If you’re wondering how often you should change your air filter, the answer is that it depends on the type of property you have, how many occupants there are, whether you have pets or not, and special considerations such as the level of air pollution in your area and if there is someone in your household who is especially sensitive to allergens. Timely replacement is the key to maintaining the air quality in your home.
Some Items to Consider
A single occupancy modern home or condo with no pets is going to require less frequent changing of the air filter. This is also true of vacation homes that are not occupied year round. More occupants and larger homes translate into more dust being created and kicked up that will eventually find its way to the air filter. With older homes or homes in areas with lots of surrounding foliage and high pollen counts, you may also find the need to change your air filter more frequently.
Pets are a big factor as they shed hairs that can easily accumulate and clog your air filter. Even if you regularly clean pet hair from your furniture or have a cat or dog that doesn’t appear to shed much, you can still be sure they are taxing your HVAC system and air filter. Remember that your HVAC system is drawing air through itself, and something as light as fine pet hair will be drawn up into it.
How Often You Should Change Your Filter
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for details on how often you should change their air filters, but a rough rule of thumb is as follows:
- Single occupancy modern home without pets: every 60 days
- Typical family home without pets: every 30 – 45 days
- Typical family home with a cat or dog: every 30 days
- Multiple pets, allergy issues, high pollution: every 15 – 30 days
Replacing your air filter regularly is a small investment to protect your much more expensive air conditioner or furnace, which should be regularly serviced, especially when seasons change. A clogged air filter causes the blower to have to work much harder, meaning you are reducing its useful lifespan and heating or cooling your home less efficiently.
Depending on your HVAC system you may also have a return filter. If you’re not sure, the HVAC experts at Day & Night Air can diagnose the situation for you. To get your HVAC system inspected and serviced with a filter change, or if you’re looking for Phoenix air conditioning companies to provide other HVAC services, contact Day & Night Air today for prompt and professional service.
Featured Image credit: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock
