Replacing the air vent filters in your heating and air conditioning system is key to keeping clean, fresh air in your home. Without a clean filter, your system may break down more often and could cost you more in repairs than just changing the filters. But have you ever wondered just how often you are supposed to change your air vent filters? Read on to find out.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Vent Filters?

Ideally, homeowners should change their air filters every few months. Neglecting to swap out your heating & air conditioning air vent filters with new, clean air filters could result in the following…

Higher Energy Bills

When your air filter is clogged or hasn’t been changed for a long time, it puts extra strain on your heating and air conditioning system. Your system has to work harder to effectively pull air through the filter which in turn uses more electricity.

Allergies & Respiratory Health

Dust, allergens, even pet dander can get recycled into your home’s air if you don’t change your air vent filters regularly. This can contribute to increased allergies or respiratory illness for those in your family that are more sensitive to allergens.

Heating & Air Conditioning Failure

If you wait too long to change the air filter it could eventually break due to the strain on the unit. This leads to expensive repairs or may result in having to buy an entirely new heating & air conditioning unit.

Reasons For Changing Your Air Filter More Frequently

• Quality of Air Filter –As with anything, there are higher quality filters that require less maintenance and could be better for your household. Fiberglass air vent filters, while more affordable, don’t last as long, and may need to be replaced every month. Pleated air filters may cost a little more but they trap smaller particles of debris in the air and last up to three months.
• Pets –Households that have pets will need to change their air filters more frequently. The build-up of hair and dander can clog up filters which need to be changed in as little as two months, possibly sooner.
• Allergies –If you’re an allergy sufferer, even the tiniest amount of dander or dust in the air can trigger you. For homes that have small children or adults that are plagued by allergies, it is suggested you change your filters every 30-40 days.
• Usage –Some homes that are constantly running their heating & air conditioning system will likely have to change the filters more often. If you only run your heating and cooling system only on occasion, then you may be able to extend the life of your air vent filters and need to change them every 6-12 months.

The best rule of thumb is to simply check your filter to see if it is caked in dust. Often, visually inspecting your air vent filters will be sufficient. Consider paying a little more to get a higher quality air filter before the winter and summer seasons begin.

Why Regular Filter Replacement is Essential for Your HVAC System

Regularly changing your HVAC air filter is key to good airflow and stopping dust and pollutants from building up in your home. Dirty filters block air, lower indoor air quality, and strain parts like the furnace and air handler. Over time, this reduces comfort and efficiency.

The Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Changing air filters often helps lower air pollution in your home by trapping particles like pollen, dander, and bacteria. For homes with pets or allergy sufferers, higher MERV filters or HEPA filters work better to catch allergens and tiny particles, keeping the air cleaner. If you’re worried about odors or chemicals, activated carbon filters are great for removing smells from smoke, paint, or mildew.

Duct and Ventilation Maintenance

In addition to changing filters, it’s important to keep your air ducts clean. Regular cleaning stops dirt and mold from building up, which can harm air quality. Clean vents and grilles help your HVAC system work better and reduce the chance of breathing problems like asthma. When choosing filters, remember that better quality ones last longer and help your health and comfort.

Schedule an Heating & Air Conditioning Tune-Up with Service Today 24/7

Service Today serves the whole Twin Cities metro area and is trusted for heater, furnace, and boiler maintenance, as well as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical work. We understand the importance of heater inspections and tune-ups and provide a complete check of all parts. Receive regular maintenance as a member of our SHAPE Membership program and call (888) 586-2135 to schedule your heater tune-up appointment today!