For optimal air quality and to keep your HVAC system running smoothly, it's important to know how often you should replace your furnace filter. The general recommendation is to replace 3- to 4-inch filters every 6 to 9 months, and 5- to 6-inch filters every 9 to 12 months. However, there are a few factors that can affect the frequency of filter replacement. The thickness of the filter is one of the main factors that determines how often it needs to be replaced.
Thinner filters, such as the traditional 1-inch disposable model, should be changed at least every two months. Thicker filters are more efficient at trapping dust and debris, but they still need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. 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, 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. For households with several pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing 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 more you use your home, the more often you'll need to change your air filter.
If you live in a temperate region, such as the southwest, you might only run your boiler a few times during the winter, and the standard 90-day schedule might be right for you. However, no two houses are the same, so despite guidelines, you may have to change your boiler filter more often than your neighbor. Replacing filters regularly can extend the life of your HVAC system and save money in your monthly budget. Depending on your lifestyle and the type of oven filter you choose, you may want to change it more often than recommended.
To determine exactly how often you should change it, consider loosening the screws that hold the filter cover in place if it is behind a return ventilation grille, or simply removing the filter from a slot if it is on the side of the oven. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you'll want to replace the filter more often than recommended: Is your oven filter dirty or clogged? Is air flow restricted? Is there an increase in dust in your home?The oven is part of the HVAC air filtration system and is responsible for absorbing cold air and heating it before it reaches the rest of the house through the air controller. In winter, as long as the oven filter is not dirty or clogged, you can use the recommended 90 days before needing a replacement.
