How Often Should You Replace an Air Filter in Your Home?

A pleated air filter should be replaced every 30-60 days, while a 2-fold air filter should be changed every 3 months, a 3-fold air filter every 120 days, and a 4-fold air filter every 6 months. The only way to determine the exact frequency of replacement is to inspect the filter every month. This will give you an idea of how quickly it gets dirty. If you have a new pet or the outdoor air quality is poor, you may need to reassess the situation.

On average, air filters should be changed every 90 days.An HVAC filter typically lasts one to three months, so it's important to keep track of when you installed it. If you wait too long to change the filter, indoor air quality will suffer. As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. If you don't replace the filter regularly, dandruff, dust and other contaminants can build up and reach your home, which can be harmful.As a general rule, pleated air filters and heating filters should be replaced every 90 days.

If you have cats or dogs in your home, you may need to change the filter every 2 months due to their dander and odors. Smaller appliances usually come with smaller filters, so you may need to change them more often than in larger homes. The HVAC air filter helps keep indoor air clean by trapping mold particles, pollen and other contaminants moving through the system.There is no set service life for an air filter; it depends on many factors. Investing in a relatively inexpensive air filter and replacing it at the right time can save you money on repairs.

In mild climates where the air conditioner or heater is used for only a few hours a day, a filter can last up to an entire year. However, this will put unwanted pressure on your HVAC system and result in poor air quality and circulation.If you live alone without pets and with good surrounding outdoor air quality, following the manufacturer's recommendations should work well for you. Using a washable air filter is also beneficial because you can change it however you want and save money on replacements. In smaller homes, the HVAC system has to move less air which can mean less frequent air filter replacements.