Air filters keep a lot of dirt and debris out of your home, but they also need to be changed from time to time. Here’s when you should change your air filter and how often you should change it based on your type of filter.
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What is an Air Filter?
An air filter is a device that removes contaminants from the air. The most common type of air filter is a disposable filter that is put in the ductwork of a forced-air heating and cooling system.
The filter is made of paper, fiberglass, or other materials and is designed to trap dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens before they can enter the home.
Why Is It Important To Change Your Air Filter?
Changing your air filter is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your home’s air quality. A clogged air filter will prevent your HVAC unit from working properly and can cause the unit to overheat.
Additionally, a dirty air filter will reduce the efficiency of your unit, costing you more energy bills. If you have pets or allergies, you should change your air filter every three months or every month.
How Can You Tell When It’s Time To Change Your Air Filter?
The answer to that question largely depends on your particular air filter and the environment it’s used in. However, most air filters should change every 3-6 months for optimal performance.
To ensure you’re changing your filter at the right time, keep an eye on how often your HVAC system needs to service. If it’s every three months, it’s also a good idea to change your filter simultaneously.
Another way to tell if it’s time for a new air filter is to check for visible dirt or dust buildup. Our Air Filter is the perfect replacement for any home with pets or allergies.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
The frequency at which you should change your air filter depends on several factors, including:
- The type of filter you are using: Some filters are more effective at trapping contaminants and may need to be changed less frequently than others.
- The size of your home: Larger homes may require more frequent filter changes because they have a larger volume of air that needs to be filtered.
- The quality of indoor air: If you live in an area with high pollution levels or have pets that shed a lot, your filter may need to be changed more frequently.
- The efficiency of your HVAC system: Systems with high airflow and more efficient filters may need less frequent filter changes.
Changing your air filter every 1-3 months is recommended, depending on the above factors.
However, it is always a good idea to check your filter regularly and replace it when it becomes dirty or clogged. This will help to ensure that your HVAC system is operating at peak performance and that your indoor air quality is as high as possible.
How Can You Tell If You’re Using The Right Filter For Your Home?
Homeowners are often unsure of how often they should change their air filters.
The answer depends on some factors, including the filter you’re using, the size of your home, and how many pets you have. You should also check your filter every month and replace it when it’s visibly dirty.
A good way to tell if you’re using the right filter for your home is to check the MERV rating.
The MERV rating is a scale from 1 to 16 that measures a filter’s ability to capture particles. The higher the rating, the better the filter. Our Germ Guardian Filter is a perfect example—an MERV rating of 11.
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Bottom Line
No one-size-fits-all answer to changing your air filter exists because every home is different.
If you’re using the right size and type of filter for your system, you’ll know when to change your air filter because your indoor comfort system will start working less efficiently than usual.
The good news is that changing an air filter isn’t difficult or expensive; follow our guide below on how often you should change an air filter based on your heating and cooling system.