In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to replace the filter every 90 days. As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, the efficiency of the filter decreases. Pleated air filters are more expensive at first, but they are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on use.
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. Experts recommend changing it once every 30 days if the air filter is made of fiberglass filters, which are of relatively poor quality. On the other hand, expensive pleated filters can work well with a replacement once every three months or six months. The six-month mark is an extremely general recommended time.
Follow the instructions that came with your air filter to find out what type of filter you have, as well as the recommended time to change it. The fewer occupants there are in a house, the less pollutants and debris will accumulate in its air filters. If you want a pet that is hypoallergenic or does not shed hair, you may not have to replace the air filter as much. How often you change the air filter will depend to a large extent on the expected service life of the device.
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. However, there are some telltale signs around the house for when an air filter needs to be replaced. Estimating how often an air filter should be changed can be difficult because of the many different variables at play. By following proper filter replacement programs, you'll enjoy breathing clean, fresh air and stay healthy. If you're a pet owner, you'll want to change your air filter every 2 months, especially when winter turns to spring and summer turns to fall.
AC simply refers to air conditioning, while HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. For example, a family of four will need to change their air filters more often than a single person's home. More cycles mean more filter passes and opportunities to trap contaminants, so filters typically fill faster during periods of heavy use. Households with a pet should generally replace filters after two months; those with more than one pet may need to replace the filter once a month. When you change the air filter, you allow more air to flow through the system with lower energy consumption, resulting in better circulation, cleaner air and a lower electricity bill.
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. And if you purchase an older system, plan to replace the filter more frequently to maintain filter quality. If you live alone, without pets, and with good surrounding outdoor air quality, the manufacturer's filter change recommendations will likely work well for you.
