Changing air filters is an important part of maintaining a healthy home. It's a quick and easy process that can be done in less than an hour, but many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced. To ensure your HVAC system is running optimally, it's important to understand when and why you should change your air filter. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may change depending on the location of your home (e.g.
dry and dusty climates), 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. During the peak winter and summer months, the HVAC system operates at its maximum capacity and it is recommended to change the air filter every month. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. But what happens if you let that time go by a little? If you don't change your air filter regularly, you will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the HVAC system.
This can cause damage to your system over time. To change an air filter, first unhook the grill latch from the cover. Clean the grille with a microfiber cloth. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same as attic insulation) or & pleated paper framed with cardboard for added stability and rigidity. The ideal is to change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. Compared to other DIY home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour.
To ensure your HVAC system is running optimally, it's important to understand when and why you should change your air filter.
