When it comes to air filters, the general consensus is that you should replace them every 3 months, or 90 days. But what happens if you let that time go by for a while? Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter, let's start with the WHY. Different types of oven or air conditioner filters have different specifications for when they should be replaced. Fiberglass filters are lower in price; however, they will need to be replaced more frequently (usually every 30 days).
Pleated air filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters with higher quality materials. These filters can last 3 to 6 months, depending on several factors. As an expert in the field of air filtration, I recommend waiting up to three months to change a fiberglass air filter and nine to 12 months before changing a pleated air filter. Filters with higher MERV indices trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV indices.
Vacation homes or empty houses that don't get much use usually wait to change the filters every 9 to 12 months. As outdoor dust or pollution increases, the need to replace indoor air filters on a more regular basis also increases. Numerous pollutants and debris, including excess dust, can cause air filters to become clogged and reduce air circulation throughout the house. If this is the case, you'll probably notice that you dust more often and that air quality seems to have declined, making life difficult for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Outdoor air quality can have a big impact on how often the air filter gets dirty and needs to be changed. If the outside air is of poor quality or you have pets inside, you'll need to change the air filter more often. Air filters with a MERV index ranging from 17 to 20 are designed for areas that require absolute sterility, such as operating rooms or rooms for immunosuppressed people. If you need help choosing the right filter for your system and a professional who can help you change it, call the professionals at Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric.
Replacing filters regularly can keep homeowners and their families healthy thanks to efficient air circulation. For mild to moderate allergies, residents will want to try replacing air filters every 30 days. As an expert in this field, I advise homeowners to ask themselves if their home is dusty or if they notice any changes in their indoor air quality. Over time, the filter can become clogged and restrict the flow of air that passes through the filter and into the house.
On average, you should change a fiberglass air filter about once every 30 days, while you can leave a pleated air filter for about three to six months before having to replace it. If the answer is yes to this question, you'll want to change the filter every 6 weeks to maintain the best indoor air quality. In general, if you find that you need to vacuum or sweep more often than usual, you may also need to change your air filter more often.
