A clean air filter is crucial in maintaining good indoor air quality and optimal AC system performance. However, how frequently you should replace it depends on several factors. The air quality of your home, the presence of pets, and whether there are allergy or asthma patients in your family, all play a part. The rate at which a filter clogs can also be influenced by the size of your home and the frequency with which your air conditioning system runs. In places with extreme heat, the AC kicks on more frequently and needs more regular filter changes.
Air filters keep your home free of allergens and pollutants, but a filter's life depends on many factors, including who and what's in your home.
Consider the following factors for changing filters:
Take your filter out once a month and hold it up to bright light. If there is no light showing through the filter, you definitely need a new one. Regular thin fiberglass filters can even require monthly replacements. More efficient models, such as some pleated filters, can last up to three months. They also help keep indoor air clean, which thin flat-panel fiberglass filters can't do.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the best filter replacement schedule for your home. Your filter requires more frequent replacement if you have pets, smoke, or live close to a pollution source like a highway or farmland.
Filters have ratings based on their ability to collect dust and other airborne particles. The more particles a filter can trap from the air, the higher the MERV rating. High-MERV air filters require more frequent replacement because they catch more dust and airborne particles and clog more quickly.
For your filter, which is thinner than two inches, here are some general recommendations:
If your filter is thicker than two inches, it's generally acceptable to replace it after a longer duration. But if you're in doubt, always refer to the recommendations from your air filter manufacturer or ask an HVAC technician.
Regularly changing your AC filter is essential to ensure your cooling system stays effective and keeps your indoor air clean. How often you should replace it, however, will depend on factors such as indoor air quality, how many pets you have in your home, and whether anyone has allergies or asthma. Other factors that can affect the lifespan of the filter are the size of your home and how often you run the AC. If your climate is hot enough that your air conditioning runs 24/7, it's more important to check the filter regularly. So keep these pointers in mind to ensure that you have a clean house and your AC systems run smoothly! These factors help you figure out how often you should change your AC filter in the summer.
At Superior Air Management (Athens, GA), from AC maintenance to filter changes, our experts will ensure your home is comfortable throughout the summer!
