The types of air conditioning filters used in your home can have a major impact on how often you need to replace them. If you use standard 1- to 3-inch air filters, it is recommended to change them every 30 to 60 days if you don't have allergies. However, if you suffer from mild or moderate allergies, it is best to change your filters more often, about every three weeks. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies suggest changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
This can vary depending on the location of your home (e.g., dry and dusty climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets at home, it is advisable to change the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in the case of homes with several pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, it is recommended to change the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change the filters every 9 to 12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more often you'll need to replace the air filter. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered suitable for air conditioning systems for residential, commercial, and general hospital use.
You should also check the filter if you've had a lot of allergy attacks or noticed dust accumulating in the ventilation grilles. These filters generate less air resistance, which can help the air conditioning system work more effectively and reduce wear and tear on components, including the fan motor. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), this filtration helps provide healthier indoor air quality. The strongest filters are reusable, usually with metal frames, and can be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. The lifespan and replacement cycle of the boiler and air conditioner filter are affected by outdoor and indoor air quality.
With a new filter in hand, all you need to do is remove the old one and replace it with the new one in the same position as before. When the filter is old and dirty, debris can enter and enter the air conditioning system, reducing its efficiency. The more often you use an air conditioning system, the faster the air filter will fill with dust and dirt. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those made by FilterBuy) is to change them every 90 days. If you live in an area with low traffic levels, you can wait a little longer between air conditioning filters. If there is a layer of visible dirt that covers most of the surface of the filter and is thick enough to hide the filter material itself, it is a sign that it has been in the air conditioning system for too long.
These air filters act as barriers to prevent contaminants from entering the air conditioning system or circulating through the air. As air passes through a building's air conditioning system, air filters trap and accumulate large and small particles such as dust, allergens, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, smoke particles, and other microorganisms. If you own a hypoallergenic dog or cat that doesn't shed much hair, you may not have to replace your AC filter as often. However, if you suffer from allergies or asthma or have pets at home that shed fur regularly, it is best to replace your AC filter every two months or so.
It is important to remember that replacing your AC filter regularly will help keep your home's indoor air quality healthy while also helping your HVAC system run more efficiently. This will help reduce energy costs while also ensuring that your family breathes clean air.
