How Frequently You Should Change The AC Filter?

It is recommended to change the air filter in your Bay Area house every 30 days when using fiberglass filters. In some cases, pleated filters can easily last for as long as 6 months. However, these averages don’t take into account the type and size of the filter. You should replace furnace and pleated filters in your house every 90 days as a general rule. The filter will get clogged with dust, dirt, and other allergens if it is in place for a longer period of time.

When to Change Filters?

These are a few factors you should consider that can affect the condition of your air filters:

1. Allergies

Indoor air quality is as important as outdoor air as per the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA). Outdoor air contains harmful pollutants. However, if you are not careful the indoor air can be much worse. You should change the air filter on the HVAC system at least once every 6 weeks if there is someone in your house that is sensitive to airborne particles.

2. Pets

Shedding is worst at the change of season for dogs and cats. Odor can build up as well. You may want to consider changing the air filter every 2 months if you are a pet owner.

3. Young Children

Parents want to keep the indoor air quality at its best when they have young children in the house. You may want to replace the air filter every 2 – 3 months to keep the indoor air quality under control.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of an HVAC Air Filter

1. Extent of Use

You may need to change the filter once every season if you use the unit for only a few hours in a day. However, you should change the air filter every few weeks if you are using the HVAC system constantly. This is particularly important if you are using fiberglass filters.

2. Size of the House

Air conditioner need to pump less air if you live in smaller house for the same amount of temperature change. This means you may need fewer filter changes. However, you should know that if you use a smaller equipment, then it probably has a smaller filter. These would need to be changed at the same frequency.

3. Air Quality

The air outside and inside the house affects the replacement cycle of an air filter. You would need to replace the air filter more often if you have pets inside or poor air quality.

Why Do You Need to Change the Air Filter?

All air circulating through the house will eventually pass through the HVAC air filter. This makes it important to change and clean the filters regularly. Clogged or dirty air filters can:

• Cause equipment damage
• Reduce airflow within the HVAC system
• Fail to remove contaminants and particulates effectively
• Cause contaminants to increase in the ducting system
• Increase utility bills by making the HVAC system work harder

You should check the air filters at least once every month. Dirty air filters should be changed with a fresh one immediately. Hold the air filter to light. If you can’t see light filtering through it, then its definitely time to change the air filter.