When it comes to air filters, the frequency of changing them depends on a variety of factors. During the milder weather of spring and fall, when the system is rarely used, it is usually necessary to replace the air filter every six to eight weeks. In summer, when the air conditioner is used daily, it is recommended to change the filter once a month. Vacation homes or vacant homes that aren't used much can wait to change the filters every 9 to 12 months.
If you have pets at home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and for homes with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, it is recommended that you change the filter every 20 to 45 days. A basic rule is to check the filter every month. During times of heavy use, such as the summer months, you may need to change the filter every time you check it. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change your air filter. The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are air filters for high-consumption particulate matter (HEPA).
However, before upgrading the filter, check with your HVAC contractor or owner's manual to find the best type of filter for your system. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the manufacturer of your boiler or air conditioner can, in fact, affect its performance. The air filter in your air conditioning system is a key component that plays a critical role in system efficiency and performance, as well as indoor air quality. Filters with higher MERV values trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV values. Pleated filters tend to be better than non-pleated filters, as they allow a larger surface area to collect dust, pet hair and other floating debris in the air. You will no longer be able to filter air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the HVAC system.
The money you save by using fiberglass filters may cost you more in the long run, as you'll need to change them more often and they won't trap as many harmful particles that damage your system as higher-quality filters do. The Minimum Efficiency Information Value (MERV) rating of an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and enter the air stream. Changing the air filter regularly is a vital part of system maintenance, whether in the heating or cooling season. In general, most air filter manufacturers and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may change depending on the location of your home (e.g., dry and dusty climates), whether you have pets and the age of your system and equipment. Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter, let's start by explaining WHY. You can hear it now: your HVAC technician is teaching you how to make sure you change your air filter.
An inexpensive fiberglass air filter will clog faster because it has less surface area than more expensive pleated filters. During off-peak periods, such as the colder parts of spring and fall, you may be able to go two to three months without changing the filter. But what happens if you let that time go by for a while? In order for your HVAC system to work properly and efficiently, changing your air filter on a regular basis may be necessary. In certain climates where there is an abundance of dust or other airborne particles in the atmosphere, it is important to pay attention to how often you need to replace your air filters. This is especially true if you live in an area where there are frequent dust storms or high levels of pollen in the environment. It is important to note that if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions such as high humidity or extreme temperatures, then it may be necessary to replace your air filters more frequently than normal. This is because these extreme conditions can cause dirt and debris to accumulate on your filters faster than usual. In conclusion, when it comes to changing your air filters in certain climates, it is important to pay attention to how often they need replacing.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or high levels of dust or pollen in the environment then it may be necessary to replace them more frequently than normal. It is also important to note that using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the manufacturer can affect its performance.
