How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

Imagine this: it’s the middle of a bitterly cold winter night in Middletown, OH, and your furnace suddenly stops working. The warmth you’ve been relying on to keep your family comfortable fades away, leaving you scrambling for blankets and an emergency furnace repair. It’s a nightmare scenario that no one wants to face, but did you know that something as simple as forgetting to change your furnace filter could be the culprit? 

Regular furnace maintenance is an absolute must to keep your heating system in top shape, and changing your furnace filter is one of the easiest yet most important steps you can take to avoid unexpected breakdowns—but do you know how often to change furnace filters? 

Robinson Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.’s knowledgeable HVAC contractors are here to help you understand when to replace your filters and why this small but mighty task can make all the difference if you want to keep your home cozy and avoid a surprise HVAC repair this winter. Let’s dive in!

 

What Air Filters Do for Heating and Cooling Equipment

Most homeowners in Middletown, OH, use their heating and cooling systems nearly year-round, not just during the summer and winter months—this means filter changes are necessary throughout the year. 

Your HVAC filter may be small, but its role in your heating and cooling system is mighty. Let’s break down the key purposes of your filter and why it’s so important to keep it clean and functional.

Protects Your HVAC System

The primary job of your filter is to protect your forced air heating and cooling system, from electric and gas furnaces to central air conditioning and heat pump systems. It captures dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris before these particles can make their way into the system’s internal components. 

Without a clean filter, this buildup can clog your system and reduce efficiency. It can even lead to expensive heating and air conditioning repair issues or even a premature system failure.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC filter also works to keep your home’s air clean and healthy. By trapping contaminants like allergens, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, it prevents these particles from circulating through your air ducts and into your living spaces. This is especially important for households with individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.

Maintains System Energy Efficiency

A clean filter allows air to flow freely through your HVAC system, which means your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t have to work harder than necessary. Parts of your system don’t experience excess wear and tear, which helps you avoid air conditioner or furnace repair problems. When your system isn’t strained, it operates more efficiently, uses less energy, and helps keep your utility bills in check. 

Extends the Life of Your Heating and Cooling Equipment

By preventing debris from accumulating in your system and keeping everything running smoothly, your filter contributes to the long-term health of your HVAC system. A well-maintained system with clean filters is less likely to experience breakdowns and more likely to last for years to come.

 

What Causes an Air Filter to Get Dirty?

When your HVAC system is in use, there are a few factors that can cause your furnace filters to get dirty. One of those is the presence of airborne contaminants and allergens—such as airborne particles of dirt, pet dander, and airborne dust.

Now, you might be saying to yourself, “How can dirt make its way into my furnace filter?” Simple: by walking inside with your shoes on. Think about it like this—whatever you walked through with your footwear on will wander into your home and onto your flooring. And the minute you walk around, it will go airborne.

Another thing to consider is how often you clean your home. Dust, as it’s known, is a byproduct of matter. If the dust is not cleaned, it makes its way into your air ducts—where it will eventually meet your furnace filter. And if your furnace filter isn’t replaced often, then dust can bog down the performance of your HVAC system, causing excess energy consumption in addition to hindering your indoor air quality and causing issues that require heating repair.

 

How Often Should I Change the Air Filter in My House?

The frequency with which you should change your furnace filter depends largely on its size and type. Furnace filters come in various thicknesses, and their lifespan varies accordingly. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 1-Inch and 2-Inch Filters: These thinner filters are the most common in residential HVAC systems, but they also need to be replaced more frequently. Typically, 1-inch and 2-inch filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months.
• 3-Inch and 4-Inch Filters: Slightly thicker filters, like 3-inch and 4-inch options, can last longer than their thinner counterparts. These filters usually need to be replaced every 6 to 9 months.
• 5-Inch and 6-Inch Filters: The thickest filters, 5 inches and up, are used in media air cleaners, which can be added to your furnace or air conditioner. These filters often only need to be replaced every 9 to 12 months. 

Most Middletown, OH, homes use standard 1-inch or 2-inch filters, which means you should change your furnace filter about every one to three months. Doing this will not only lessen the chances of allergens being circulated through your home’s air supply, but it will even help your HVAC equipment work much more efficiently—saving you money on your monthly energy bills and reducing your chances of needing emergency repairs.

 

Other Factors Impacting the Lifespan of Your Filter

While it’s helpful to know how long your filter should last, there are other factors that impact how often you need to change your furnace filter. Consider the following when determining a replacement schedule for your home’s furnace filter so you can avoid causing problems that lead to furnace repair:

Types of Air Filters

Choosing the right furnace filter can go a long way in improving the indoor air quality of your home. Not all filters are created equal, and it is important to understand the various options available to you. The most common types of furnace filters are pleated filters and fiberglass furnace filters.

Pleated Furnace Filters

Pleated furnace filters are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior filtration capabilities. Made with a dense layer of accordion-like pleats, pleated filters are highly effective at trapping tiny particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. These furnace filters may cost slightly more than fiberglass filters, but they typically only need to be changed every 3-6 months, depending on HVAC system usage and other factors.

