Changing your furnace filters regularly is an essential part of home maintenance. Depending on the size and type of filter, it should be changed every one to three months, six to nine months, or nine to twelve months. If you have pets in the household, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months. Vacation homes or empty homes that don't see much use can wait to change filters every 9 to 12 months.
The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants the filter will work against. To keep air quality under control and keep the house clean, you will want to replace the filter at a minimum interval of 2 to 3 months. In a large household, the change of furnace filters is done more often than in homes with only one or two occupants.
Long-term costs include more frequent repairs and the need to replace the furnace or entire HVAC system sooner than expected. Ovens, the heating component of your central air conditioning system, are made up of several main parts that are responsible for heating the air inside your home. The main function of an oven filter is to trap airborne contaminants not for air quality reasons, but to keep them away from the heating and cooling system. A clean filter is needed to prevent dust from passing through the HVAC system, where it can accumulate in the internal coils of the air conditioner and reduce the efficiency of the unit.
You will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the HVAC system. To ensure that your home's air quality remains healthy and your HVAC system runs efficiently, it's important to remember to change your furnace filters regularly. Here are some strategies to make sure you remember this essential home maintenance task:
- Set reminders on your phone or calendar.
- Buy multiple filters at once so you always have a spare.
- Check your filters every month and replace them when they look dirty.
