Filters with a MERV rating of 1 to 7 typically cost between $5 and $20. Filters with ratings of 8 to 13 can cost anywhere from $20 to $150. HVAC systems in residential homes usually don't need (and often cannot handle) filters with a MERV rating of more than 13.
An AC filter typically costs from $10 to $50, according to Angi, although higher-end filtration products can cost a bit more. The type of filter you buy depends on your HVAC system and your home's indoor air quality requirements.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
You might wonder about the risks of running your AC without a filter, even temporarily. The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours. Going beyond this can negatively affect both your system's health and your home's air quality.
When you leave an AC unit's air filter clogged for too long, you can experience a failure of the entire system. This is because the unit can only work for so long at twice the power before it finally breaks down.
Central and outdoor air conditioning units rely on filters to circulate fresh, clean air throughout your home. Clogged filters can force your unit to work harder. You may find yourself leaving your unit on for longer stretches of time, too, and at maximum cooling.
A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.
However, common places filters are found can include: within a small slit on the bottom of the unit, on an external rack usually off the side of the furnace, in the ductwork as a cutout, or in the return air vents. If you are unable to locate your filter, please contact your dealer or installer.
Essentially, most homes will have at least two air filters, because most homes have a return duct to go along with their air handler. Determining how many filters your home needs is a big step in helping improve your home's indoor air quality and keep you breathing easy.
This fee is to compensate the landlord for wear and tear on the HVAC system as a result of the filter not being changed on time. The lifetime of the system will be reduced when the filter isn't changed, and repair bills increase, so the landlord needs to be compensated for that harm.
Some should be replaced every 30 to 60 days. Others might last 6 months to a year. The answer depends on factors such as how often you use the system, the type of filter, whether there are any pets in the home, and your personal habits such as having smokers in the house, use of a wood-burning fireplace, and more.
Cheap air filters are often less efficient at trapping particles, which means that more harmful airborne contaminants can enter your HVAC system and circulate throughout your home or office. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
On average, you can expect to pay $20 to replace your HVAC filter, with costs commonly ranging from $10 to $50 or even more. Replacing your HVAC filter is the simplest yet most effective way to keep your HVAC system healthy and working properly.
HVAC Failure
Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit. More often than not, overheating can be remedied by a fix from an HVAC system technician.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Running your AC for any time without an air filter is not recommended due to the permanent damage it can cause to the HVAC system. Dirt and dust that is normally absorbed by the filter can make its way into the AC system and wreak havoc on the mechanical components, often leading to expensive repairs.
Changing your air filter will keep you cool during the summer, warm during the winter, and ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible – reducing overconsumption of energy.
Your filter may be located in your return vents. These can be found on the ceiling, on a wall, or in older homes, on the floor. Return vents pull air from your home to your AC. The easiest way to determine a return vent is to place a thin piece of paper or tissue in front of it.
There are a number of reasons why your AC unit may stop working unexpectedly, including electrical problems, blockages, thermostat issues, and more. Troubleshooting includes checking your circuit breakers, thermostat settings, and replacing your air filters.
For a deeper cleaning, fill a sink with one part water and one part white vinegar, and then allow your HVAC filter to soak in the solution for one hour. Rinse it off with fresh water and let it fully dry before returning it to your AC unit.