For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
The standard recommendation is to change your furnace filter every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter you have and the conditions within your home. For instance, if you have pets or if someone in your household has allergies, you may need to change the filter more frequently to ensure optimal air quality.
Here's How Often You Need to Change Furnace Filters During Winter. The Short Answer Is: Homeowners should change the furnace filter every one to three months during the winter, depending on factors like filter type and household conditions.
Your furnace filter collects debris, including allergens, mold spores, and dust. If your filter is too full, it will allow this debris through into the ducts, to be spread throughout your home. As a result, your air quality will drop, and you may notice that your allergies or respiratory symptoms get worse.
Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system 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.
If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.
If you keep experiencing this situation in your home, we recommend you start with a whole-house duct cleaning to eliminate most of the excess dust and dirt in your home's HVAC system. Then, consult with one of our expert heating and cooling technicians to find the optimal filter for your HVAC system.
If the air filters are clean then you don't have to spend time and money on a new filter! Well, that might not be good. Air filters being dirty shows that they are working correctly, and if they are clean, it can show that they might not be doing their job.
Your furnace can, technically, run without a filter. However, we strongly recommend you don't run your furnace without a filter for any length of time. With air constantly moving through your furnace and your home, dust and debris can quickly build up, even in a matter of minutes.
Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, like fiberglass, that can last for up to 12 months. This not only saves you money, but it's also more convenient since you won't have to remember to replace your air filters as often.
Changing a furnace filter is simple. First, make sure your furnace is turned OFF so it doesn't blow air when you remove the filter. Next, locate the filter housing on your furnace. This is different for each model, but you can normally find it between the air intake and the furnace.
If the filter is still in good condition, light should shine through. If the filter is dirty or clogged with debris, the light will be obstructed, indicating it's time for a replacement. The presence of visible mold is another one of the dirty HVAC filter symptoms that indicates it's time for a replacement.
Cleaning an air filter only has two additional steps from replacing one. Again, the first step is to turn off the HVAC system. Find the service panel, open the furnace, and then locate your filter and remove it from the furnace. From here, you'll want to place it dirty side up and gently vacuum the large debris.
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.
In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
The most common problem you will face with a backwards facing filter is simple inefficiency. If your furnace is forced to blow air through the non-porous end of a filter, it will take more energy to do so. The blower will be overworked and you will pay more money for your heating.
This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure. If you haven't been swapping your air filters as frequently as you should, there's no time like the present to start practicing this crucial maintenance step.
A buildup of debris in your vents can restrict proper airflow, leading to incorrect combustion of your furnace leading to brown or black soot and debris accumulating on your filter. You may also notice that the heat from your vents isn't as warm as it should be or blowing out as much air.
If your filter becomes clogged, it can cause your furnace to shut off as a safety feature to prevent damage to the furnace. To fix this problem, simply replace your air filter on a regular basis. If you have pets, be sure to change your air filter more frequently.
Why is my air filter dirty after one day? If there is a lot of dust, pet dander, or other particles inside your home, your air filter can get dirty very quickly.
A dirty air filter is gross – often coated in gray or tan filth that may flake or fall off when disturbed. If it looks like this, it's time to replace your filter.
Most disposable air filters last three to 12 months.
As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. If this happens, you'll need to replace the entire system, which can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000.
These particular types may not last as long as other individual components, but they can be cleaned and reused for a longer time frame. Replacement filters vary in their lifespan from model to model. However, these usually need replacement every three months or after 200 to 300 hours of usage.