If you don't suffer from allergies, it's recommended to replace your air conditioner filters every 90 days. However, air conditioning professionals usually suggest changing them every 45 days for maximum efficiency. Make sure you replace them with the correct size and type of filter. If your air conditioner is working properly, you can remove the filter and buy one that is identical.
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may vary depending on the location of your home (e.g. dusty and dry climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets at home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in the case of households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend that you change the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change filters every 9 to 12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more often you'll need to change your air filter.
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. How often you should change your air filters depends on how often you use your home. For an underused vacation home, you can get away with changing the filters once a year. However, in the case of a typical suburban home, you probably want to change the filters at least every 90 days. This time frame may vary depending on other factors such as location, pet ownership, and system age.
If you have pets at home, it's best to change the filter every 60 days or 2 months. Households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions should change their filter every 20 to 45 days. The only type of filters that capture allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters. If someone in your household has a condition that affects their lungs and breathing, change the filters more often. Changing the air filter on your HVAC system is a simple and easy step to take to keep your system running smoothly and promote superior indoor air quality. As a general rule, it's a good idea to replace your HVAC system's air filter every month.
At this time, it is recommended to replace air filters with quality filters that can filter out common allergens, including pollen. 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 change it. Replacing filters regularly can keep homeowners and their families healthy through efficient air circulation. Air filters are usually made of spun fibreglass (the same thing that forms the insulation of the attic) or 26% pleated paper framed with cardboard for greater stability and rigidity. Air filters usually have a MERV (minimum efficiency report value) that determines the type and size of the contaminants against which the filter will work.
If you live in a “smaller house”, your air conditioners and ovens must pump less air with the same temperature change, which could mean fewer filter changes. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust and allergens will be trapped, clogging the filter and reducing its efficiency. However, many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced, making their system vulnerable to damage. 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.
