A pleated air filter should be replaced every 30-60 days, while a 2-fold air filter should be changed every 3 months. A 3-fold air filter should be replaced every 120 days, and a 4-fold air filter should be changed every 6 months. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter 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.
If you have pets in your home, 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 to 45 days. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months. The more you use your home, the more often you need to change the air filter.
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.Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the manufacturer of your oven or air conditioner may impair its performance. It's a general recommendation to change your home's air filter every 30 days when using less expensive fiberglass filters. If debris needs to be vacuumed more frequently from the floor, it can be safely said that this debris also goes to the air filters. They also work to remove dust, pollen, pet hair, and other small particles from the air so you don't breathe in.
An air cleaner in a vacation home can last much longer than an average residential home due to its infrequent use. If homeowners begin to notice particles floating in the air and subsequently cause allergic reactions, they should replace their HVAC equipment (we talk about filter bleeds, air filters, oven filters, etc.). If you live in a “smaller house”, your air conditioners and ovens need to pump less air for the same amount of temperature change, which could mean fewer filter changes. 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.
During periods of the year when HVAC equipment operates frequently, it is recommended to replace air filters with quality replacements that can filter out common allergens, including pollen. Numerous contaminants and debris, including excess dust, can cause air filters to clog and reduce air circulation throughout the home.
