It's essential to change your home's air filter regularly to keep the system running smoothly and maintain optimal air quality. A clean air filter also ensures the smooth and efficient operation of your air conditioning unit. But why is it so important to change your air filter? And how often should you do it? The general consensus is that you should replace your home air filter every 3 months, or 90 days. This is a good rule of thumb for pleated air filters, such as those made by FilterBuy.
As the filter traps more dirt, dust, and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. The Minimum Efficiency Value (MERV) rating for an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream. Some air filters are supposed to survive up to six months, while others need to be changed monthly. The denser the air filter, the longer it should last.
You can examine the thickness of the filter rather than the brand to determine its MERV rating. If you have pets or live in an area with a lot of pollen, it's best to change your air filter every month or two. This will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently, as well as improve overall air quality. If someone in your family has mild to moderate allergies, you can use a better air filter or change it more often. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer can actually impair its performance. It will put unwanted pressure on your climate system, leading to poor air quality and poor air circulation. Yes, changing the filter has several effects on the ability of the air conditioning system to cool the house and on overall air quality.
Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same that forms the insulation of the attic) or of pleated paper framed with cardboard for greater stability and rigidity. In summary, regularly changing your home's air filter is essential for maintaining optimal air quality and keeping your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. The general rule of thumb is to replace your home air filter every 3 months, or 90 days. However, if you have pets or live in an area with a lot of pollen, you may need to change it more often. As an expert in HVAC systems and indoor air quality, I highly recommend changing your home's air filter regularly in order to ensure that your system is running optimally and that you are breathing clean, healthy air. If you have any questions about how often you should be changing your home's air filter or what type of filter is best for your needs, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for advice.
