After investing in a thorough duct cleaning from a reputable company in Ottawa, you’ll want to ensure your HVAC system and indoor air quality continue to benefit for as long as possible. One of the most important things you can do is change and maintain high-quality furnace filters on a regular schedule. Using proper furnace filtration after duct cleaning can help trap dust, allergens and other contaminants before they reenter your ventilation ducts.
During duct cleaning in Ottawa, technicians use commercial vacuums and brush attachments to remove debris already inside your HVAC system. However, dust and dirt will inevitably make their way back into ducts over time through small openings, leaky duct joints and even your furnace filter. Thus, furnace filtration acts as the first line of defense for keeping ducts clean.
Most residential furnaces use one of three common filter types:
1) Disposable fiberglass filters –
The least effective option, these should be replaced at least every 2-3 months.
2) Washable synthetic filters –
These require washing in hot, soapy water every 3-6 months and allow for re-use.
3) Electronic air filters –
The most efficient but costly option, these utilize an electrostatic charge to trap particles and last around 2 years.
After your ducts have been professionally cleaned, installing a higher-efficiency furnace air filter is recommended. This includes a MERV 9 to 13 filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating between 50-80% particle capture.
Higher MERV filters:
- Trap smaller particles that lower MERV filters miss
- Help keep ducts cleaner longer after duct cleaning
- Improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutants like dust, pollen and smoke
- Reduce maintenance needs for your ducts and HVAC system overall
For optimal performance, experts recommend replacing furnace filters every 1-3 months depending on the filter type and filtration efficiency. Regularly scheduled filter changes are especially important right after duct cleaning to sustain the benefits achieved.
In conclusion, furnace filtration complements duct cleaning and should be viewed as an integral part of your ventilation system maintenance in Ottawa. Combining the two helps create a more effective one-two punch against contaminants – duct cleaning removes what’s already inside while high-efficiency filtration targets particles trying to enter. Together, they make for cleaner air and peak HVAC performance.