How Often to Change HVAC Filter

An HVAC system’s efficiency and air quality can diminish over time for multiple reasons, one of the primary culprits being a dirty or worn-out air filter. However, the air filter won’t last forever and will need replacing after a while. Knowing how often you should change HVAC filters is important to ensure consistent and quality cooling and heating.

How Often Should You Change HVAC Filter?

Changing your HVAC filter will depend on several factors, including the type of filter you use, the environmental conditions, and the usage of your HVAC system. Generally, checking your filter every month and changing it at least every 90 days is recommended. However, in households with pets or areas with high pollution levels, you may have to replace the dirty filter more regularly, such as every 60 days.

High-efficiency filters may need more frequent changes to maintain optimal airflow and system performance. During the summer and winter seasons, when the HVAC system runs more frequently, monitor the filter closely and change it as needed to ensure it runs efficiently and maintains good indoor air quality.

Signs You Need to Change Your HVAC Filter

• Increased Energy Costs. If you notice a huge spike in utility bills without a change in your HVAC usage, your filter may be clogged and cause the system to work harder.
• Poor Air Quality. When the airflow from your vents appears weaker or less consistent, it may indicate that the filter is filled with debris and blocking the airflow.
• More Dust Around Home. If there’s an unusual accumulation of dust on surfaces, furniture, or in the air, it often points to an ineffective filter that’s no longer trapping particles efficiently.
• Unpleasant Odors. A dirty air filter can cause musty or unpleasant smells to circulate through your home, especially when the system is running.
• Allergy Flare-Ups. An increase in allergy symptoms among members can suggest that your filter is not removing enough allergens from the air.
• System Overheating. If your HVAC system is overheating or suddenly shutting down, a clogged filter could restrict airflow and cause the unit to overwork.
• Visible Dirt on Filter. A simple inspection showing a filter that appears visibly dirty or clogged is a clear sign that it needs replacing.

Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems

Fiberglass Filters

These are the most common HVAC filter types and are often the least expensive. These filters have layered fiberglass arranged perpendicularly and reinforced with a metal grating to prevent collapse. They are disposable and provide basic filtration, mainly designed to capture large debris particles such as dust, lint, and hair. Fiberglass air filters typically have a replacement cycle every 30 to 60 days.

Pleated Filters

Pleated air filters, manufactured from polyester or cotton paper, provide greater filtration than fiberglass air filters. The pleats increase the surface area, enabling the filter to capture more contaminants and increase its efficiency. They can capture particles like mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites.

Pleated filters come in various MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings, indicating their efficiency level. A higher MERV rating means better filtration. These filters usually have a longer lifespan, ranging from 60 to 90 days, depending on their use and environmental conditions.

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters use self-charging fibers to attract and capture particles. They come in disposable and washable/reusable forms. Washable electrostatic filters can be cleaned and reused for up to several years, making them an eco-friendly option. Due to the static charge, these filters are highly effective at trapping small particles like pollen, smoke, and bacteria. However, their efficiency can decrease if not maintained properly.

HEPA Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are known for their superior filtration capabilities. They can capture up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. These filters suit environments requiring high air quality standards, such as hospitals and laboratories. HEPA filters can trap many pollutants, including dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, and even viruses.

However, they are typically not designed for standard residential HVAC systems due to their density, which restricts airflow and reduces efficiency.

UV Filters

UV (Ultraviolet) filters use UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that pass through the HVAC system. While they effectively destroy biological contaminants, they do not remove dust, pollen, or other particulates. These filters are often used together with other filters to provide a comprehensive air purification solution. UV filters need regular maintenance and bulb replacement, typically every 12 months, to stay effective.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters can remove gases and odors from the air in addition to particles. They contain an activated carbon or charcoal layer that adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, fumes, and unpleasant odors. These filters are particularly useful in homes with pets, smokers, or strong cooking smells. However, they do not capture dust and other particulates well and generally need replacing every 3 to 6 months.

Media Filters

Media filters offer high filtration effectiveness and longer lifespan than standard filters. They use a thick array of materials like paper, cotton, or other synthetic fibers to capture small particles. These filters can have a high MERV rating, indicating their superior ability to trap pollutants. One of the advantages of media filters is their ability to maintain airflow while providing high filtration capacity. They typically need replacing after 6 to 12 months of constant use.

Best Tips to Keep Your HVAC Air Filter Clean

While you may already know when to swap in a clean filter for the old one, learning how to maintain them is also important. Doing so possibly extends their life cycle even more and prevents you from wasting valuable money. With these tips, your filter can function and stay clean for a long time:

• Regular Inspections. Make it a habit to inspect your HVAC filter every month. Regular inspections will help you identify when the filter is dirty and needs cleaning or replacement. You can hire HVAC specialists from reliable companies like Home Elevate Services to perform the checks effectively.
• Vacuum the Filter. Vacuuming removes accumulated debris if your HVAC filter is not disposable and is designed to be cleaned and reused. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the filter’s surface without causing damage to the delicate filter material.
• Washable Filters. You can wash some filters with water. If your HVAC filter is washable, remove it and rinse it in a tub or sink using lukewarm water. Avoid using soap unless specified by the manufacturer, and let the clean air filter dry completely before reinserting it into your HVAC system to stop mold growth.
• Use a Filter Grille. A filter grille is an added barrier that you can place over your HVAC filter to reduce dust and debris buildup. It can be particularly beneficial in homes with pets or areas with high pollution levels. The grille can be easily removed and cleaned or replaced regularly.
• High-Quality Filters. Consider investing in high-quality, high-efficiency filters. While they may be more expensive upfront, they generally last longer and provide better filtration. They can catch finer particles, which extends the filter’s life and the HVAC system.
• Professional Maintenance. Schedule regular maintenance with a professional HVAC technician. A professional can replace or clean the filter if needed and thoroughly inspect the entire HVAC system, ensuring optimal air quality and longevity.
• Keep Your Home Clean. Reduce the amount of dust and allergens in your home by vacuuming carpets, dusting surfaces, and minimizing clutter. The cleaner your home environment, the less debris your HVAC filter needs to catch, extending its lifespan.
• Seal Gaps and Cracks. Ensure your home is well-sealed. Gaps and cracks can allow dust, pollen, and other pollutants to enter your home, increasing the workload on your HVAC filter. Sealing windows, doors, and other possible entry points can keep a cleaner indoor environment.

Swap Your Old HVAC Filter at the Right Moment!

When you buy an HVAC system, its manual guide will tell you when to replace its air filter. Never forget to replace your HVAC’s air filter, as it protects everyone within the building from harmful contaminants that may cause allergies or even sickness. But if you need professional assistance with replacing your HVAC filters, consider hiring Elevate Home Services.

Not only can we replace your HVAC system’s filters, but we can also provide quality inspections to ensure it has no other problems that may show up soon. Our expert technicians can also educate you on what filter type your HVAC system should use to effectively clean the air you breathe.

Contact us today to learn how often you must change air filters in HVAC systems.