Soon, your heating system will be running at full capacity. In addition to heating your home, your system also serves to clean the indoor air through various filters that capture particles produced by cooking, tobacco smoke, pet dander, and other pollutants and dust generated by your daily activities or outdoor comings and goings. It is therefore a priority to check the filters regularly as part of your heating system maintenance. Neglecting this important step can result in breathing in stale air with a high level of dust, and it can compromise the efficiency and performance of your heating system. The following article will provide you with more information on the steps to ensure clean air and a comfortable temperature.
Types of Filters
There is not just one type of filter in heating systems. In fact, the filter can be made of fiberglass, electrostatic, electronic, or pleated materials, and depending on their type and quality, their ability to clean the air will vary greatly.
Fiberglass Filter
The fiberglass filter is inexpensive but less effective than other types of filters. This type of filter should be changed every two to three weeks, despite its low performance. Moreover, these filters end up in the waste, as they need to be replaced frequently, which is not good for the environment.
Electrostatic Filter
The electrostatic filter, on the other hand, performs much better. It captures dust through the phenomenon of static electricity. It can be « electrically charged, » meaning it polarizes the dust by creating an electrostatic field through electricity. Another model does not consume any electricity and works like a comb that is rubbed to develop its electrostatic properties. Both models are more efficient than fiberglass filters. However, they need to be cleaned often, and while some are washable, this action reduces their filtering power. It is therefore recommended to clean them every month and replace them every three months.
Electronic Filter
Electronic filters eliminate almost all dust particles from the ambient air. They are the most efficient type of filter. They are permanent filters and can be cleaned, which should be done frequently to maintain their effectiveness. However, it should be noted that if this type of filter is neglected, it can start emitting small amounts of ozone, which can be harmful to people with respiratory problems.
Pleated Filters
Pleated filters offer superior filtration depending on their thickness, which can range from 25 to 100 millimeters. They have excellent filtration capacity. It is recommended to check their condition every month and clean them if necessary. If a gray film forms on the surface, it is time to clean or replace it.
Do not hesitate to contact your heating company; they are best positioned to advise you on the maintenance of your filters.
