How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

Learn how often you should change your furnace filter depending on factors such as location of your home (e.g., dry and dusty climates), if you have pets, age of system & equipment.

How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

For filters 3 to 4 inches, it is recommended to change them every 6 to 9 months. For filters 5 to 6 inches, they should be replaced every 9 to 12 months. This is a general recommendation, but there are some factors that can shorten or extend the time between oven filter replacement intervals. In most cases, you should replace the filter at least every three months, even in summer.

If you can't seem to remember to do it, a good rule of thumb is to change your oven filter every time the seasons change. For 3- and 4-inch filters, plan a replacement approximately every six to nine months. If you have larger 5- or 6-inch filters, you'll need to change them every nine to 12 months. A clean oven filter keeps your HVAC system and indoor air safe and healthy.

In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may vary depending on the location of your home (e.g. dry and dusty climates), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets in your home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and for households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20 to 45 days.

Usually, vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. As a result, the oven would have to work much harder to ensure that the same volume of air passes through the HVAC system. You can hear it: Your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter. It's a general recommendation to change your home's air filter every 30 days when using less expensive fiberglass filters.

It's important to understand that winter is the time of year when you're most dependent on your oven. The added moisture reduces the filter's ability to retain contaminants and will need to be changed more frequently. Because filters with higher MERV ratings are denser, your oven must work harder to draw air through them and not all ovens are powerful enough to do so. As you check it, gently vacuum the inlet side of the filter to help extend its life and improve efficiency between changes. Even though almost everyone knows about oven filters, they are still one of the most neglected furnace maintenance tasks. Next, we'll discuss the basics of changing your oven filter, including when (and how) to do it and why it's important.

The air cleaner and boiler filter replacement cycle is also affected by air outside and inside your home. However, the smaller the appliance used for cooling, the small space usually comes with smaller filters, so you may need to change the filter as often as a filter in a larger home. Even in the warmer months of the year, you should regularly monitor the condition of your oven filter and replace it as needed to keep your family safe and your oven in good working order. During a remodeling project, change the oven filter every 30 days, or even more often, to prevent construction-related dust from circulating around the home. In short, your oven filter traps dirt, dust, allergens, and other contaminants so they don't flow into (and don't inhale) your heating and cooling system. Depending on your lifestyle and type of oven filter you choose, you may want to change it more often.