Being a responsible homeowner involves changing the air filters in your home regularly. So if you know you haven’t done so in a while or never then you are in the right place. “How often should I change my residential air filter?” is one question electricity companies among other specialists get all the time.
Today, we have the answer for you. Typically, a residential air filters supplier would advise you change your air filters every 30 days. While that will work for most homes, you must take into account your home’s uniqueness. How many people live with you? Do you own any pets? Let’s dive into the details you need to know on the subject!
Changing Your Air Filters for Your Home
Changing your air filter regularly preserves your more expensive furnace or air conditioner, which should be serviced more frequently as the seasons change. A clogged air filter reduces the blower’s lifespan and efficiency by increasing its workload which will mean more cost and less clean air.
You see, every home comes with its unique need for air filters so knowing when to change is something of a peculiar nature. The frequency with which you need to replace your filter, however, depends on the type you choose. In comparison to pleated fiber filters, fiberglass filters need to be changed every 30 days. People with allergies, asthma, or who have pets may not want to follow this procedure. They shouldn’t.
A new filter’s packaging will indicate how long it is expected to last. Still, the filter’s expiration date should be the maximum length of time you keep the filter. What do we mean? Do not rely on the manufacturer’s recommended interval for filter replacement.
As a general rule of thumb,
Custom air filters in:
- Single-occupancy homes should be changed every 60 days
- A small family with no dogs or cats should be changed every 30-45 days
- A typical family with a pet should be changed every 30 days
- A home with pets, asthmatic patients, and pollutants should be changed every 15-30 days
Having no pets in a single-occupancy home or apartment reduces the frequency of filter replacements. This is equally true for properties used for short-term stays. The more people and larger homes there are, the more dust there is to filter out of the air. It’s that simple! Air filters may need to be replaced more frequently in homes with a lot of vegetation and high pollen concentrations.
Your air filter can become clogged by pet hairs that fall out of your pet’s coat. Your HVAC system and air filter are still taxed even if you regularly remove pet hair from furniture or have a low-shedding cat or dog. Keeping in mind that your HVAC system draws in fine pet hair is vital.
When You Shouldn’t Change Your Air Filter
It’s not always necessary to change your residential air filter. Factors such as where you live, the type of filter you’re using, and more affect your filter change frequency. Let’s take a closer look.
- Limited Use Of AC
For people who live in moderate climates or have a large number of vacation or Airbnb properties, AC use at home is minimal. You should change your air conditioner’s filter every six months if you don’t use it very often.
- Filters with a High MERV Rating
“Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value,” often known as MERV, is a metric that assesses how effectively an air filter keeps particles from circulating throughout your home. You don’t have to change your air filter as often if it has a higher MERV rating or you can do so every 90 days. Custom Filter Direct’s residential air filters with high MERV ratings (9 and above) are way more efficient!
- More Clean Air (Less Pollutants)
Having low pollution or pollen count means you’re likely to be living alone or you don’t have a pet or both. As a result, if your home is clear of dust and allergies, you can skip changing your filter for three months at a time.
The Bottom Line
What kind of home you have is the key to knowing how often you should change your air filter. But for all homes, changing your air filters regularly is beneficial for several reasons including cleaner air, cheaper repair cost, and conserved electricity. Your HVAC system deserves to have the air filters changed regularly.
