When it comes to keeping your home clean and the air quality under control, replacing your central air filter is essential. But how often should you replace it? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. However, this may vary depending on the location of your home, if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. For households without pets, it is recommended to replace the filter every 90 days.
If you have pets in your home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months. For households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter.
To determine if you should replace the filter more often, ask yourself these questions: Do I have pets? Do I have allergies or respiratory conditions? Is my home located in a dry and dusty climate? Is my HVAC system old? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you'll want to replace the filter more often than recommended. When you remove the air filter from the air handling unit, if you hold it close to a light source, you can see if the filter is dirty or clogged; if you can't see the light through the filter, it's definitely time to change it. It's important to note that when replacing your central air filter, be sure to use one that is identical in size and type. This will ensure maximum efficiency and optimal performance of your HVAC system.
To sum up, for households without pets, it is recommended to replace the filter every 90 days. If you have pets in your home, consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months.
