If you don't change the AC filter, it will start to fail. You will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the HVAC system. Dust clogs moving parts of an air conditioner, such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted, creating a strain on the system.
The only way to determine how often you need to change your air filter is to perform a visual inspection of the filter every month. After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty. You may need to re-evaluate if you have a new pet or if the outdoor air quality has been poor. Different types of AC furnaces or filters have varying specifications for when they should be replaced.
Fiberglass filters are cheaper; however, they will need to be replaced more frequently (usually every 30 days). Pleated air filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters with higher quality materials. These filters can last 3 to 6 months, depending on other factors. The fewer pollutants there are, the less often you need to change your air filter.
You can extend the periods between replacing a filter. Most of the time, vacation homes change their air filters every six months. You can also postpone the air filter change less if you live alone and without pets. The fewer people in a house, the less time it takes to clog the filter.
During milder spring and fall weather, when you rarely use the system, you may only need to change your air filter once every six to eight weeks. In summer, when your air conditioner works out daily, it's often a must to replace the air filter once a month. There are several reasons behind this. In addition, the climate in your location will influence how regularly you will need the air filter to work. If you live in a mild climate and your air conditioner works a few hours a day, a filter could last several months.
On the other hand, if you use your air conditioning system almost 24 hours a day, you will need to replace the filter every two weeks. In addition, not replacing the air filter accordingly can cause the homeowner's energy bill to rise, as clogged filters cause the system to work harder when air circulates. The lifespan and health of your HVAC will thank you if you meet the proper guidelines regarding when you should change your air filter. This type has filtration capabilities similar to those of the MERV 8, but with additional efficiency for filtering a pet's coat. Your air filter, once new, white and clean, will turn dusty and gray as you begin to spend months on return. If you have pets, smoke, or live near a source of pollution, such as a road or farmland, the filter should be changed more often.
If you have changed your air filters and continue to notice these problems, it is advisable to call a professional to help you solve the main problem. If someone in your family suffers from mild to moderate allergies, you can put on a better air filter or change it more often. If this is true for you, then it is best to change your filter every 6 weeks in order to maintain optimal indoor air quality. In situations where you can't find the MERV rating on the air cleaner package, you can look for a filter with a lot of pleats per foot. If you have young children at home, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them every two months. MERV 9-12 filters are perfect for people with allergies; however they can negatively reflect your electricity bill. Respiratory problems make you much more sensitive to airborne particles, so it is recommended that you change your air filter every six weeks in order to ensure that your indoor air quality stays at its best.
This is just a general guideline and depending on other factors such as climate and usage of AC system may require more or less frequent changes. Air filters trap pet hair, dust and other irritating particles so that the air conditioning system returns fresh clean air into your home. As such there is no clear answer as to how long an air filter can operate efficiently before needing replacement. In addition to filtering particles filtered by MERV 8 and 11, MERV 13 can also filter kitchen smoke smog and virus carriers.
