When it comes to air filters, the frequency of replacement depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of filter, the location of your home, and the number of occupants. Generally, experts suggest changing fiberglass air filters every 30 days, while pleated filters can last up to three to six months. Vacation homes or properties that don't get much use can wait up to nine to twelve months before replacing the filter. It's important to inspect your air filter once a month to determine if it needs to be changed.
If you or a family member has allergies or asthma, it's best to replace the filter every 20 to 45 days. If you live in a big city with a lot of pollutants in the air, you may need to change your filter more often. When buying a new air filter, check the manufacturer's recommendations for an idea of how often you should change it. Air filters with a MERV rating of 16 or less are designed for residential, commercial, and institutional HVAC systems.
Air filters with MERV ratings ranging from 17 to 20 are designed for areas that require absolute sterility, such as operating rooms or rooms for immunosuppressed people. If neglected for too long, the filter can start to restrict air flow, increasing heating and cooling costs. When the filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, air cannot pass through the filter properly. What may be an appropriate air filter replacement frequency for one home may not be the right choice for every home.
The easiest way to find an air filter that's right for your home is to locate the filter that's already installed. When it comes time to buy new air filters for your air conditioning system, there are a few things to consider. If you have small children in the house, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them as often as two months. As an expert in SEO, I recommend changing your air filters regularly in order to maintain optimal performance and efficiency of your HVAC system. Regularly replacing your air filters will help reduce energy costs and improve indoor air quality.
It's important to check your air filter once a month and replace it when necessary.