When it comes to furnace filters, the general recommendation is to replace them every 60 days. However, this can vary depending on the type of filter you have. Thicker filters can last up to 4 months, while fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days. Pleated filters can last up to 3-6 months.
Smoke can damage the filter, so if you have smokers in your home, you may need to change the filter more often. Allergy sufferers should change their filter every 30-60 days for optimal comfort. Smaller rooms may require less frequent filter changes. The basic consensus among HVAC professionals is that you should replace your oven filter every 90 days or every three months.
Depending on your lifestyle and the type of oven filter you choose, you may want to change it more often. If you have multiple pets, you'll want to change a one or two inch filter every month, a four inch filter every two months, and a five inch filter every three months. If your furniture becomes dusty soon after cleaning the house, the oven filter could be clogged and no longer effectively removes dust from the air. If you answer yes to this question, you'll want to change the filter every 6 weeks to maintain the best indoor air quality. Due to their pleats, filters such as the Honeywell Ultra Efficiency filter (also available on Amazon), have more square inches of space to trap dust, so they often require fewer changes every 90 days. Changing your furnace filter at the right time will help avoid poor indoor air quality, allergic symptoms and may even help prevent premature failure of the HVAC system.
Thomas & Galbraith's NATE certified heating and cooling professionals share why furnace filters need to be changed. The main difference between the two is that HVAC has additional features such as gas ovens, heat pumps and air conditioning.
