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How Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter?
Do you know how often to change your HVAC system’s air filter? There is no one set answer for all Grand Rapids area homes, as many different variables come into play affecting the service life of a furnace filter. How often you change your home’s HVAC air filter depends on how long your filter is expected to
last and the different qualities of your home that impact the filter. When in doubt, call A-1 Mechanical for expert advice and indoor air quality services for your Michigan home. As mentioned above, there is no set service life for an air filter – it requires an evaluation of many different aspects. Air filter manufacturers include a recommendation for how often to change air filters. You can find this information on
the product insert that comes with a new filter. Furnace filters are expected to last anywhere from one month to one year. How Long Do Air Filters Generally Last?
Factors Affecting How Often to Change HVAC Air Filters
The manufacturer’s recommendation isn’t the final answer on how frequently you should change your furnace filter. The biggest factors affecting filter service life are detailed below.
Pets in the Home
Indoor pets shed hair and dander that easily become airborne in your home. These materials clog air filters faster. Homes with one pet should generally replace filters after two months; those with more than one pet may need to replace the filter monthly.
Heating & Air Conditioning System Use
How frequently your heating or air conditioning system is in use impacts filter service life as well. During periods of the year when HVAC equipment runs often, air is circulated more times through the home compared to times when the HVAC system is used sparingly. More cycles mean more passes through the filter and opportunities to trap contaminants, so filters typically fill up faster during high-use periods.
At the peak of summer and winter, air filters need to be changed more frequently than required during the spring, fall and the milder months.
Allergy & Asthma Sufferers
If there are allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, clean air is critical to their health and comfort indoors. You’ll need to change your HVAC filter more frequently when allergy and asthma sufferers are present. Changing the filter on a more frequent basis ensures the filter has the available surface area needed to filter out the contaminants that trigger symptoms among your loved ones.
Have Questions? A-1 Mechanical Is Here to Help!
Estimating how often to change an air filter can be tricky because of so many different variables at play. If you’re unsure how often your furnace filter requires replacement, call A-1 Mechanical! Our knowledgeable team of NATE-certified HVAC system technicians is always available to assess the indoor air quality needs of your home and help you create a plan for cleaner air indoors, from an accurate filter replacement schedule to installing advanced filtration solutions.
It may be challenging to know the right time to replace the air filters in an AC unit. Here’s a helpful guide for gauging how often to replace them.
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Q: How often should I replace the air filters in my home, and what factors would require me to replace them in between regular changes?
A: The essential function of an air filter is to clean air that passes through a home’s heating and cooling system. Air filters are made out of spun fiberglass, paper, or cloth enclosed in a cardboard frame and are usually located within the air vents of a home. Homeowners may forget to change the HVAC filters for months at a time, which can cause a buildup of dust, debris, and allergens. This buildup can cause maintenance problems over time.
Additionally, neglecting to replace the air filter accordingly can cause a homeowner’s energy bill to increase as the clogged filters cause the system to work harder when circulating the air. A typical manufacturer recommends replacing the air filters every 30 to 90 days; however, this depends on the filter’s lifespan and other environmental factors within the home.
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An air filter’s longevity will depend on the type of filter, indoor air quality, the home’s size, and air pollution.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Different types of furnace or AC filters have varying specifications on when they should be replaced. Fiberglass filters have a lower price point; however, they will need to be replaced more often (usually every 30 days). Pleated air filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters with higher quality materials. These filters can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on other factors.
The fewer occupants there are in a house, the fewer contaminants and debris build up there will be in its air filters. For example, a family of four will have to change their air filters more often than a single individual’s home. An air filter’s lifespan also depends on the size of the house as larger homes circulate more air through the air filters. Air filters in smaller homes don’t need to be changed as often as larger homes.
The air quality within the home will also determine how often to replace air filters. If an occupant smokes, replacing the air filter can increase the quality of air within the home. Additionally, the quality of the air outdoors determines when to replace the filters. As outdoor dust or pollution increases, there’s a greater need to replace the air filters indoors.
Check the air filter packaging for the expected lifespan of the filter.
An air filter manufacturer will usually explain how often to replace the air filter on its installation instructions. Some manufacturers recommend replacing air filters every 30 to 60 or 90 days, depending on the type of air filter. If there’s ever a question, call a professional or the air filter manufacturer to determine its lifespan. A professional will be able to assist if there’s a particular protocol for changing a specific brand’s air filter or how often to change an air filter.
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+If anyone in the house suffers from asthma or allergies or has pets that shed, the air filter will need to be changed more frequently.
Air filters assist in clearing the air in a heating and air conditioning system by removing unwanted debris. Excess contaminants can build up in the filter and cause a release of dust and dander if not changed regularly. This may cause certain household members to react with a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and other allergic reactions. Poor air circulation can also cause an increased risk of asthma attacks. If someone in the household suffers from severe allergies, it’s recommended to change the air filters very frequently; in some cases, every two weeks. For milder to moderate allergies, try to replace the air filters every 30 days.
Having a pet can also decrease the time between air filter changes. Pet hair and dirt tracked in from outside can further clog the filters and block airflow. This accumulation of debris can change how often to replace the air filters. Change the filters every 60 days for one pet and every 20 to 45 days for multiple pets.
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Change the air filter during allergy seasons.
During allergy season, air filters can work overtime to clear out the allergens, dust, and other debris circulating through the heating and cooling system. At this time, it’s recommended to replace the air filters with quality replacements that can filter out common allergens, including pollen. This is especially true if homeowners begin to notice particles floating in the air that subsequently cause allergic reactions. Replacing the filters regularly can keep homeowners and their families healthy through efficient air circulation.
Allergies got you down?
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+Consider changing the filters after a construction project if it created excess dust and debris.
Home renovations can cause a buildup of excess dust and debris that clog air filters. After a renovation, such as a project involving drywall, there may be pieces of drywall, dirt, and dust collected in the air ducts, thus restricting airflow through the air filters. A good rule of thumb is if there’s a need to vacuum more often from debris on the floor, it’s safe to say that this debris is also going into the air filters. Consider replacing the air filters after a heavy home renovation to keep the air clear and lower the chances of costly maintenance repairs later on.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Reduced airflow, excess dust, or increased energy bills are all signs that filters need to be changed.
Numerous contaminants and debris, including excess dust, can cause the air filters to clog and reduce the air circulation throughout the home. As the system works to counteract the effects of this excess dust and debris, it can work overtime, producing an increased energy bill.
These are all signs that it’s time to change the air filters in the home. However, they can also indicate that something is malfunctioning in your HVAC system. If you’ve changed your air filters and are still noticing these problems, it’s wise to call in a professional to help address the root issue.
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