You should replace your home air conditioning (AC) filters regularly, approximately every 30 days. Newer systems typically use pleated filters, which are rectangular and have a depth of about one inch. If you don't have allergies, you should replace them approximately every 90 days, but AC professionals generally recommend it every 45 days for maximum efficiency. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. That may change depending on the location of your home (e.g.
dry and dusty climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets in the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and for households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20-45 days. Usually, vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. The only way to ensure how often you need to change your air filter is to perform a visual inspection of the filter every month.
After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty. You will need to re-evaluate if you have a new pet or if the outdoor air quality has been poor. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to replace the filter every 90 days. As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. Find out below if you should replace the filter more often. How often you need to change your home's air filters depends on how often you use your home.
For a little-used vacation home, you could get away with changing filters once a year. However, for a typical suburban home, you'll probably want to change filters at least every 90 days. But that time frame changes depending on additional circumstances such as location, pet ownership, and age of system and equipment. If you have any questions, call a professional or the manufacturer of the air cleaner to determine its service life. At this time, it is recommended that air filters be replaced with quality replacements that can filter out common allergens, including pollen. You can hear it: Your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter.
Air filters should be changed regularly in your home to keep the system running smoothly and to maintain optimal air quality. If you have an asthmatic or allergic person at home, change the filter every 6 weeks to ensure the best indoor air quality. There are no strict guidelines, but if the filter shows only a subtle layer of dirt under which the filter material is still visible, the filter is in good working order. Consider replacing air filters after a major home renovation to keep the air clean and reduce the chances of costly maintenance repairs later on. Numerous contaminants and debris, including excess dust, can cause air filters to clog and reduce air circulation throughout the home. During allergy season, air filters can work overtime to remove allergens, dust, and other debris circulating through the heating and cooling system.
As a general rule, it's a good idea to replace the air filter in your HVAC system every month. However, if it's not replaced regularly it will put unwanted pressure on your HVAC system, resulting in poor air quality and air circulation. Children are more sensitive than adults to indoor air pollutants such as mold, dust mite debris, dander and pollen; so make your home an oasis by using quality air filters and replacing them before they become too clogged and dirty.
