How often should I change my air filter?

Author: Prof. Minnie Grant MD  |  Last update: Friday, January 2, 2026

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.

How often should AC filters be changed?

Most manufacturers recommend changing basic fiberglass filters every 30 days. Higher-quality pleated filters should generally be changed every 90 days, though they can potentially last up to six months.

How do I know if my air filter needs changing?

7 Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Car Air Filter
  • Reduced Fuel Efficiency. The most common sign is a decrease in gas mileage. ...
  • The Engine Light Is On. ...
  • The Air Filter Is Dirty. ...
  • Jerking Movements When You Accelerate. ...
  • Misfiring and Starting Issues. ...
  • Strange Engine Sounds. ...
  • Black Smoke or Flames From the Exhaust Pipe.

How long do air filters really last?

Even if your filter appears clean, those tiny particles can still accumulate and clog it up over time. Changing your filters every 3 months is the way to maintain proper airflow, efficient operation, and great indoor air quality throughout your home.

How often should I change my car's air filter?

Not only will this help ensure that your engine is getting sufficient airflow, but it can also help improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. It's recommended that you change your car's air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the type of environment you live in.

How often you should change your Air Filter?

What happens if I don't change the air filter in my car?

Neglecting your air filter can lead to several issues. Over time, it can cause reduced fuel efficiency, diminished horsepower, and even engine damage. Keeping up with this small maintenance task can save you from more significant, expensive problems.

How often should I change my brake pads?

Generally, it's advisable to replace your brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, this range is not set in stone, as frequent short trips, city driving with constant stop-and-go, or aggressive braking can lead to more rapid wear.

Do expensive air filters last longer?

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.

How often should I change my oil filter?

Every Oil Change

In general, most newer vehicles are designed to run on 6,000 or 7,500-mile cycles for oil changes (the old 3,000-mile cycle is a myth in terms of newer vehicles). Most mechanics agree that it's just a smart idea to have the filter swapped out every time you take your car in for an oil change.

What happens if you haven't changed the air filter in a year?

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.

How much does it cost to replace an air filter in a car?

Most engine air filters will cost between $20 to $85, depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and whether you do it yourself or take your vehicle to the dealer or a mechanic.

Will I notice a difference with a new air filter?

Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on your car make and model. When you realise that, it makes sense to regularly replace your air filters.

How to tell if your air filter is bad?

Thankfully, you can determine whether your air filter needs to be replaced by looking for several signs below.
  1. Reduced Gas Mileage. ...
  2. Strange Engine Noises. ...
  3. Decreased Performance. ...
  4. Check Engine Light Comes On. ...
  5. Black Smoke or Flames in the Exhaust. ...
  6. The Smell of Petrol in the Exhaust. ...
  7. Your Engine Misses or Misfires.

Will my AC work better if I change filter?

A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.

How long do 4 AC filters last?

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.

Does changing the AC filter lower bill?

By ensuring that your filters are clean and replaced regularly, you can significantly reduce energy consumption. ENERGY STAR® even points out that such proactive maintenance can lower an air conditioner's energy use by 5% to 15%.

How long does an air filter last?

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.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Tire rotation should be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for both front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, but exactly how you should rotate your tires depends on your drivetrain.

Is it okay to change oil but not filter?

While technically you don't have to get the oil filter changed with every oil replacement, it is still a good idea. The oil filter keeps the oil in your engine clear of larger contaminants and replacing it at the same time that you get an oil change makes sure that everything can run smoothly.

What is the highest quality air filter?

The 17 Best Air Purifiers of 2024
  • The Best Overall. IQ Air Atem X. Read more. $1,400 at Amazon.
  • Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms. Coway Airmega 200M. Read more. $230 $199 at Amazon.
  • Best for Large Rooms With High Ceilings. Coway Airmega ProX. Read more. ...
  • A Budget Large-Room Option. Bosch Air 6000 Air Purifier. Read more.

Do you really need to change air filters every 3 months?

Most disposable air filters last three to 12 months. Life span varies by model, but in general, the thicker the filter, the less often it needs changing. But the filter thickness you use is dictated by the type of heating and cooling system(s) you have.

Do more expensive oil filters work better?

Cost: In some cases, high-quality oil filters may be more expensive than their lower-quality counterparts. However, they will save you money in the long run, as they will last longer, require fewer replacements, and provide better engine protection.

How often should I replace spark plugs?

If none of the previous issues are forcing you to replace your spark plugs, you can typically change them every 30,000 to 90,000 miles depending on the make and model of your car. Your owner's manual reveals the schedule of your vehicle.

How often are rotors replaced?

As a general rule, you should get your brake pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to keep wear to a minimum. When it comes to your rotors, you have a bit longer. Your rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to keep your brakes in peak health.

How often should I get new tires?

Tire Age. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6 years, regardless of mileage. This is because rubber compounds can degrade over time, even if the tires appear unused. This degradation can lead to cracking, reduced flexibility, and increased risk of blowouts.

Previous article
Where is the best place to put a baseboard heater?
Next article
What is the best natural cleaner for washing machines?