A good rule of thumb is to change 1-2 inch filters every three months, 4-inch filters every six months, and 5-inch filters every 12 months.
Signs your air filter needs to be changed:
- The filter is visibly dirty. Certainly, if you can’t see the material of the filter itself, it should be replaced.
- The heating/cooling system is running more frequently than normal.
- Your home is more dusty than normal.
- You notice strange smells or a burning smell near your HVAC unit.
If you have a furnace in your home, you may be wondering how often you should replace the furnace filter in order to ensure that your HVAC system is running safely and efficiently. The answer depends on several factors including the type of filter used, the environment in which it’s installed, and the level of contaminants present in the air. In this blog post, we’ll discuss these factors and provide guidance on when to replace your furnace filter for optimum performance.
The first factor to consider when deciding how often to replace your furnace filter is the type of filter being used. Generally speaking, there are two main types of filters used in furnaces: disposable fiberglass and reusable electrostatic filters. Disposable fiberglass filters should be replaced at least once every three months while reusable electrostatic filters can last anywhere between six months and a year depending on their environment.
The next factor to consider is the environment in which your HVAC system is located. If you live in an area with high levels of dust or other pollutants like pollen, you will likely need to replace your filter more frequently than if you lived in an area with cleaner air. This is because these tiny particles build up quickly within a furnace filter and can easily clog it up if they’re not replaced regularly enough—which reduces its effectiveness considerably!
Finally, there are also certain lifestyle factors that could potentially affect how often you should change out your furnace filter such as having pets in the home or smoking indoors. Pet fur and cigarette smoke both contain small particles that will settle into fibers within a furnace filter rather quickly so it’s important to take these into consideration as well when determining replacement intervals for maximum efficiency.
In summary, there isn’t one set rule for how often everyone should change out their furnace filters as everyone’s situation will vary due to different environmental conditions and lifestyle circumstances. As a general rule-of-thumb though, most disposable filters should be changed at least every three months while reusable models may need replacing once or twice per year (depending on their environment). To be sure that your system is running optimally however then it’s always best to consult with an HVAC professional who can inspect your specific setup & factor any other variables before making recommendations tailored just for you!
