As the air filter in your home traps more and more natural particulate pollution, such as dust, mold and fungal spores, pet dander, and fabric fibers, it becomes increasingly difficult for air to pass through. Most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may vary depending on the location of your home, if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets in your house, it's best to change the filter every 60 days or 2 months.
For households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we suggest changing the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't get much use should change filters every 9-12 months. Not only is it important to keep your air clean, but it's also important to save energy. A dirty air filter consumes much more energy than a new, clean air filter, resulting in a higher electricity bill for you. Generally, manufacturers recommend replacing air filters every 30 to 90 days; however, this depends on the life of the filter and other environmental factors within the home.
If you have young children at home, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them every two months. At this time, it is recommended that air filters be replaced with quality replacements that can filter out common allergens, including pollen. As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to replace your home's pleated air filters and heating filters every 90 days. All the air that circulates through your HVAC system will eventually pass through the air filter. Air filters trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles so that the air conditioning system returns fresh, clean air to your home.
The filter prevents dirt, dust and pet hair from entering the air ducts and returning to the house, reducing air quality. In addition to protecting your HVAC system from unnecessary damage, replacing a clogged air filter will also save you a significant amount in operating costs. However, many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced, leaving their system vulnerable to damage. An air filter manufacturer will generally explain how often you should replace the air filter in their installation instructions. Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will act. Furthermore, studies show that indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air quality, and people typically spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.
The ideal is to change your air filter every three months; however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter.