Fiberglass Furnace Filters

Fiberglass furnace filters are more affordable but are less effective at capturing smaller particles. If you use this type of furnace filter, you will need to change your furnace filter more frequently, usually every month or so, to prevent a dirty filter and maintain optimal performance for your air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace system.

Pets at Home

Having pets in the home is a great way to add companionship and love to your life. However, it also means that you need to be extra vigilant about certain aspects of home maintenance, including changing your furnace filter. Pets produce a lot of dander and shed fur often, which clogs your furnace filter faster than usual.

This means that if you want to keep your indoor air quality at a healthy level for both you and your pets, it is essential to change the furnace filter more often. Additionally, dirty filters can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system, making it work harder—this increases your energy bills and strains the system, which can eventually lead to a heating repair or the need for cooling services in the summer.

Home’s Indoor Air Quality

It is a fact that your home’s air quality has a direct impact on the frequency at which you need to change your furnace filter. As air passes through your system, your furnace filter is responsible for trapping dust, pollen, pet hair, and other airborne particles that can circulate and contaminate your indoor air quality.

If your home is located near major highways, in an urban area, or if there is more dust and dirt in your indoor environment, you’ll probably have dirty furnace filters sooner than you expect, which makes it harder for your HVAC system to circulate clean air. Failure to change your furnace filter on a regular basis can result in reduced indoor air quality, an increase in allergy symptoms and respiratory issues, and even affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Household Size

The frequency with which you need to change a furnace filter can also depend on the size of your household. The more people living in your home, the more dust, dirt, and airborne pollutants are likely to circulate throughout your space, which means that your furnace filters may become clogged more quickly. 

By regularly replacing your furnace filter, you can prevent a clogged filter and ensure that you and your family breathe clean and healthy air, no matter what the size of your household.

Heating System and Air Conditioning Use

The frequency of replacing furnace filters largely depends on how much you use your heating and air conditioning systems. During high-use seasons, such as summer and winter, your furnace filters become clogged with dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles much quicker than during moderate-temperature months.

Neglecting to replace dirty filters compromises your HVAC’s efficiency and causes it to use more energy. A dirty furnace filter can lead to high energy bills, premature wear and tear, and even system breakdowns that require furnace repair. To maintain optimal indoor air quality and protect your HVAC unit’s longevity, you need to change your furnace filter regularly, especially during heavy-use seasons.

 

How to Pick the Right Air Filter for Your Home

Now that you know how often to change your furnace filter, you’ll need to find the right replacement filter. Walking down the air filter aisle at the store can feel overwhelming. With so many options staring back at you—different sizes, ratings, materials, and features—it’s tempting to grab the first one that seems to fit and call it a day. But choosing the right air filter for your home isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. 

The type of filter you pick can have a big impact on your HVAC system’s performance, your indoor air quality, and even your energy bills. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to understand your options and find the best filter for your specific needs. Here’s a simple explanation of what to look for so you can make a choice you’ll feel confident about!

Filter Size

Filters come in many different sizes, and every Middletown heating and cooling system requires a perfect fit. If the filter is too small, it won’t form a proper seal, which allows dirt, dust, and debris to bypass the filter and enter your system. On the other hand, if the filter is too large, it simply won’t fit, leaving you scrambling for a replacement. 

An ill-fitting filter can also restrict airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder than necessary and reducing its efficiency. This can lead to higher energy bills and even premature wear and tear on the system that results in furnace repairs.

You’ll need to measure the size of the filter compartment and choose a furnace filter in the matching size. For example, if the compartment measures 16 inches tall and 24 inches wide, with a depth of one inch, you’ll need a filter measuring 24x16x1. An easy way to find the right furnace filter is to check the measurements on the old filter before you buy a new filter.

MERV Ratings

MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value” and refers to how well the furnace filter can trap airborne contaminants. Furnace filters with higher MERV ratings will filter out more particles from the air, providing better indoor air quality. 

However, using a furnace filter with a MERV rating that is too high for your HVAC equipment can be responsible for restricting airflow. This causes your system’s components to work harder and consume more energy, which will cause more wear and tear and cost you more money in the long run. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended MERV ratings for your particular system before buying replacement furnace filters, or contact our HVAC company for help.

 

We Have Air Filters That Can Help Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality!

Changing your furnace filters regularly allows your heating system to run at its best. Dirty filters not only decrease the efficiency of your furnace but also degrade the indoor air quality of your home. When you change your furnace filter regularly, you can ensure maximum efficiency, minimize indoor air pollution, and reduce the likelihood of heating repair problems over the winter.

If you’re unsure about which furnace filters to purchase or are looking for high-quality options, Robinson Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. provides quality filters that meet all your heating and cooling needs. 

As Middletown, Ohio’s trusted HVAC provider, our certified technicians also offer expert heating and air conditioning services to tackle any challenges you’re facing. To schedule service with our team of indoor quality professionals, call or contact us online.