For optimal air quality and efficient operation of your furnace, it's important to replace your filter regularly. But how often should you do it? Generally speaking, 3 to 4 inch filters should be replaced every 6 to 9 months, while 5 to 6 inch filters should be replaced every 9 to 12 months. However, there are some factors that can shorten or extend the time between filter replacements. In most cases, you should replace the filter at least every three months, even in summer.
If you don't seem to remember to do it, a good rule of thumb is to change your furnace filter every time the seasons change. For 3- and 4-inch filters, plan to replace them every six to nine months. If you have larger filters that are 5 or 6 inches, you will need to replace them every 9 to 12 months. The thickness of the filter you have in place also affects how often you need to replace it.
Thinner filters, such as the traditional disposable model (1 inch thick) should be replaced at least every two months. Coarser filters are designed to be more efficient because the thicker the material, the more debris you can filter out of your home's air ducts. Even coarse filters need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Rather than going off the standard timeline, there are some special signs and considerations that will let you know when it's time to change your furnace filter.
If you're a pet owner, you'll want to change your air filter every 2 months, especially when winter turns to spring and summer to fall. You can tell that you need to change your one-inch filter in sixty days, when, in fact, you have a four-inch media filter that doesn't need to be changed yet. The replacement cycle of the air filter and furnace filter is also affected by air outside and inside your home. Using a thicker filter than recommended may restrict the amount of air flowing through the system, causing too much strain and reducing efficiency.
Charcoal filters can also be added to an HVAC system to provide additional filtration of smoke, kitchen odors, and pets. If you only have one smoker in the house, you can change a one-inch or two-inch filter every two months, a four-inch filter every four months, and a five-inch filter every six months. The frequency with which the heater fan runs will affect how often you need to replace the filter. To keep air quality under control and keep the house clean, you will want to replace the filter at a minimum interval of 2 to 3 months. Filters play a vital role in the overall operation of your furnace and can have a significant impact on your home's air quality.
All the air that circulates through your HVAC system, whether it's for heating or cooling your home, will eventually pass through the air filter. If your furniture becomes dusty soon after cleaning the house, the furnace filter could be clogged and no longer effectively removes dust from the air. Because filters with higher MERV ratings are denser, your furnace must work harder to draw air through them and not all furnaces are powerful enough to do so. In short, the furnace filter traps dirt, dust, allergens and other contaminants so that they do not flow into the heating and cooling system (and do not inhale them).
