Fibreglass air filters are the more affordable option, but they are less efficient at capturing dust and particles from the air. Generally, they need to be changed every 30 days or less. If you have a ductless air conditioning system, you should clean the filters frequently - usually every two to four weeks - to keep the system running smoothly. It is also recommended to replace your air filter at least once a year for optimal performance.
To ensure your home's air filters are in top condition, plan to clean them about once a month and replace them every six months. Before you start, make sure to turn off the air conditioning unit to prevent unfiltered air from circulating around the house. If any member of the family suffers from severe allergies, it is best to change the air filters very often - in some cases, every two weeks. The air filter manufacturer usually explains how often the filter must be replaced in its installation instructions.
Some manufacturers recommend replacing air filters every 30 to 60 or 90 days, depending on the type of filter. If there are any questions, residents can call a professional or the air filter manufacturer to determine the lifespan of the specific filter their system uses. If you live alone, don't have pets, and the surrounding outdoor air is of good quality, following the manufacturer's recommendations for changing the filter should work for you. However, if an occupant smokes or if there are young children at home, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them every two months.
After a period of smoke-filled days and poor outdoor air quality, inspect the air filter to see if it needs to be changed. Your HVAC air filter helps keep indoor air clean by trapping particles of mold, pollen and other contaminants that move through the system. Disposable air filters (which are normally placed in a cardboard frame) are generally not designed to be cleaned and must be replaced when they become dirty. The air filters in your home need to be changed regularly to keep the system running smoothly and to maintain optimal air quality. A vacation home in which you only live part-time will need far fewer filter changes than a large family home with numerous occupants. If you have allergies, you can reduce your symptoms by using a high-quality air filter and adopting a more frequent replacement program. Learning to clean the air conditioning filter or boiler filter is a key part of regular maintenance, as it allows the system to run smoothly and avoid a costly breakdown.
Your system's air filter picks up much of this accumulation over time, which can begin to interfere with its efficiency, increase utility bills, and even compromise your home's air quality. The ideal is to change your air filter every three months; however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. Often, homeowners don't even realize that their air filters are to blame and simply blame allergies. To ensure your home's air quality is up to par and your HVAC system is running efficiently, make sure you clean your home's air filters about once a month and replace them about every six months.
