When it comes to air filters, the general consensus is that they should be replaced every 90 days or 3 months. However, 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 the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in homes with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend that you change the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change filters every 9 to 12 months. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
This may change depending on the location of your home (e.g. dusty and dry climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. Low-cost fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days, while more expensive pleated air filters can last up to 6 months. Electrostatic or washable filters should be washed, dried and reinstalled once a month. A good rule of thumb is to replace pleated filters every 90 days.
As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. If you answer yes to this question, you'll want to change your filter every 6 weeks to maintain the best indoor air quality. The fewer occupants there are in a home, the less pollutants and debris will build up in your air filters. As air moves through a building's air conditioning system, air filters trap and accumulate large and small particles, such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. It doesn't matter if your air conditioning or HVAC system is used to heat or cool your home; the air that circulates eventually has to pass through the filter. If you have young children in your home, you'll need to change your air filter more often, once every 2 or 3 months.
A typical manufacturer recommends replacing air filters every 30 to 90 days; however, this depends on the lifespan of the filter and other household environmental factors. Air filters are a critical piece of equipment used to protect your HVAC system, keep it running smoothly, and help maintain a clean air flow in your home. In addition, not replacing the air filter accordingly can cause the owner's energy bill to rise, as clogged filters cause the system to work harder by circulating air. If you follow the right filter replacement programs, you'll enjoy breathing clean, fresh air and stay healthy. A professional will be able to help you if there is a particular protocol for changing a specific brand's air filter or how often an air filter should be changed. According to the American Allergy and Asthma Foundation (AAFA), “indoor air quality is as important as outdoor air quality”. So make sure you keep up with regular maintenance of your pleated air filters, as this will ensure that your family is breathing clean and healthy air.
