Furnace Filters, Heating Filter Replacement, and Filtration Upgrades
Full Nelson replaces furnace filters and installs upgraded filtration systems that protect your heating equipment and reduce airborne particles circulating through your home during the heating season.
Why Furnace Filters Matter in Heating Season
During heating season, your home is sealed up tight. Windows stay closed for months. The same air recirculates through the furnace and ductwork hundreds of times per day. Every pass through the system is an opportunity for the filter to capture dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and other particles.
A dirty furnace filter creates problems that go beyond air quality. Restricted airflow forces the blower motor to work harder, increasing energy consumption. The heat exchanger can overheat because insufficient air is moving across it to carry heat away. The high-limit safety switch may trip, shutting down the furnace. In extreme cases, repeated overheating can crack the heat exchanger, creating a carbon monoxide risk.
Changing the filter on schedule is the most effective thing a homeowner can do to prevent furnace problems.
Furnace Filter Types
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Standard Disposable Filters (MERV 1-4)
Basic fiberglass or spun filters that catch large particles. These protect the equipment but offer minimal air quality improvement. Replace every 30 days during the heating season.
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Pleated Filters (MERV 8-13)
Pleated filters offer the best balance of particle capture and airflow for most residential furnaces. A MERV 8 filter captures dust, pollen, and mold spores. MERV 11 adds dust mite debris and pet dander. MERV 13 captures some bacteria and smoke particles. Replace every 60 to 90 days, or more frequently in homes with pets or allergy sufferers.
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Deep Media Filters (4-5 inch)
A media filter cabinet replaces the standard 1-inch filter slot with a larger housing that accepts 4-inch or 5-inch deep filters. The increased surface area allows higher MERV ratings without restricting airflow. These filters last 6 to 12 months between replacements. Full Nelson installs media filter cabinets on existing furnaces.
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Washable and Electrostatic Filters
Reusable filters that can be washed and reinstalled. Electrostatic filters use static charge to attract particles. These eliminate ongoing filter purchase costs but require regular washing to maintain effectiveness. Not all furnace configurations are well suited for washable filters.
When to Change Your Furnace Filter
Replacement intervals vary based on filter type, home conditions, and how hard the system runs.
- Fiberglass: every 30 days
- Pleated MERV 8-11: every 60 to 90 days
- Deep media (4-5 inch): every 6 to 12 months
- Homes with pets: increase frequency by 30 to 50 percent
- After renovation or construction work: replace immediately, as drywall dust and debris load filters quickly
Why Full Nelson
- Family, Women, and Veteran owned since 2003
- Licensed, insured HVAC technicians
- Filter inspection included in every maintenance visit
- Media filter cabinet installation available
- Up-front pricing before work begins
- Total Home Care Club includes annual filter inspection