How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter? How to Change AC Filters, AC Filter Replacements And More

As a homeowner, it’s important to keep your air conditioner filter clean and changed on a regular basis. This ensures that the quality of air in your home is healthy and free of dust and other airborne particles. Find out how often you should replace your AC filter, what kind of filter replacements are available, and how to properly change your filters for optimal performance. Keep cool while maintaining a clean environment in your home.

How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter

How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter?

You must answer a few other questions to answer this question.

How Many People Live in Your Home?

If you live alone without pets, do not have any allergies or respiratory issues, and do not allow smoking in your home, you may leave your air filter for up to 6 to 12 months before changing it.

On the other hand, if you live with pets or other people, or if your home has smokers, you should change your air filter once every 30 to 45 days.

What Type of Air Filter Do You Have?

Your AC filter type will also determine how often you need to change the filter. The standard 1 to 3-inch air filters should be changed after 30 to 60 days. However, if someone in your home has allergies, you have to replace it more often.

How Many Pets Do You Have?

If you have a pet, your air filter should be changed every 60 days. This is especially true if the pet has fur or dander that can spread through the air and increase dust levels in your home. If you have two pets, you should replace the filter every 20 to 45 days.

How Is The Air Pollution Outside?

If the air quality outside your home is poor due to smoke, smog, or pollen, you should replace your filter more often. A 30 to 60 day replacement schedule may work well for your home in this situation. Check the air quality index in your area to determine how often you need to change your filter.

How is Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality?

If you notice that your air is stuffy, dusty, or smelly, it’s time to change the filter. This will help improve air quality and reduce allergens in your home. Additionally, if you see a lot of dust accumulating on furniture and other surfaces around the house, this could be an indicator that it’s time to replace the filter.

If you’re not sure how often you need to change your air filter, consult with a professional HVAC technician. They can help you determine the best replacement schedule for your unique needs and ensure that your home’s air quality is maintained at optimal levels.

How to Find The Right AC Filter Replacements

When it comes to air filter replacements, there are many options available on the market. Your best bet is to replace your current filter with a similar one that fits your HVAC system properly. Also, you may consider contacting the manufacturer of your air filter to find the right replacement. Sometimes, you’ll find the information you need by looking at their website. Your HVAC technician may also be able to suggest a good replacement.

How to Change Your AC Filter

Once you’ve determined the right air filter replacements, it’s time to change your filter. Doing this will increase the efficiency of your air conditioner by as much as 5 to 15% and reduce the amount of dust, allergens, and particles in your home.

Turn Off Your HVAC System And Locate The Filter

Changing your air conditioner filter is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. Start by turning off your HVAC system and locate the filter panel. If you can’t find the air filter you may need to contact an HVAC technician for help.

Remove The Old Filter

Once you locate the filter, carefully slide it out and discard it. If you haven’t done so already, check to make sure of the filter type and size before discarding the old filter. Fiberglass air filters are commonly found in older HVAC systems and should be replaced at most every 30 days. 

Pleated filters, which are also rectangular and have a depth of about one inch, are often used in newer systems. If you don’t have any allergies or pets, it’s recommended to replace these every 90 days or less. However, HVAC experts suggest replacing them every 45 days for best efficiency.

Insert The New Filter

Finally, insert the new filter into place. Make sure that the filter slides in smoothly without any resistance. In addition, check the filter size and type to make sure that it matches your HVAC system’s requirements. Once you’ve finished inserting the new filter, close up the filter panel and turn on the HVAC system.

Conclusion

Changing your AC filter regularly is one of the most important maintenance tasks a homeowner should do in order to ensure optimal performance and healthy air quality in their home. Knowing how often to replace your AC filter and what type of filter replacements are available is key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Follow the tips outlined above and don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Robert B. Payne if you need help at any stage of the process.

Contact The Professionals at Robert B. Payne if You Need Help

By following these simple steps, you can keep cool while maintaining a clean environment in your home. If you ever need help with HVAC service and maintenance, the professionals at Robert B. Payne are here to help. Contact us today at 540-373-5876 for more information or to schedule an appointment. With our expert technicians on your side, you can rest assured that all of your air conditioning needs are in good hands.