of furnace filter, confirm that your model is able to handle the extra resistance.

• MERV 13 and higher: These capture smoke and very fine particles. Because they restrict more airflow, most residential furnaces will struggle to perform optimally with these installed. Therefore, it's best to confirm whether your furnace is compatible with an HVAC technician before upgrading.

Understanding how different furnace filters affect your wallet and your appliance can help you make smarter choices when replacing your old ones. Furnace filters can vary in price, lifespan, airflow, and efficiency, which all impact your long-term health and energy consumption. Here's a quick comparison table you can reference when it comes to changing filters:

Note that these cost comparisons can vary based on the size, quality, and brand:

• Fibreglass: $5 to $10 to replace.

• Pleated filters: Anywhere from $15 to $40 to replace.

• HEPA filters: Between $30 to $100 or more to replace.

• Reusable electrostatic filters: $50 to $100 per replacement.

Remember, choosing the right filter and replacing it on schedule can help you save money on both your energy costs and equipment repairs over time.

Not all homes can follow a standard replacement schedule. Being aware of these types of special cases can help you save time, money, and spare your furnace from unnecessary wear and tear.

• New builds or renovations: Construction dust, drywall particles, sawdust, and insulation can quickly cause your furnace filter. Even a brand-new furnace isn't designed to function efficiently in overly dusty environments. In homes that are undergoing renovations, changing your filter every couple of weeks is recommended. Once renovations are complete, a final furnace change is needed to ensure your indoor air quality is restored.

• Vacation homes: If you own a vacation home in Canada, your furnace may sit unused for months on end, which allows dust, dirt, and other debris to accumulate in the system. Before turning your furnace on, replace the filter and consider scheduling a maintenance appointment.

• Heat pumps vs gas furnaces: Heat pumps and gas furnaces should follow similar replacement schedules. If you have a hybrid system, swapping out the air filter in both appliances at the same time is recommended.

• Reusable or washable filters: Reusable filters should be washed gently and fully dried before being reinstalled. Never reinstall a damp filter. Follow your owner's manual to maintain optimal airflow and indoor air quality.