How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filters?

Changing the filters in your furnace is one of the easiest HVAC maintenance tasks that you can perform yourself. The filters in your system are easy to find, and they can be pulled out and replaced without any hassle. Unfortunately, it’s also an easy task to overlook. Part of the reason for this is that many people don’t know how often their filters need to be replaced, so let’s take a look at how often you should be swapping out your furnace’s filters.

Buying New Filters Every Month Is Best

As a rule, it’s best to replace your furnace filters once a month. This will ensure that you always have an almost-clean filter in your HVAC system, and sticking to a once-a-month schedule isn’t that difficult for most people. Try to change it on the same day every month. If you think you’ll have trouble remembering when to change your filter. make a note of it on a calendar, whiteboard, or wherever you like to leave notes for yourself.

A once-a-month filter replacement schedule is also fairly affordable. A standard 1-to-2-inch fiberglass filter can be purchased for less than $10, which is a small price to pay once a month. If it is too hard to change your filters once a month, a thinner filter can last for up to three months, especially if you don’t use your furnace that often and you live in a relatively clean house. Thicker and more expensive filters can last longer, with 6-inch filters lasting up to a year in optimal conditions. Again, that means not running your furnace too often and having a clean house that is relatively free of pet dander, dust, pollen, and other allergens that are filtered out by your furnace filters.

Even though most filters can technically last anywhere from three to 12 months, you’re better off replacing them more often than that. If you’re not sure when to change your filters, do so every month, especially if you have several people or pets in your household. Dirty filters can impede airflow through your home and expose your family to dust and other allergens, so be sure to stay on top of this bit of maintenance.

For more information about how to switch your HVAC filters or if you have any other issues with your furnace, contact Measday’s Heating & Air today. Our HVAC technicians will be happy to assist you.