In general, most air filters should be changed every 90 days or 3 months. This may vary depending on the location of your home, if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. 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'll need to reassess 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, the efficiency of the filter decreases. The general recommendation for how often air filters should be changed can range from every 30 days to every year.
Two of the determining factors for the life of a filter are the type and quality of the filter being used. If there is a visible layer of dirt that covers most of the filter surface and that is thick enough to hide the filter material itself, it is a sign that the filter has been in the HVAC system for too long. The answer depends on factors such as how often you use the system, the type of filter, if there are pets in the house, and their personal habits, such as having smokers in the house, using a wood fireplace, and more. In addition, not replacing the air filter accordingly can cause the homeowner's energy bill to rise, as clogged filters cause the system to work harder when air circulates.
As the system works to counteract the effects of this excess dust and debris, it can work overtime and produce a higher energy bill. The manufacturer's recommendation is not the final answer as to how often you should change the oven filter. However, it will put unwanted pressure on your HVAC system, resulting in poor air quality and air circulation. Some manufacturers recommend replacing air filters every 30 to 60 or 90 days, depending on the type of air filter.
If there are allergy or asthmatic people in your home, clean air is essential for your indoor health and comfort. While this is a good rule of thumb, you'll need to check your air filter more often to see if it needs to be replaced. If the house has a moderate climate and the air conditioner is used infrequently, there will be no need to change the air filter as often. During allergy season, air filters can work overtime to remove allergens, dust, and other debris circulating through the heating and cooling system.
The air cleaner for your air conditioning system is usually located inside the air handling unit or just outside the cabinet in the ductwork. An air filter manufacturer will generally explain how often you should replace the air filter in their installation instructions. Air filters help clean the air in a heating and air conditioning system by removing unwanted debris. Yes, changing the filter has several impacts on your HVAC system's ability to cool your home and overall air quality.
