Quite often overlooked, replacing your air filter is one of the most important tasks to add to your general furnace and air conditioner maintenance (located inside of your furnace). Designed to capture dirt, pet hair and many other air pollutants, your air filter’s threshold can only handle so much until it needs replaced. A clean air filter not only improves air quality and ventilation, but also plays an important role in the performance of your furnace and air conditioner. Without proper airflow, your HVAC system works harder, ultimately leading to more frequent repairs. While manufacturers and experts have different suggested times to change your air filter, many factors affect the timeliness of your air filter’s replacement. We’ve put together some guidelines to take into consideration.

• If you have shedding pets… Pets tend to shed and can clog up your filter quickly. While the filter is doing its job, pet hair will decrease the amount of airflow coming through it. It is recommended to change your filter frequently as often as once a month.
• If you have allergies… If you are sensitive to mold, pollen, dust and other allergens, replacing your filter regularly will improve your indoor air quality and make you feel more comfortable. Depending on the severity of your allergies, it is suggested to change your filter once a month. If you live in a home without pets and have allergies, changing your filter should take place every 2-3 months for proper air quality control.
• If you live in the city… Living in an area with greater air pollution affects your indoor air quality. If you live in the city and don’t have allergies or pets, you should change your filter every 90 days for ventilation optimization.
• If you have a vacation home… Residing in a getaway home located in a remote area means less outdoor air pollution. If you or your guests have no allergies or pets, you can get away with changing your filter once every 6 months.

AV Tip: To determine how often you should replace your filter, begin with a brand new air filter and inspect it once month. If the filter shows any slight signs of being dingy or dirty, switch it out with a new one. Take note and record how often you change your filter and you will soon see patterns customized to your air filter needs. Keep track of when you have checked and replaced your filter by adding reminders in your phone or writing it on your calendar. You will then know when to change your air filter, as this will ensure you have proper air ventilation quality to help keep you and your HVAC system healthy.

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter and Why?