The only way to know for sure how often your air filter needs to be changed is to perform a visual inspection of the filter every month. After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty. You may need to re-evaluate if you're having a new pet or if the outside air quality has been poor. Generally, your home air filter should be replaced once every one to six months, with the average being every three months.
If you can't remember the last time you replaced it, you're likely behind schedule. If you have allergies, you can reduce your symptoms by using a high-quality air filter and adopting a more frequent replacement program. Outdoor air quality can have a major impact on how often the air filter gets dirty and needs to be replaced. To keep air quality under control and your home clean, you should replace the filter at least 2 to 3 months apart.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you'll want to replace the filter more often than recommended: Do you have pets? Is there someone in your family with mild to moderate allergies? Is the outside air quality poor? As mentioned above, there is no set lifespan for an air filter, but it requires an evaluation of many different aspects. Estimating how often an air filter should be changed can be complicated because of the many different variables involved. The replacement cycle of the air filter and oven filter is also affected by air outside and inside the house. If you have pets, such as a dog that sheds hair, expect to replace the filter a month earlier than you would with a pet-free home. High-quality filters 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.
Whether it's oven filters, air filters, or any other part of the unit, be sure to take care of your HVAC system to extend its lifespan.