How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filters?
Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system relies on clean filters to function properly. These filters trap dust, dirt, and allergens, ensuring the air in your home stays clean while protecting your HVAC unit from damage.
But how often should you change a HVAC filter for your air conditioning unit or furnace? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of filter, your living conditions, and how frequently the HVAC system runs.
The HVAC technicians at Modern HVAC will help you determine how often you should change your filters. But first, let’s go over all the details of what you need to know below!
1. Type of Filter
When it comes to HVAC filter replacements, the first consideration is the type of filter that you have.
HVAC filters come in different materials, sizes, and efficiencies, which can affect how long they last. Here are the most common types of filters and their general replacement timelines:
- Fiberglass Filters: These are the most basic and affordable filters, but they need to be replaced more frequently, about every 30 days.
- Pleated Filters: These filters are more efficient at trapping dust and pollutants. They typically last around 60 to 90 days, though the timeframe can be shorter if your home has high levels of dust or pets.
- High-Efficiency Filters (HEPA): High-efficiency filters are designed to capture smaller particles, making them perfect for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. These filters can last up to six months, but it’s important to monitor them to ensure they don’t become clogged.
2. Living Conditions
Next, you should consider your home environment, since it plays a crucial role in how often you should change your HVAC filters.
Consider the following factors:
- Pets: If you have pets, especially multiple or shedding animals, you may need to change your filter every 30 to 60 days. Pet dander can quickly clog filters and reduce air quality. We detail more about this in our article on HVAC maintenance tips for pet owners.
- Allergies or Respiratory Issues: For those with allergies or asthma, changing the filter every 30 to 45 days is recommended to maintain a healthy air environment.
- Dust and Pollution: If you live in an area prone to dust storms, heavy pollen, or outdoor pollution, more frequent filter changes, such as every 30 days, may be necessary.
- Occupancy: The more people in your home, the more dirt, dust, and debris your HVAC system filters. A household with fewer occupants might get away with changing the filter every 90 days, while a busier household should consider changing it more often.
Related: How Big Should My HVAC System Be?
3. HVAC Usage
How often you use your air conditioning/furnace unit also affects the filter’s lifespan. In the summer and winter, when your HVAC system is running constantly, you may need to replace filters more frequently.
During these peak seasons, check the filter monthly and plan to change it every 30 to 60 days. On the other hand, if the system is used less frequently during mild weather months, the filter may last longer, up to 90 days.
Related: How Weather Affects Your HVAC System?
4. Recommendations for Special Situations
- Vacation Homes or Minimal Usage: If you rarely use your HVAC system, such as in a vacation home, the filter may only need to be replaced once or twice a year.
- Renovations: If your home is undergoing remodeling or renovations, it’s a good idea to check and change your filter more often. The additional dust and debris can clog filters quickly.
Related: 10 Things to Check Before Calling an HVAC Tech
5. What if Changing the Filter Doesn’t Fix the Problem?
While replacing the HVAC filter can often resolve issues like reduced airflow, strange odors, or increased dust in the home, it may not always be the solution.
If you’ve recently changed your filter and your HVAC system is still experiencing problems, there could be other underlying issues, such as:
- Clogged Ductwork: Dust and debris may have built up in the ductwork, restricting airflow and reducing system efficiency.
- Refrigerant Leaks: If your system isn’t cooling or heating properly after a filter change, there may be a refrigerant leak or another mechanical issue at play. We discuss more about heat distribution in this article here.
- Thermostat Problems: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause erratic temperature control, regardless of the filter condition.
- Blocked Vents or Registers: Ensure that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed, as blockages can mimic the symptoms of a dirty filter.
- Mechanical Failures: Blower motor issues, dirty evaporator coils, or other system failures may also be the cause of persistent HVAC issues.
If you’ve changed your filter and are still experiencing problems, it’s best to contact an HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the issue. Addressing the root cause promptly can prevent more serious damage to your system.
In the most serious cases, a furnace replacement or A/C replacement may be required. Contact the Modern HVAC team to find out more.
Contact Modern HVAC for Filters & Filter Replacements!
Contact Modern HVAC for professional heating and cooling services! We have proudly served customers throughout the Fox Cities since we first opened our doors in 1963. At Modern HVAC, we know first-hand how regularly changing your HVAC filters is essential for maintaining optimal system performance and ensuring good air quality in your home.
In fact, for most homes, we recommend changing the filter every 30 to 90 days is standard, but factors like pets, allergies, and system usage can shorten or extend that timeline.
To ensure you’re breathing clean air and protecting your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to check your filters monthly and replace them as needed. Or contact our technicians for assistance!
Our Areas of Service
Have a short cycling furnace or need air conditioner troubleshooting? The Modern HVAC team serves the Fox Cities, including Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Darboy, Kimberly, Greenville, Kaukauna, and the greater Fox Valley.
Beyond HVAC filter services, we also provide trusted air conditioning installations, repairs, and replacements, heating and furnace installations, repairs, and replacements, radiant floor heating, and indoor air quality services.
If you need HVAC filter products and services, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at (920) 733-4713 or online on our contact us page.
Articles for Further Reading:
- What to Know Before Installing a New Furnace
- Pros and Cons of Radiant Floor Heating
- What to Do When Your Furnace is Leaking?
- How to Prevent Bugs from Coming through Air Conditioner Vents
- The Differences Between a Heat Pump and Central A/C
- 10 Air Conditioning Myths that May Be Costing You Money
- Is Geothermal Heating Worth It in Cold Climates?
- 12 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Leaking
- 6 Facts You Should Know About the Furnace Installation Process