Here at Emerald Heating & Cooling, we get a lot of calls with questions about furnace filters. Here’s what you need to know to keep your Buffalo furnace running well so you can stay warm this winter.
If you aren’t comfortable changing your filter yourself or you’re not sure how to access it, contact one of our Buffalo heating professionals. We’ll help you find the solutions you need so you can change your filter regularly.
The answer will be different for different furnaces in different households. We recommend changing your filter once a month when you’re running your furnace every day, especially if you have pets. If you’re not running yours that often or you want to be sure it needs changing each month, ask one of our professionals. We’ll evaluate your particular furnace and tell you how often we think you should change your filter.
Most people find that normal furnace filters work perfectly fine for their needs. If you have pets, struggle with allergies at home, or you worry about indoor air quality, talk to one of our Depew Indoor Air Quality professionals about using a furnace filter with a higher MERV rating. These filters trap more particles but they can also cause your furnace to experience more wear and tear. We’ll help you decide if they are right for you.
Find the access panel in your furnace. Remove any screws holding it in place and flip it up or remove it. Remove the old filter and put the new one back in its place. Make sure you install it with the proper side up so it filters effectively. Replace the access panel and note the date so you know when to change the filter next time. Dispose of the older filter.
A furnace filter traps dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles before they enter your heating system. This keeps your indoor air cleaner and prevents buildup inside your furnace, improving performance and longevity.
A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder. This can lead to:
• Higher energy bills
• Poor indoor air quality
• Uneven heating
• Premature system wear or breakdown
The MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) measures how effectively a filter captures particles:
• MERV 1–4: Basic protection (large dust, lint)
• MERV 5–8: Better for homes (dust, mold spores, pollen)
• MERV 9–12: High filtration (fine particles, pet dander)
• MERV 13–16: Superior filtration (bacteria, smoke, allergens)
Higher isn’t always better—some furnaces can’t handle the airflow restriction of high-MERV filters.
Washable filters can be cost-effective long-term, but they require regular cleaning and may not trap fine particles as well as disposable filters. If convenience and air quality are priorities, disposable pleated filters are usually better.
Yes. High-MERV or HEPA-style filters capture more allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, improving indoor air quality and helping reduce allergy symptoms.
Absolutely. A clean, properly rated filter allows air to move freely through your system, reducing strain and helping your furnace run more efficiently.
In most systems, the filter is located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the air reaches the furnace. If you’re unsure, your HVAC technician can show you where to find it.
You should avoid it. Running your furnace without a filter can cause dust and debris to enter the system, potentially damaging the blower and coils. If you must run it briefly, do so only for a few hours while getting a replacement filter.
There’s a lot you can learn from a good article, but some situations really do need a trained set of eyes. If anything you just read sounds familiar, or if you’re still not sure what you’re dealing with, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Give us a call and we’ll figure it out together.
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