As an HVAC expert, I have been asked countless times about the frequency of changing air filters. Many homeowners are unsure of how often they should replace their air filters and if it is really necessary to do so every 3 months. The truth is, regularly changing your air filters is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment. Most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend replacing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the location of your home, the presence of pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
For pleated air filters, like those made by FilterBuy, the general rule is to replace them every 90 days. As your air filter traps more dirt, dust, and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. This means that it will not be able to effectively filter out pollutants, which can lead to poor indoor air quality. Therefore, it is important to find out if you should replace your air filter more frequently based on your specific circumstances. If you have a fiberglass air filter, it is recommended to replace it every 30 days or as advised by the manufacturer. On the other hand, a pleated air filter should be replaced every three to six months. The frequency of air filter replacement also depends on other important factors such as the size of your home, the number of occupants, and its location.
Your lifestyle and the type of oven filter you choose can also affect how often you need to change your air filter. Air filters are assigned a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating ranging from 1 to 16, with ratings between 6 and 12 being ideal for residential furnaces. To determine the correct size of air filter for your HVAC system, check the dimensions on the existing air cleaner and then look for a matching filter online or at a local home improvement store. I have seen firsthand the difference that changing an air filter can make. I once checked a client's air filter and found it covered in dust, which was causing their indoor air to feel stuffy and uncomfortable. After replacing the filter with a new one, the indoor air quality improved significantly. Changing your air filters regularly is essential for ensuring that clean air circulates throughout your home.
This is because all of the air that passes through your HVAC system, whether for heating or cooling, will eventually go through the air filter. The MERV rating of an air filter can also indicate how effective it is at filtering out dust and other contaminants. If you find that you need to vacuum or sweep more frequently than usual, it may be a sign that you need to change your air filter more often. Even if no one in your household suffers from allergies, it is still advisable to change your oven filter frequently, especially if you have multiple pets. This will help your oven work efficiently and prevent any potential issues. You can easily check if your air filter needs to be replaced by removing it from the air purifier and holding it up to a light source.
If you cannot see light passing through the filter, it is definitely time for a replacement. So, how often should you change your air filter? The answer is, it depends. During a remodeling project, it is recommended to change your furnace filter every 30 days or even more frequently to prevent construction-related dust from circulating around your home. Filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 not only block pet dust and dander but can also filter out certain types of viruses and microscopic particles. Compared to other home improvement tasks, changing air filters is a quick and easy process that can be completed in less than an hour. If you notice a visible layer of dirt covering most of the filter surface, it is a clear sign that the filter has been in your air conditioning system for too long and needs to be replaced. It is important to refer to your oven owner's manual for the recommended MERV rating for your furnace.
In general, filters with a MERV rating of 6 to 9 should be changed every 90 days, while those with a MERV rating of 10 to 12 should be replaced every 60 days.
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