How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?
Have you noticed that your furnace or heat pump is struggling to reach the temperature on the thermostat? Is your heating bill on the rise? Do you have an increase in dust and dander around your home?
It could be time to change your furnace filter.
A clean filter can help maintain the efficiency and overall health of your unit. Here’s everything you need to know to determine how often you should change your furnace or heat pump filter.
Why Changing Your Filter is So Important
Making an effort to change your filter regularly comes with some big benefits.
- A more energy-efficient unit
- Feel confident you will stay warm on cold nights
- Reduced risk of allergies and respiratory illness
- Improved air quality
- Protection for the furnace itself from airborne debris
- Lower heating bills
It is easy to go through life without giving a second thought to your HVAC system’s filter. Yet, not staying up on this routine care could cause your furnace or heat pump to get clogged and stop working well — if at all.
How Often You Should Change Your Filter
The general rule of thumb is that your filter should be changed every 1 to 3 months. However, a few factors can give you a better idea of how frequently yours should be swapped out for a new one.
Manufacturer Ratings
When you purchase your filter, you may notice that it comes with a MERV rating on the packaging. This is short for minimum efficiency reporting value and gives you an idea of how well it can handle dust and other airborne particles. The higher the rating, the more restrictive the filter.
Not all furnace filters will come with MERV ratings. Some focus on the thickness of the filter — the thicker it is, the less often it needs to be changed. Keep an eye on the packaging and follow its manufacturer’s guidelines when you buy your next filter.
Type of Furnace Filter
There are a couple of different types of filters that forced air systems commonly use. And, the type you have will make a difference in how frequently it needs to be changed.
For example, pleated filters are the most common and are highly capable of trapping dust and debris. For 1” deep pleated filters, you should be able to change these filters at least every 3 months or so, on average.
Another type of filter, often called media filters, feature 4” deep pleats. These filters have an even greater ability to store accumulated dust and debris. For 4” media filters (made by brands like Aprilaire or Honeywell or others), you will want to replace these filters every 6-months.
Filters that are made of fiberglass and not pleated are much less efficient at removing airborne particles and should be changed monthly.
Do You Have Pets?
Regardless of whether you think your pet sheds, things like hair and dander will make their way into your filter. As they do, it makes it more difficult for the air to get through f your filter. This means that not only are you at risk for poor air quality in your home, but you are not allowing your system to run efficiently. My Collie is especially fond of laying right in front of the return filter grill – probably for the gentle breeze there. And as a result, my filter gets dirty very quickly.
If you have pets, you will want to replace your filter more frequently.
Changing your furnace or heat pump filter is a simple step that can ensure the health and longevity of your furnace. If you aren’t sure how often you should be changing yours, be sure to ask a heating expert.
ATC Cooling & Heating provides trusted HVAC services in Kingsport, TN, and the surrounding area, specializing in AC, heating ventilation, and furnace, including ductless and geothermal systems. Visit their website at www.ATCservice.com to learn more or call 423-239-3358 to schedule an appointment.
