In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. Fiberglass air filters are the more affordable option, but they are less efficient at capturing dust and particles in the air. As such, they usually need to be changed every 30 days or less. On average, an HVAC filter will only last one to three months.
This means that you need to keep track of the date you installed them. If you wait too long to change the filter, indoor air quality will suffer. Different types of air filters will last longer than others, so it is important to know the type of filter you have. The cheapest fiberglass filters should be changed every month.
A higher-end pleated filter, made of higher quality materials, will be recommended to be replaced every three to six months. However, this doesn't take into account filter size or average filter usage. If you have allergies, you can reduce your symptoms by using a high-quality air filter and adopting a more frequent replacement program. The fewer occupants there are in a house, the less pollutants and debris will accumulate in its air filters.
The capabilities of your air filters depend heavily on your environment, that is, the temperature and quality of the air in your home. It is recommended to use a filter with a MERV rating of 12, such as the Nordic Pure filter (available on Amazon), if your oven can do it. The lifespan of an air filter also depends on the size of the home, as larger homes circulate more air through the air filters. The more you use it, the more particles that are pushed through the filter and captured by it, the more often you will need to replace the filter.
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. After a period of smoky days with poor outdoor air quality, inspect the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. You'll find it easier to remember to do this important task if you learn how often to change your air filter in the first place. When you begin to notice an increase in air particles or contaminants, the filter needs to be changed more frequently.
As a general rule, a lower occupancy of the home extends the life of the air filter, while a higher occupancy of the home reduces it. Numerous contaminants and debris, including excess dust, can cause air filters to clog and reduce air circulation throughout the home. For most people, the difficult part of changing your air filter is determining what type of replacement you should get. To ensure that only clean air comes out of your HVAC system, replace the air filter before it becomes clogged so that you can breathe better.
If your dirty air filter is completely covered with dust and dirt, it's a good idea to change the filter even if it hasn't reached the end of its recommended life. 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.
