How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filter?

Unfortunately, changing the air filter is a duty that many homeowners neglect for months. Our Sacramento heating company explains that this results in more significant energy costs and potential maintenance difficulties. However, how often should you change your HVAC Filter? Below, Gilmore Heating Air and Plumbing, the best HVAC Company in Sacramento, share some general guidelines.

When Should You Replace Your Home Air Filters?

To begin, when utilizing less costly fiberglass filters, it is recommended that you change your air filter in your house every 30 days. High-end pleated filters can last up to 6 months, however, these standard limits are based on average use. Thus, they do not account for the size and kind of filter. As a general guideline, our heating replacement Sacramento experts share that you should replace your home’s pleated air filters and furnace filters every 90 days. The longer the filter remains in place, the more dirt, dust, and allergens are retained, clogging the filter and reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, you should replace your filter more frequently than is suggested. 

Also, our Sacramento heating repair technicians urge you to ask yourself this: is there anyone in your home who suffers from allergies or asthma?

Pollutants in the air can be dangerous. However, interior air quality can be worse than outside air quality.  If you have an asthmatic or allergy sufferer in your house, they are far more susceptible to airborne particles than those who do not.

Additionally, if you have a pet, our Sacramento HVAC Technicians recommend switching your air filter every two months, especially during the changing of the seasons. Additionally, if you want to keep your indoor air quality as high as possible, changing your air filter is essential.

How Frequently Do You Use Your Heating and Cooling Systems?

If you live in a moderate area and use your air conditioner or furnace for a few hours each day, one filter might last you a season or perhaps an entire year. On the other hand, if you use your HVAC system regularly, the filter will need to be replaced every few weeks (especially if you are using fiberglass filters).

Home Dimensions

If you live in a “smaller house,” your air conditioners and furnaces must pump less air for the same amount of temperature change, which may necessitate fewer filter replacements. However, because smaller appliances meant to cool tiny spaces sometimes have smaller filters, you may need to change the filter more frequently than a filter in a more extensive property.

Your Home’s Air Quality

The air outside and within your house impacts the replacement cycle of your air filter and furnace filter. If you have poor outdoor air quality or dogs inside, you will need to regularly replace your air filter.

When Should You Replace Your HVAC Air Filter?

The air filter will ultimately pass through all air that travels through your HVAC system to either heat or cool your house. This is why it is critical to maintain your air filters clean and change them regularly. Filters that are dirty or blocked can:

• Cause HVAC system failures and equipment damage.
• Reduce airflow within the HVAC system, causing the fans to work harder and wear out faster.
• NOT removing particles and toxins as well as they could, allowing them to re-enter your interior air.
• Cause contaminants to accumulate in your ductwork.
• Make your HVAC equipment work harder, increasing your home’s energy consumption and monthly power bill payments.