How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

Have you noticed that your furnace 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. That is, of course, as long as it is replaced regularly. Here’s everything you need to know to determine how often you should change your furnace filter.

Why Changing Your Furnace Filter is So Important

Making an effort to change your filter regularly could come 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 furnace’s filter. Yet, not staying up on this routine care could cause your furnace 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 furnace 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 better 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 furnace filter.

Type of Furnace Filter

There are a couple of different types of filters that furnaces 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. Depending on their rating, you should be able to change these filters every 3 months or so, on average.

Furnace 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, regardless of your filter type. 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.

If you have pets, you will want to replace your furnace filter more frequently.

Changing your furnace 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) 662-9190 to schedule an appointment. 

Emily Thompson