How Often Should You Replace Your Home Air Filter?

As an expert in HVAC systems, I'm often asked how often homeowners should replace their air filter. The general consensus is that you should replace your home air filter every 3 months or 90 days. But why is this important?For basic 1 to 3 air filters, brands usually recommend that you change them every 30 to 90 days. If any member of your family has mild to moderate allergies, you can add a better air filter or change it even more often.

The manufacturer of an air filter will usually explain how often the air filter must be changed in their installation instructions. A good indicator of old and dirty air filters is to compare the surfaces immediately adjacent to the ventilation grille with other surfaces. If that part of the carpet seems to be visibly dusty or covered with an ash-like substance, it's time to change the air filter. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the air conditioning system. If you buy an old system, plan to replace the filter more often to maintain the quality of the filter. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.

If any member of the family has severe allergies, it is recommended to change the air filters very frequently; in some cases, every 2 weeks. A good rule of thumb is that if waste needs to be vacuumed more frequently from the floor, it can be safely said that this waste will also end up in the air filters. As outdoor dust or pollution increases, there is an increasing need to replace indoor air filters more regularly. In addition, if the air filter is not replaced accordingly, a homeowner's energy bill can increase, as clogged filters make the system work harder to circulate air. However, many homeowners aren't aware of how often air filters need to be replaced, leaving their system open to damage. To sum up, it's important for homeowners to understand when they should replace their home air filters. The manufacturer of an air filter will usually explain how often the air filter must be changed in their installation instructions.

For basic 1 to 3 air filters, brands usually recommend that you change them every 30 to 90 days. If any member of your family has severe allergies, it is recommended to change the air filters very frequently; in some cases, every 2 weeks.