Pleated air filters are more expensive upfront, but they are also more effective at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on usage. It is recommended to check your air filter once a month to determine if it needs to be changed. If someone in the household has allergies or asthma, it is advised to replace the filter every month, as suggested by medical organizations such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Knowing when it is time to change air filters is essential.
Generally, it is best to replace them at least once every three months. However, some homeowners may need to do this more often. The ideal frequency depends on various factors such as the location, age of the air conditioning unit and size of the house. If there are young children in the home, it is recommended to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them every two months. The number of people living in the house affects how often the filter needs to be changed.
A lower occupancy extends the lifespan of an air filter while a higher occupancy reduces it. Excess dust, pet dander and other allergens in indoor air can worsen symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and runny nose. If there are any questions, the homeowner can contact a professional or the manufacturer of the air filter to determine the lifespan of the specific filter that their system uses. Air filters also work to remove dust, pollen, pet hair and other small particles from the air so they don't get inhaled. If there is only one person living in the house without pets and outdoor air is of good quality, then following the manufacturer's recommendations for changing the filter should be sufficient.
Some manufacturers suggest replacing air filters every 30, 60 or 90 days depending on the type of air filter. These general guidelines do not take into account sizes or types of filters such as thicker filters or smaller filters. When these barriers are present, the HVAC air filter will have to work harder which makes it less energy efficient. During allergy season, air filters can work overtime to remove allergens, dust and other debris that circulate through the heating and cooling system. People with allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD may be affected by a dirty air filter as their lungs are more sensitive to dust and dirt. It is recommended to replace air filters with quality ones that can filter out common allergens such as pollen. As an expert in HVAC systems and air filtration systems, I recommend that homeowners check their air filters regularly and replace them when necessary.
The frequency of replacement depends on several factors such as occupancy levels, type of filter used and presence of pets or allergies in the home. It is important to use high-quality pleated air filters if there are young children in the home and replace them every two months. People with allergies or respiratory conditions should also replace their air filters more frequently than recommended by manufacturers.
