How Often to Change a Furnace Filter

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Your HVAC system needs a clean and debris-free air filter to work efficiently, so filters should be replaced regularly. Furnace filters remove pollutants like dust and pet dander before the air returns back into your home. Changing your air filter is an equally simple and important way to prevent overheating, maintain efficiency, and keep your system running properly over time.

Every home’s needs are different and so are air filters. Here are three things to consider when choosing an air filter:

• Size of filter: 4-inch or 1-inch. The size of your air filter can be found on the outside of your old filter.
• Do you have pets? We recommend HEPA filters for homes that have pets.
• Number of people on your household: Kids and the number of people in your home will effect how often you should change the filter. See the chart below!

As a general rule of thumb, 4-inch filters should be changed every six months and 1-inch filters should be changed every month.

Furnace filters help with air flow and removing visible debris particles, but that’s just one part of cleaning your indoor air. Improving indoor air quality requires removing VOCs, allergens, and much more the eye can’t see. To cleanse airborne bacteria and viruses, we recommend regular air duct cleanings and installing UV light systems. Learn more about clean air solutions that can improve the quality of the air in your home.

Though clean filters are just one of several components for a healthy HVAC system, regularly changing them is the most important maintenance you can do. Leave the rest to the professionals!