How Often Should I Change My Filter?

It is very important to know how often you should change the air filter of your HVAC system. While this is a common query of most of the homeowners, the reality is that there is no particular answer to it. There are a number of factors which determine when the filters should be changed.

The main rule of thumb here is that you should change the filter when it looks dirty. Do not wait until it is completely filthy because this means that there is some problem in your HVAC system which is not allowing the system to work at its maximum potential. To make things easier, we have listed 4 factors that will help you understand whether or not you should change the air filter of your HVAC system.

1. Type of filter

One of the most important factors which determine how often the air filter needs to be changed is the type of filter you have in your system. Filters differ on the basis of the materials from which they are created, their thickness, their form and several other variations.

Everyone loves to save money but buying cheap filters would also mean that you will be required to replace them more often. In the long run, you will end up spending the same amount of money that you would’ve spent on better quality filters. When purchasing an air filter, there should be a recommended time on the packaging after which it should be replaced. While some last for 1 month, there are others which can last for up to 6 months.

2. Allergies

The next important consideration is your family members. If you or someone from your family suffers from allergies, it is better to change the air filter sooner than recommended. By replacing filters often, more number of allergens can be removed from the air.

On the other hand, if the filter is not changed often or as per the recommendation, it will get dirty and full and will not be able to trap more allergens and this can create problems for the sufferer.

3. Pets

Apart from your family members, you should also consider the presence of pets in your home. Most of the dogs and cats shed and the hair gets to every corner of your home, including the air filters. This can significantly impact the performance of your HVAC system.

So, if there are pets in your home, you should prefer changing the filters more often. Apart from this, you should also consider the seasons as pets are known to shed more during the summer months. Make sure that you check the filters more frequently in summer months.

4. Savings

If you are someone who likes to save money, changing filters as per the recommendation is important due to a number of reasons. For instance, clean filters help in reducing the energy consumption of your HVAC system.

Moreover, dirty filters require your system to work harder and this causes more wear on the system. Over time, there is a possibility that your system might develop some problem which might require major repairs or replacement.

You can look for a reliable servicing company to regularly check your HVAC system and its filter to make sure that the filters are regularly changed and your HVAC system functions flawlessly.