How Often Should I Change My HVAC filter?
Every month, we remind our social media followers to change their HVAC filters. Why? Because it is one of the most important and often overlooked tasks of HVAC maintenance. You might be wondering, “How often should I change my HVAC filter?” There are a few factors that go into this answer, and we are going to cover them below. If you need the TLDR version, A general rule of thumb is to change your air filter every 1 to 3 months depending on the type of filter, family size, home size, and environmental factors.
Air Filter Type
Fiberglass Air Fitler
A fiberglass air filter should be changed every 30 days. These filters are a more affordable option, but they also have the lowest MERV rating, which means they only capture larger particles like dust, dirt, and pet hair. If you have pets or allergies, you may need to change your filter more frequently.
Pleated Air Filter
A pleated air filter can last up to 3 months. Pleated air filters have a higher MERV rating than fiberglass air filters. They are able to capture small particles like pollen, mold spores, and bacteria. Pleated air filters tend to be more expensive than fiberglass filters, but they are worth the extra cost if someone in your house suffers from allergies or respiratory issues.
Washable Filter
Washable air filters, also referred to as an electrostatic filter, are an option that can be cleaned and reused several times. It is recommended to clean these washable air filters every 30 days to 3 months.
Pets and/or large family
Having pets in your home can affect how often your filter needs to be changed. A larger family can also affect how often you need to replace your filter. A filter can become dirty more quickly than normal and may need to be changed more frequently if either of these is a factor in your home.
Air Pollution
If you live in an area prone to higher levels of air pollution, you should change your air filter more often than recommended. You may want to switch out your filter more frequently if you are going through a particularly dry season. Or if allergens are high in your area.
Home Size
If you have a larger home, your HVAC needs to circulate more air throughout the home. Your filter will get dirty faster than normal because you have more air circulating through your HVAC filter. With just the simple task of changing your air filter, you can greatly benefit your home and your health. A dirty filter can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and costly repairs. You can help alleviate respiratory issues and allergies by ensuring the air quality in your home is fresh.
Changing your HVAC air filter is an important task that should not be overlooked. How often should you change your HVAC air filter? Your question can be answered by determining which of the points apply to your home. By changing your filter regularly, you can improve your home’s air quality, increase your HVAC system’s efficiency, and save money on your energy bill. If you need advice on how often to change your air filter or are unsure what type to use, reach out!
- Blog
- Community Happenings
- Energy Savers
- Health Benefits
- How to know the problem
- HVAC Problems
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Most Popular
- Projects
- Repair Tips