In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This can vary depending on the location of your home, if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. Fiberglass air filters are the more affordable option, but they are less efficient at capturing dust and particles from the air. They usually need to be changed every 30 days or less.
For basic 1 to 3 air filters, brands generally recommend changing them every 30 to 90 days. If someone in your family has mild to moderate allergies, you can use a better air filter or change it more often. The ideal is to change the air filter every three months; however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. Older systems often use fiberglass air filters.
You should replace them regularly, approximately every 30 days. Newer systems usually use pleated filters, also rectangular, with a depth of approximately one inch. You should change them approximately every 90 days if you don't have allergies, but air conditioning professionals usually recommend them every 45 days for maximum efficiency. Compared to other home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour.
Visit your air conditioner manufacturer's website to find out where you can buy the air filters your air conditioning system uses, or ask your technical expert to tell you what size you need. If you want a pet that is hypoallergenic or that doesn't lose hair, you may not have to replace the air filter as much. If you have young children at home, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them as often as two months. Use a filter with a MERV rating of 12, such as the Nordic Pure Filter (available on Amazon), if your oven can handle it.
The MERV rating is a scale that ranges from 1 to 20 and evaluates how well an air filter can remove particulates from the air. I checked the filter and found that it was covered with dust, so I replaced it with a new one and the indoor air is much cooler now. Clogged filters not only have a negative impact on a home's air quality, but they also force the oven to work harder to get air into the system and thus shorten its lifespan. It consists of loosening the screws that hold the filter cover in place if it is located behind a return air outlet or simply pulling the filter out of a slot if it is on the side of the oven.
To ensure that only clean air comes out of the air conditioning system, replace the air filter before it clogs so you can breathe better. If you have allergies, you can reduce symptoms by using a high-quality air filter and adopting a more frequent replacement program. The only way to be sure how often your air filter should be changed is to visually inspect the filter every month. Outdoor air quality can have a big impact on how often the air filter gets dirty and needs to be changed.
While a filter with a higher MERV rating should last longer, it can also restrict airflow in your home. Consider all these factors when determining a replacement program and deciding what type and quality of filter to use.