back to blog

How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?

air filter

Do you want to breathe easy? We do! All too often homeowners pick the air filter that fits the air duct and while this strategy saves time, it doesn’t do much to improve your health or save money on your energy bill. One of the easiest ways to ensure that the air quality in your home remains purified is as simple as changing out your air filter consistently. Exactly how often should you change your air filter? The answer is: it depends.

Types of Air Filters

One of the main things to consider is what your air filter is made out of. There are several types of air filters commonly found in HVAC systems. This includes polyester and pleated filters, fiberglass filters, high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters, and lastly washable air filters.

A polyester or pleated filter is made up of cotton or polyester-blend fabric. Typically, it has higher resistance to airflow and has a lifespan of 30 days. A fiberglass filter is the most commonly used filter, and is made up of layered fiberglass fibers. This filter is not the best if you have allergies, but is prime in filtering out large dust particles. A HEPA filter, one of the more expensive filters can capture up to 99.7 percent of all contaminants and its recommended with those suffering from allergies. Lastly, there are washable air filters, although not as common as the ones listed above, they can last for years if properly maintained.

Frequency of Change

How often you change your air filter can also be determined by the manufacturers or the size of the filter. For example, filters ranging in the 1”-3” size should be changed every one to two months. Another scenario where the air filter would need to be changed less frequently would be if you live in a residence with few people living it, have no pets and live in a less polluted area. On the other hand, if you or someone in your residence suffers from allergies, upgrading the air filter or changing the air filters out more frequently might be necessary.

Rules of Thumb

These are just a few of the many factors to consider when deciding if it’s time to replace your air filter. If you aren’t sure about these details regarding your air filter, here is a handy point of reference you can use for your home.

  • A vacation home or single occupant and no pets or allergies can be changed every 6-12 months.
  • The “Average” suburban home without pets should consider changing it every 90 days
  • If you have a dog or a cat, look to change the filter every 60 days
  • Add more than one pet or anyone that has allergies, you’ll want to change it much more frequently. Think 20-45 days.

Of course, there are some things you will want a professional opinion on no matter what. If you are having issues with air filters or other HVAC issues, contact the experts at SameDay Heating & Air. To learn more about our services and offers, give us a call today at (801) 726-3329.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

seo-img
Priority Plus Maintenance Plan Enjoy Peace of Mind, faster service & serious savings LEARN MORE
$1000 Off Generator Installation
Get Up to $5000 In HVAC Rebates
$500 Off Tankless Water Heater Installation
What To Expect
Discover the SameDay Difference
Expert Technicians
Exceptional Workmanship
State-of-the-art Systems
five-star service guaranteed
Expert
Technicians
Exceptional Workmanship
State-of-the-art Systems
five-star service guaranteed
Read our awesome
customer reviews

Check out what our valued customers have to say. Our reviews reflect SameDay's dedication to providing excellent service and ensuring our customers' satisfaction.

Thank you for the wonderful service your company provides. I am new to the area and got your number from the Yellow Pages. All of the ads looked alike. I called two other companies before I called Air Comfort. The first company did not show up.…

Jorge M.

When the air conditioning unit malfunctioned at our business it became unbearably hot. Fortunately, your technician was prompt, efficient, and helpful—even though he had to work late into the evening. His friendly, customer-oriented service was much appreciated and we want to make certain this type of…

Reagan O.

Just a note to tell you what a pleasure it was to work with a company such as yours. When appointments were made, they were kept! I must make special mention of the technician who installed our air conditioning unit. He worked hard, stayed with it…

Ardean H.

We appreciate such a good company with great customer service.

Holly B.

We wish to thank you for the installation of our new Lennox furnace and air conditioner, but more than the implements, we are grateful for the careful consideration of your technician. He did a splendid job, which we are sure was above and beyond the call…

Tom M.