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.
A three to four-inch filter can last for six to nine months. If you have a thick five to six-inch filter, it can last from nine to twelve months. By making sure that your filters are changed when they need to be, you can enjoy having a heating and cooling system that will work its best.
Higher MERV ratings work best when the filter is 4” thick or thicker because they trap extremely small particles, which means contaminants will build up quickly on the screen. If your system only fits a 1-inch or 2-inch filter, a high MERV rating could be detrimental.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stiffer builds for steadfast seal: 1-inch filters have less material to control, which means the frames are thinner. Thin frames have flimsy seals which let through unfiltered air, defeating the purpose of your filter. 5-inch frames are thicker and fit into the furnace more seamlessly.
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.
What Is the Most Common Size of Air Filter for a House? The most common size air filter for a house is usually 20 x 20 x 1, but this can vary depending on the specific HVAC system installed.
In some cases, your intake vents or air handler vents have a filter depth greater than an inch. Because 1 inch air filters are the most common, some homeowners may think it's okay to layer 1 inch air filters to fit a 2-, 3-, or 4-inch air filter slot. It's not recommended to do this.
The four-inch-thick air filter has an advantage over the one-inch in terms of longevity, airflow and maximum filtering potential. If it fits your furnace, then a four-inch air filter will provide better air quality. The cost difference is often minimal.
16x25x4 air filter is designed to last for about 6 to 12 months. But this can vary depending on factors. Like the air quality in your home. And how often your HVAC system is in use.
In conclusion, while the idea of stacking two filters might seem like a shortcut to better air quality, it can lead to more harm than good.
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.
With a furnace blowing cold air, the first question you should ask is if the furnace has been turned ON. Two thermostat issues that could cause your furnace to blow cold air include (1) your thermostat is still set to COOL, not HEAT and (2) your thermostat fan is set to ON, not AUTO.
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short period of time. However, doing so for longer than 6-8 hours can hurt your system and decrease your home's indoor air quality.
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.
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.
Fiberglass filters shield HVAC systems by capturing bigger debris but are less effective at filtering small particles. If you're looking to reduce allergies, pleated filters are recommended. Pleated filters are better at improving indoor air quality and may cost a little bit more, but they have higher MERV ratings.
Filters with a MERV rating of 8-13 are usually higher-end filters for home use or high-quality commercial filters. These filters are typically the right choice for use in homes and many businesses.
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. Next, you can clean the filter – in a utility sink or with a hose – by running water over it and gently wiping the service.