How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filter?

Most homeowners don’t realize the impact of changing their HVAC filter; having an old, dusty filter can cause higher energy bills, weak airflow, or a system that suddenly stops working.

HVAC filters matter in homes because they collect debris like dust and pollen that could end up back in your system or circulate through your home. Clean indoor air is important for comfort and overall air quality. Making sure that the filter is replaced regularly could help improve air quality and prevent your system from breaking down. 

Air filters work by pulling the air through and collecting the debris before going into the furnace or air handler blower, then the air is pushed through the system and into the house.

General HVAC Filter Replacement Guidelines

There are many different factors that go into a filter's lifespan, but for most residential homes, filters can last a few months. Depending on the filter type, the filter replacement frequency can differ by filter type:

• Standard Fiberglass Filter (1”-3”): Change every 30 days.
• Pleated Filters (1”-3”): Change every 60 to 90 days.
• Media Pleated Filters (4”-5”): Change every 6 to 12 months.

Although these are the basic guidelines, some factors will shorten the filter life span, including:

• Pets: Airborne hair and dander quickly clog filters.
• Allergies: Frequent replacement ensures maximum dust and pollen capture.
• Household size: More occupants mean more dust circulation
• Heavy Usage: Peak cooling or peak heating requires more maintenance.

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Filter

It is important to follow a schedule to replace your filter according to the type of filter and the usage. There are maintenance plans offered where our technicians will come out and perform cleaning, replace filters, and check to make sure the system is working properly. Although a schedule is important, sometimes an HVAC system might show signs to replace the filter sooner.

Look for these warning signs:

• Increased dust around your home.
• Higher-than-normal energy bills.
• Weak airflow from vents.
• Uneven heating or cooling.
• Allergy symptoms worsen indoors.
• HVAC system running longer than usual.
• Visible dirt buildup on the filter.

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Making sure your system is maintained properly can avoid unnecessary wear and tear and can help your system last longer.

What happens if homeowners forget?

Skipping filter changes may not seem like a big deal, but it can have a huge impact on your home and system. 

A dirty filter can:

• Shorten Equipment Lifespan - Extra strain on certain parts of the system, like the motor, can lead to expensive repairs.

• Increase energy costs - A dirty filter forces your system to work harder to push air through.

• Reduce Comfort - Blocked airflow can prevent the system from cooling or heating certain rooms, which will struggle to get cool in the summer or warm in the winter.

• Impact on Indoor Air Quality - Filters help trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and airborne particles, so when the filter is dirty, it's unable to collect the maximum amount of debris.

Homes That Need More Frequent Filter Changes

You may have to replace your filter more often if:

• You have cats or dogs
• Someone in the home has asthma or allergies
• You recently completed home renovations
• You live in a dusty environment
• Your HVAC system runs heavily during extreme weather 
• You have multiple people in the home

Can the Wrong Filter Cause Problems

Yes! 

Many people assume the thicker the filter, the better, but this is actually wrong. Using a filter that is too restrictive for your system can cause more breakdowns and shorten the lifespan due to the filter being highly restrictive. This causes the system to have to work harder to push air through.

If you're unsure which filter is right for your system, you may want to consider giving us a call.

A Simple Habit That Saves Money

Changing your HVAC filter is an easy way to improve efficiency, protect your equipment, and avoid breakdown costs. If you can’t remember the last time you changed your filter, now is probably a good time.

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For more information about filters, visit our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Filters blog!

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Need help with HVAC maintenance, or not sure if your system is running efficiently? We are here to help! Contact us today through our Contact Page or call  (866) 339-4822 to schedule service or preventative maintenance.

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