The ideal is to change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to replace an old filter. A general rule for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to change them every 90 days. As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, the filter's efficiency decreases. If you have an electronic media filter, you don't need to worry about changing it every 1 to 3 months.
You can wait 6 months to a year before replacing it. You must replace it with the filter of the exact model. This may require ordering it on the brand's website to get an exact match. As a provider of home warranty plans, we always want homeowners to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the correct filters. Whether you're trying to improve your home's air quality for health reasons or want to reduce energy and maintenance costs in your home, regularly cleaning or replacing your HVAC filter is an easy and affordable step in your home maintenance routine.
They also generate less air resistance, which can help the HVAC system work more effectively and reduce wear and tear on components, including the fan motor. The MERV rating is a scale that ranges from 1 to 20 and evaluates how well an air filter can remove particles from the air. To determine how often the air filter should be changed or cleaned, check the filter label or ask your local HVAC technician. Before starting this DIY maintenance, be sure to check your HVAC owner's manual to see what type of filter you need to buy. The restricted air flow caused by dirty filters prevents the air conditioner from reaching its destination.
When you change your air filter, you allow more air to flow through the system with lower energy consumption, which translates into better circulation, cleaner air and a lower electricity bill. By removing the air filter from the air controller, if you hold it close to a light source, you'll be able to see if the filter is dirty or clogged; if you can't see the light through the filter, it's definitely time to replace it. As a general rule, you'll want to replace pleated air filters and oven filters in your home every 90 days. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust and allergens will be trapped, clogging the filter and reducing its efficiency. The easiest way to keep up with your HVAC maintenance is to change your filters at least every three months. The usual recommendations range from every 30 days for cheaper fiberglass filters (which are often not very useful when filtering), to 6 months for high-end pleated filters.
If you have someone with asthma or allergies at home, change the filter every 6 weeks to make sure the indoor air quality is the best. One of the most important things you can do on your own to take good care of your air conditioning system is to simply change your air filter regularly. As an expert in HVAC, I recommend that homeowners should always follow their manufacturer's instructions when it comes to changing their air filters. It's important that they use filters that are specifically designed for their system in order to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Generally speaking, pleated filters should be changed every 90 days while electronic media filters can last up to a year before needing replacement.
Changing your HVAC air filter regularly is one of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy home environment. Not only does it help improve indoor air quality by trapping dirt, dust and allergens from circulating through your home but it also helps reduce energy consumption and wear and tear on components like fan motors. To determine how often you should replace your air filter, check its label or consult with a local HVAC technician. Make sure that you use a filter that is specifically designed for your system and follow all manufacturer instructions for optimal performance and efficiency.