Usually, most air filters should be changed every 90 days or 3 months, depending on the location of your home, if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. The only way to be sure how often the air filter should be changed is to do a visual inspection of the filter every month. After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty. You will need to re-evaluate if you have a new pet or if the outdoor air quality has been poor.
Some air filters are supposed to survive up to six months, while others need to be changed monthly. The denser the air filter, the longer it should last. In general, you can examine the thickness of the filter instead of the mark. You also need to take a look at the MERV rating.
The ideal is to change the air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. Air filters must be changed every 90 days on average. An HVAC filter will only last one to three months on average. Which means you need to keep track of the date you installed them.
If you wait too long to change the filter, indoor air quality will suffer. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to replace the filter every 90 days. As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, filter efficiency decreases. With older homes or homes in areas with lots of surrounding foliage and high pollen levels, you may also need to change your air filter more often.
Pleated air filters are more expensive at first, but are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days depending on usage. However, if your HVAC system works almost consistently, change the filter every few weeks (especially if you use a cheaper fiberglass filter). You will find it easier to remember to do this important task if you learn how often you should change your air filter in the first place. Ovens and air conditioners in small homes need to pump less air for the same amount of temperature change, which can mean less frequent filter changes.
Usually, cats and dogs shed more when winter turns into spring and summer into autumn, which are key times to replace the filter. If you have allergies, you can reduce your symptoms by using a high-quality air filter and adopting a more frequent replacement program. Another 12 particles are used to determine which air filters are best for trapping different air pollutants. However, if replacing the air filter is simply out of the question for an extended period, going beyond 90 days will not cause irreparable damage to your air conditioning system.
For every dog that sheds hair, expect to replace the filter a month earlier than you would for a pet-free home. If you have changed your air filters and you are still noticing problems with indoor air quality, it is advisable to call a professional to help you fix the problem at its root. If you don't like the idea of throwing out the air filter every two weeks, invest in a washable air filter. While a filter with a higher MERV rating should last longer, it can also restrict airflow in your home.
No matter what HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly to keep indoor air quality clean and your unit operating at peak efficiency. How often should you change your home's HVAC air filter? It depends on how long the filter is expected to last and different qualities in your home that affect the filter. During mild spring and autumn seasons, when your HVAC system works less often, the filter will not get dirty as quickly.
