How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

The filter in your HVAC is a powerhouse! This essential apparatus contributes to good air quality by preventing debris and dust from circulating through your house. It also boosts the performance of your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning unit by keeping airborne contaminants from entering. The following are guidelines regarding how often to change a furnace filter to maintain system performance and air quality. 

Factors Affecting How Often to Change Your Furnace Filter

There is no optimal time frame for changing your HVAC filter. How often you change your furnace filter will depend upon the following:

• The type of filter you purchase: It’s wise to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding the frequency of filter replacement, as each brand and style of filter is slightly different.
• The size of filter you use: Thicker filters require less frequent changes than thinner filters. Replace filters that are 1 to 2 inches every one to three months. Change 3 to 4-inch filters every six to nine months and 5 to 6-inch filters every nine to twelve months. 
• The number of persons living in your home: People bring contaminants into the home. The more people who dwell in your house, the more contaminants present, and the more often you need to change your filter.
• The presence of pets: Pets shed dander and fur that circulate throughout the house. Each furry member of your family reduces the life of your furnace filter by approximately one month. 
• The general quality of your indoor air: Air purifiers reduce the contaminant load of your home, extending the life of your furnace filter. Those homes without purifiers will require more frequent furnace filter changes. 
• The incidence of allergies in your family: If family members suffer from asthma or allergies, furnace filters need to be changed more frequently to reduce symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality.
• How much you heat and cool: If you heavily use your HVAC system, the filter will clog quickly and require more frequent changing. You will likely change your filter more frequently in the summer and winter than in the spring and fall.  

Signs That Your Furnace Filter Needs Replacing

So, how do you know if it’s time to change your furnace filter? The following are common signs that it’s time to swap out your filter:

• If you note an increase in your cooling/heating costs 
• If a strange smell is present in your home 
• If your HVAC system is running longer, but there is less heat/cool air 
• If you notice more debris, dust, and hair floating in your air
• If you notice cold and hot spots in your home
• If there is an increase in respiratory issues, allergy symptoms, or bodily irritation
• If surfaces (floors, tables, countertops) need more frequent dusting/cleaning 
• If your HVAC system is overheating/short cycling

Is your HVAC system working overtime? Are you noticing increasing respiratory issues among your family members? Is it challenging to keep your house at a comfortable temperature? Contact McMillin Air. Our technicians can service and repair all brands and models of HVAC/air conditioning systems. We’ll repair/maintain your system at a reasonable cost and in a timely fashion. We also carry and install new systems, should you require one.