Changing your HVAC filter regularly is essential for keeping your home's air clean and your HVAC system running efficiently. But how often should you change it? The answer depends on the type of filter you have, the size of the filter, and how often you use your HVAC system. For example, a one-inch oven filter should be changed every one to three months. A three- to four-inch filter can last six to nine months.
If you have a five- to six-inch coarse-grained filter, it can last nine to twelve months. Pleated air filters are more expensive at first, but they are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on use. Your oven owner's manual will specify the best MERV rating for your oven and, 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 changed every 60 days. It involves loosening the screws that hold the filter cover in place if it is located behind a return air vent or simply pulling the filter out of a slot if it is on the side of the oven.
During mild spring and fall, your HVAC system will operate less frequently, so the filter won't get dirty as quickly. Because of their pleats, filters, such as the Honeywell Ultra Efficiency filter (also available on Amazon), have more square inches of space to trap dust, so they often require fewer changes, usually every 90 days. The deeper the folds, the more surface area the filter has and the more space it has to collect airborne particles, so it may not clog as quickly as a flat filter. We also offer 5-inch oven filters (16x25x5 or 20x25x), whole-house air filter brands, and filters for rigid cell ovens.
Generally speaking, HVAC furnace filters don't need to be changed as frequently during the winter months compared to the summer months. You will need to change your HVAC filter more often when you have allergies and asthmatics. All the air that circulates through your HVAC system, whether for heating or cooling your home, will eventually pass through the air filter. A clean filter is necessary to prevent dust from passing through the HVAC system, where it can accumulate in the internal coils of the air conditioner and reduce the efficiency of the unit.
It's a general recommendation to change your home's air filter every 30 days when using less expensive fiberglass filters. On the other hand, if you use your HVAC system almost constantly, you'll need to change the filter every few weeks (especially if you use fiberglass filters). More cycles mean more filter passes and opportunities to trap contaminants, so filters typically fill faster during periods of heavy use. The HVAC air filter helps keep indoor air clean by trapping mold particles, pollen, and other contaminants moving through the system.
One of the most important things you can do on your own to take good care of your HVAC system is to simply change your air filter on a regular basis. In conclusion, how often you should change your HVAC filter depends on several factors such as type of filter used, size of filter used and frequency of use of HVAC system. Generally speaking, one-inch oven filters should be changed every one to three months while pleated air filters can last up to 90 days depending on use. It's recommended that fiberglass filters be changed every 30 days while those with higher MERV ratings should be changed every 60 or 90 days.
