How Often to Change a Furnace Filter?

As the world continues to experience harsher weather, such as colder winters, a furnace has never been more vital. Your furnace’s filter is one component that ensures proper operation, but filters do not last forever. Filters are important because they help remove dust mites, debris, spores, pollen, smoke, dander, and smog, to name a few things.

Despite the fact that furnaces have evolved into incredible pieces of technology, they still need to be maintained regularly. The filter in your furnace is critical to its operation. It needs to be replaced on a regular basis to maintain the furnace running efficiently.

But “regularly” seems a bit ambiguous, doesn’t it? That’s why we wanted to figure out how often you should change your filter in order to get the most out of your furnace’s efficiency and performance.

Why Should You Replace Your Filter?

Would you like to improve the efficiency of your furnace by up to 15%? According to the US Department of Energy, simply changing the filter at the appropriate interval can increase the efficiency of the system by that much! This is because filthy furnace filters impede a consistent flow of air from traveling through the system and into your living space.

The furnace will function properly if the filter is clean. A dirty filter, on the other hand, will stress the system, making it work far harder than it should. Finally, replacing your old filter with a new one has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars each year. That’s a lot of money saved!

The quality of your interior air will also improve if you change your furnace filter. It will be difficult to trap extra dust, filth, and other undesirable particles if you leave a blocked filter in place. As a result, some of those harmful particles will find their way into your home’s air via your air ducts.

It’s also worth noting that a clogged furnace filter increases the likelihood of a repair. The furnace will be subjected to considerable wear and tear as a result of unclean filters forcing the system to work considerably harder than it should. This increases the likelihood of a breakdown and subsequent repair. When you consider that an overworked furnace won’t last as long as it should, it’s simple to see why some homeowners change their furnace’s filter once a month just to be safe.

How Often Should You Change Furnace Filter?

The frequency with which furnace filters are changed varies from home to home. The type of furnace filter in use determines the frequency with which this activity must be done. If you walk down the filter replacement aisle at your local hardware store, you’ll see that there are many options – many different filter types to affect frequency changes.

In general, however, it is recommended that you change your furnace filter every three months. There is a vast range of how often filters should be updated, just as there is a broad range of types of filters. Fortunately, changing furnace filters isn’t a guessing game. When you buy a new filter, the manufacturer includes product information that includes the recommended replacement frequency. By changing every three months, you can help to improve the efficiency of your furnace and extend its lifespan.

Size counts when it comes to determining how frequently you should change your furnace filters. Because thicker filters have more media to absorb pollutants, a 5 inch filter needs to be changed less frequently than a 1 inch filter. Filter efficiency has an effect as well; this is measured in MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value).

In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done:

For 1 to 2 inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months
For 3 to 4 inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months
For 5 to 6 inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months

More Factors that Affect Frequency of Changing Furnace Filters

As we mentioned, size and efficiency are two attributes that affect the frequency-changing furnace filters. In addition, there are various factors that have a greater impact on how often you really need a new filter.

Indoor Air Quality

If you have poor indoor air quality, your furnace filter will not last as long as it would in a household with acceptable indoor air quality. Indoor air quality devices such as air purifiers and air cleaners minimize pollutant volume, allowing your furnace filter to absorb fewer particles. In houses without this equipment, the furnace filter is the sole line of defense against airborne contaminants, so it fills up faster.

Home Occupancy

The number of people who live in a house has an impact on the furnace filter’s usable life. Change furnace filters more frequently in a large household than in a home with only one or two occupants. People introduce a lot of toxins into the household environment, thus the more people you have, the more toxins the filter will have to deal with.

Pets

Fur and dander are shed by pets, which are taken up by airflow and circulated around the house via the HVAC system. The usable service life of a filter is reduced by around 30 days for every furry family member residing in your home, so you’re changing furnace filters more frequently.

Heating & Cooling Usage

Filters have a shorter usable service life when your home’s heating and cooling equipment is heavily used because air is cycled more frequently, giving the filter more chance to pick up impurities and become blocked. Homeowners often change furnace filters more frequently in the summer and winter than in the fall and spring.

Allergies

If you or a member of your family suffers from allergies or asthma, you should change your furnace filters more frequently. This helps to ensure that toxins that cause symptoms are eliminated from the air supply in your home.

Never Forget Another Filter Change!

Not only for your HVAC system but for the entire home, changing furnace filters is essential. When your HVAC equipment is hidden away and out of sight, it’s all too easy to overlook a filter change, but it’s critical that you do so.

It’s a good idea to inspect your filter at least once a month to see how it’s doing. Your furnace filters may need to be changed sooner than expected depending on your system, but it’s impossible to tell if you never check! Once a month, take a look at the filter and replace it if the surface media becomes fully covered with contaminants.

FAQs

Manufacturers typically recommend that filters be replaced every 3 months, but some homeowners stretch this to 4 or even 5 months in an effort to save money. However, there are a few reasons why it’s important to stick to the 3-month replacement schedule.

First of all, a dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of your furnace, leading to higher energy bills. In addition, a clogged filter can cause the furnace to overheat, potentially leading to a fire. So while it may be tempting to save a few dollars by extending the life of your furnace filter, it’s important to remember that doing so may end up costing you more in the long run.

The furnace filter should be changed regularly to ensure optimal performance of the furnace and to prevent the build-up of dust and debris. If the filter is not changed, the furnace will have to work harder to circulate air, leading to increased energy costs and shortened furnace lifespan. In addition, a dirty filter can lead to poor indoor air quality, as it will circulate dust and other particles throughout the home. To avoid these problems, be sure to change the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

There are a few signs to look for. If your furnace is running more frequently than usual or if it seems to be struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, that’s a good indication that the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. You can also check the filter itself. If it’s covered in dust or if it seems significantly darker than it did when it was new, it’s time for a replacement. By keeping an eye on your furnace filter, you can help ensure that your furnace runs smoothly and efficiently.

Are Cheap Furnace Air Filters Better?

Cheap furnace filters are not better. In fact, they can actually cause more harm than good. The problem with cheap filters is that they are often made of lower-quality materials that allow air particles to pass through more easily. This means that your furnace has to work harder to force air through the filter, which can lead to increased wear and tear on the system. Additionally, the low quality of the materials used in cheap filters can cause them to break down more quickly, leading to frequent replacement costs.

In contrast, higher-priced furnace filters are made of higher-quality materials that trap a greater percentage of air particles. This not only helps to improve indoor air quality, but it also extends the life of your furnace by reducing the amount of wear and tear. Ultimately, while cheap furnace filters may save you money upfront, they will likely end up costing you more in the long run.