When and How to Change Your Air Filter

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Air filter maintenance in your home

Air filters perform an important role in your home — they improve the air quality inside and keep your HVAC unit running efficiently. Not only do clean air filters help to keep you healthy, but they can also reduce your monthly electricity bills. Clean air filters prolong the lifespan of your home’s HVAC unit, which could mean saving on eventual HVAC repairs or replacement.

It’s necessary to change your home’s air filters regularly. However, some air filters may need to be changed more often than others. Here’s what you need to know about air filter maintenance in your home.

When to change air filters in your home

As a rule of thumb, you should follow the replacement recommendations found on your air filter. That being said, most air filters are ready for replacement every three months. Consider performing monthly visual checks to ensure your air filters are clean and free of excess dust.

You may need to change your home’s air filters more frequently, depending on several factors, including:

• Pets: If you own a pet, their fur and dander will get sucked up into the filters. Pet owners should plan to replace their air filters every one to two months.
• Allergies or respiratory ailments: Folks who suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues may be more sensitive to unclean air. Dust particles in the air can worsen these symptoms. Replacing the air filters more often helps optimize the air quality in your home.
• Household size: The more people living in your home, the more hair, dust, and particles will end up in your air filters. If you have a larger household, you may need to replace the air filters sooner.

Types of air filters

Another important factor when replacing your air filters is what type you have installed in your home. The most common types of air filters include:

Fiberglass air filters: These air filters are cheap but less efficient and generally need to be changed more frequently. If you have fiberglass air filters in your home, you’ll likely need to replace them every 30 days.

Pleated air filters: These types of filters typically cost more than fiberglass filters, but they are better at capturing dust and air pollutants. Because they are more efficient, they often last closer to 90 days.

Electrostatic filters: These air filters emit an electric charge that attracts and captures air particles. They have a high upfront cost, but you can reuse them, offsetting the initial price tag. If you opt for electrostatic air filters, you’ll likely need to remove and clean them every one to two months.

High-efficiency particulate air filters: HEPA filters are the most effective options on the market. They filter out 99% of air pollutants, making them the best option if you suffer from severe allergies or live in an area with poor air quality. While they are more expensive, HEPA air filters have a longer lifespan and should be replaced every six to 12 months, depending on the model and household.

Steps to change your air filter

Changing your air filter is a simple task that doesn’t normally require professional help. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to change your air filter. Note that the process make look different depending on your HVAC unit and filter.

Tools needed: Screwdriver, washcloth, new air filter

• Step 1: Locate where the air filter is installed in your home. If you have central heating and cooling, your air filter will be in your HVAC unit.
• Step 2: Turn your HVAC unit off. This ensures your safety and keeps dust or pollutants from getting into the unit after you remove the old filter.
• Step 3: Remove the old air filter. It should slide out easily. You can throw it away once it’s out.
• Step 4: Clean the area around where the air filter is installed with a damp washcloth to remove excess dust and dirt.
• Step 5: Insert the new air filter into the open slot. It should slide in without difficulty. The air filter will likely have arrows pointing in the direction it should be installed.
• Step 6: Turn the HVAC unit back on. If you notice a strange sound or your system doesn’t turn back on, call an HVAC professional for an inspection.