How Long Do Air Filters Last?

For your HVAC system to operate well and the air in your home to remain clean, air filters are required. Dust, dirt, and other particles can be collected by filters over time, and this can have an impact on your system's functionality as well as the quality of the air you breathe. You should change your air filter regularly to maintain everything functioning properly. However, how frequently should it be changed? The kind of filter you use and the particulars of your home will dictate the response. You can learn how long your air filter lasts and when to change it with the aid of this guide.

Types of Air Filters and Their Lifespan

The type of filter you choose has an important effect on how long your air filter lasts. Pleated and fiberglass filters are the two most used kinds of filters.

1. Fiberglass Filters

The least costly alternative is fiberglass filters. They are less successful in collecting small particles like pollen or pet dander than they are at capturing larger ones like dust. Depending on how often you use your HVAC system, these filters usually need to be changed every 30 days or fewer since they clog more easily.

2. Pleated Filters

As pleated filters cost a little more, they are far more effective at capturing small particles like mildew, pollen, and pet hair. They may usually last up to 90 days before needing to be replaced, which is longer than fiberglass filters. They are a fantastic option for allergy sufferers or homes with pets.

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Change Your Air Filter

The type of filter is crucial, but some other elements can influence how frequently you need to replace it. Let's examine these elements:

1. Size of Your Home

The HVAC system needs to move more air into larger, bigger dwellings. As a result, the air filter will require more frequent replacements and become dirty more quickly. However, because there is less air to filter in smaller homes, the filter will last longer.

2. Air Quality

When your filter becomes dirty is greatly affected by the quality of the air outside of your home. Living in a region with high levels of smoke, dust, or pollution will cause your air filter to clog more quickly. Make sure to check and replace your filter regularly if you reside in an area with poor air quality or during a time when smoke levels are high.

3. Pets

Your air filter may be seriously damaged by pets. Their fur, dander, and grime can quickly block your filter. You will need to change your air filter more frequently if you have pets, especially several pets. It's a sensible idea for pet-owning households to change the filter at least once every 30 days.

4. Allergies

Maintaining clean air is especially crucial if there are allergy sufferers in your home. Pollen, dust, and pet dander all exacerbate allergy symptoms. Using a high-efficiency filter (such as a pleated filter) and changing it more frequently (every 1-2 months) will help lower airborne allergens if you or someone in your home has allergies.

5. Seasonal Changes

The frequency of air filter replacement is influenced by the seasons. The filter might not become as dirty in the spring and fall when your HVAC system isn't used as often. The filter will, however, gather more dust and particles throughout the winter and summer months when heating and cooling systems are used more frequently, necessitating more frequent replacements.

Check your filter frequently and change it as necessary if you choose to keep the fan running in the spring and fall even when you're not using the air conditioner or heater.

6. Children and Sensitive Individuals

People with respiratory conditions like asthma, children, and elderly family members are especially susceptible to poor air quality. It's a beneficial idea to change the filter more frequently if you have small children or someone with respiratory problems at home, particularly if they have allergies. Cleaner, healthier air can be produced by using a high-efficiency filter and changing it frequently.

How to Check if Your Air Filter Needs Replacing

The best method to determine whether your air filter needs to be replaced is to visually inspect it, while there are general rules for how frequently you should do it. This is how:

• Turn off your HVAC system to prevent any accidents.

• Remove the air filter from your HVAC system.

• Hold the filter up to a light source. If light passes through the filter easily, it’s still in excellent shape. If the light is blocked or barely passes through, it’s time to replace the filter.

Tips for Extending Your Air Filter’s Life

Here are a few simple tips to help keep your air filter working longer and improve indoor air quality:

• Check your filter regularly: Even if you don’t need to replace it, it’s a good idea to check it every month to stay on top of things.

• Consider a subscription service: Some companies offer subscription services that send you new filters regularly, so you never forget to change them.

• Use a high-efficiency filter: If you have pets, allergies, or sensitive individuals in your household, a high-quality pleated filter will do a better job of cleaning the air and last longer.

Conclusion

The type of filter you have, the size of your home, and the quality of the air both inside and outside all affect how long your air filter lasts. In general, fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days, however, pleated filters can last up to 90 days. Remember that things like allergies, pets, and inadequate outdoor air quality might reduce the filter's lifespan.

Regularly checking and replacing your air filter is essential to maintaining high-quality air and ensuring your HVAC system operates effectively. You will benefit from improved energy efficiency, cleaner air, and a longer-lasting HVAC system if you do this.