Air filters are an essential part of any home's HVAC system, as they help to keep the air clean and free of contaminants. But how often should you replace your air filter? It depends on a few factors, such as the type of filter you have, the location of your home, and whether or not you have pets. Pleated air filters should be replaced every 30 to 60 days, while 2-fold air filters should be changed every 3 months. A 3-fold air filter should be changed every 120 days, and a 4-fold air filter should be changed every 6 months.
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. However, this may change depending on the location of your home (e.g. dusty and dry climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets at home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in the case of households with several pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend that you change the filter every 20 to 45 days.
Vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change filters every 9 to 12 months. The more you use your home, the more often you'll need to change your air filter. If it's been more than three years or 30,000 miles since you last changed your air filter, it's probably time to buy a new one (especially if you can save money doing it yourself). When it comes to air conditioners, replace the filter every 30 days with cheaper fiberglass filters to avoid higher energy bills.
According to experts, you should get a filter with a MERV score of 6 to 8 for the best performance. If you live in a “smaller house”, your air conditioners and ovens must pump less air with the same temperature change, which could mean fewer filter changes. The cabin air filter must also be changed periodically, but on a different schedule than the engine air filter. A collapsed air filter can get stuck in the fan or create a large gap, causing air to float around the filter without leaking out.
Investing in a relatively inexpensive air filter and replacing it at the right time can save you a lot of money on repairs. Numerous contaminants and debris, including excess dust, can cause air filters to become clogged and reduce air circulation throughout the home. If you wait too long to change the filter, indoor air quality will be affected. Using a washable air filter is also beneficial because you can change it however you want and save money on air filters. The structure of these filters makes it much more difficult for the HVAC system to operate smoothly.
The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust and allergens will be trapped, clogging the filter and reducing its efficiency.
