How Often Should You Change a House Air Filter?

The average cost to replace an HVAC system is $7,000.

What if we told you that doing one small thing could help you avoid this huge expense?

Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important (and easy!) things you can do to prolong the life of one of the most expensive home appliances is regularly changing your house air filter.

But exactly how often do you need to change it? Keep reading to learn more about changing your house air filter.

How Often Do You Really Need to Change Your House Air Filter?

The answer depends on a number of factors including the type of filter you use.

Fiberglass filters, which tend to be less expensive, need to be replaced more often - maybe every 30 days.

On the other hand, more high-end filters, like those that are pleated can last up to 6 months.

General guidelines assume average filter quality and use and recommend air filter replacement every 90 days. After a filter is placed, it will catch allergens, dirt, and dust. These build up over time and decrease the filter's efficiency.

Shop from our available whole house air filter assortment or use our Air Filter Finder to find your filter by sizing.

Factors That Can Affect How Often You Should Change Your Air Filter

Some homeowners may need to replace their air filters more often than others. If any of these factors apply to your family, you might not be changing your house air filter often enough.

Pets

If you have cats or dogs, you should be changing your air filter more frequently, at least every 2 months, because pet odors build up over time. You should always change your air filter when the seasons change, as this is when pets tend to shed the most.

Allergy and Asthma Sufferers 

If anyone in your house suffers from allergies or asthma, you should be changing your air filter frequently. This could be as often as every 6 weeks.

People with allergies and asthma have an increased sensitivity to airborne particulates and need to breathe clean air.

The air quality in your home is just as important as the quality of air outdoors. Keep your home air clean and breathable by keeping up with your air filter replacement schedule. 

Young Children

Young children are especially sensitive to air quality. If you have youngsters in your home, it's important to keep things clean - and this includes the air they breathe. Change your air filters at least every 2-3 months. 

Frequency of Use

How you use your HVAC system can also influence how often you should change your air filter.

If you live in a climate where you barely use your air conditioner or furnace, your air filters will last longer. On the flip side, if you run your HVAC system constantly, your filters should be changed every few weeks.

Purchasing High-Quality Air Filters

Keeping the air in your house clean and safe is crucial to the health of your family and your pets. Regularly changing your air filters helps keep the air in your home fresh and clean.

The cost of replacing your air filter is minimal compared to the cost of replacing your HVAC system if dirty, clogged air filters cause it to fail.

Purchasing high-quality air filters mean you'll get the most for your money and can trust that your family is breathing clean air. Click here to browse our selection of dependable and affordable air filters today.