Replacing your air filter is an important part of maintaining a healthy home. Depending on the type of filter you have, the location of your home, and the number of people living in your home, the frequency of filter replacement can vary. Pleated air filters should be replaced every 30-60 days, while 2-fold air filters should be replaced every 3 months. A 3-fold air filter should be changed every 120 days and a 4-fold air filter should be replaced every 6 months.
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. However, this may change depending on the environment of your home. For example, if you live in a dry and dusty climate, you may need to replace your filter more often. Additionally, if you have pets in your home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months.
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. An HVAC filter will only last one to three months on average, so it's important to keep track of when you installed them.
If you wait too long to change the filter, indoor air quality will suffer. The type of air filter you purchase may also factor in how often you replace this essential equipment. For example, a family of four will need to change their air filters more often than a single person's home. The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters. These are excellent for homes with a limited budget where there are no occupants with respiratory problems. If you don't replace your air filter regularly, it can put unwanted pressure on your HVAC system, resulting in poor air quality and air circulation.
Studies have shown that the air in your home can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. More cycles mean more filter passes and opportunities to trap contaminants, so filters typically fill faster during periods of heavy use. In conclusion, it's important to keep track of when you installed your air filter and replace it regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters is to replace them every 90 days. This will help ensure that indoor air quality is maintained and that your HVAC system is running efficiently.
