How Often Should You Change Your Home's Air Filters?

Changing your home’s air filters every 1-3 months is recommended.

Air filters are essential to keeping your home’s air clean and healthy. But how often should you be changing them? In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide tips on how to get the most out of your air filters.

We’ll also discuss why changing them regularly is essential and what kind of filter is best for your home. Read on for more information!

Type of Filter

Different filters have different lifespans, so knowing which type you are using is essential. The most common types of air filters are fiberglass, pleated paper, and washable electrostatic.

Fiberglass filters are the least expensive option but must be changed every 30 days or less depending on the dust and debris in your home’s air.

Pleated paper filters can last up to 90 days before needing replacement, while washable electrostatic filters can last up to a year before cleaning or replacement.

It is also essential to consider your filter’s size and efficiency rating when deciding how often it needs changing. A larger filter with a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating will trap more particles from the air. Still, it may need replacing more frequently than a smaller one with a lower MERV rating due to clogging faster.

In conclusion, knowing what type of filter you have installed in your home’s air system and its size and efficiency rating will help determine how often it should be replaced or cleaned for optimal performance.

Size of Filter

The larger the filter, the longer it will last before needing to be replaced. Smaller filters must be changed more frequently because they become clogged with dust and debris faster than larger ones.

Generally speaking, a standard 1-inch thick filter should be replaced every three months, while a 4-inch thick filter can last up to 12 months before changing.

It’s also important to note that if you have pets or live in an area with high levels of dust and pollen, then you may need to change your air filters more often than recommended.

Type of HVAC System

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is the system responsible for heating and cooling the air in your home.

Depending on your HVAC system type, it may require different air filters that need to be changed at different intervals. For example, suppose you have a forced-air furnace or central air conditioning unit with a standard filter.

In that case, it should be changed every 1-3 months depending on usage and environmental conditions, such as dust levels in the home.

If you have an electronic air cleaner or high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter, they should be changed every 6-12 months, depending on usage and environmental conditions.

It is essential to check with your manufacturer’s instructions regarding how often they recommend changing the filter for your specific model of the HVAC system so that you can ensure optimal performance from your unit while also protecting yourself from any potential health risks associated with dirty filters.

Air Quality in Home

Poor air quality can lead to health problems such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. To ensure excellent air quality in the home, it is essential to change the air filters regularly.

Air filters help remove dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles from circulating through your home’s ventilation system. Changing your home’s air filter regularly helps keep indoor air clean and free of pollutants that can cause health problems.

Depending on the type of filter you use and how often it needs to be changed will depend on how often you should replace them.

Generally speaking, most standard fiberglass or pleated filters should be replaced every three months; however, if you have pets or live in an area with high levels of dust or pollution, then they may need to be changed more frequently than this.

If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, it is also recommended that you change your filter more often than usual.

Frequency of Use

It is recommended that homeowners change their air filters every three months or more often if they have pets, allergies, or other health concerns. This will help ensure that the home’s air quality remains clean and free from dust and other airborne particles.

Regularly replacing air filters can help to improve energy efficiency by reducing strain on the HVAC system and allowing it to run more efficiently.

Manufacturer’s Recommendations

These recommendations are based on the type of filter you have and the size and usage of your HVAC system. Generally, manufacturers suggest changing air filters every one to three months, depending on the type of filter and how much it is used.

If you have pets or allergies, you may need to change your air filter more frequently than the manufacturer recommends. If you live in an area with dust or other airborne particles, checking and replacing your air filters more often than usual is essential.

How Often Should You Change Your Home’s Air Filters?