A 2-fold air filter should be changed every 3 months, while a 3-fold air filter should be changed every 120 days. A 4-fold air filter should be changed every 6 months, and a 5- or 6-fold air filter should be replaced every 9-12 months. The only way to be sure how often your air filter should be changed is to visually inspect it every month. After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty and if you need to re-evaluate the frequency of replacement due to new pets or poor outdoor air quality.
In general, a fiberglass air filter should be replaced about once every 30 days or as recommended by the manufacturer. A pleated air filter should be replaced approximately once every three to six months, but this frequency depends on several factors such as your home, occupants, and location. Ideally, you should change your air filter every three months. As the filter traps more dirt, dust, and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. If you have pets like cats and dogs that lose hair and have odors that can accumulate in space, it is necessary to change the filter every 2 months.
When you buy a new air filter, check the manufacturer's recommendations for a basic idea of how often you should change it. Outdoor air quality can have a big impact on how often the air filter gets dirty and needs to be changed. Consider replacing a fiberglass air filter about once every 20 days and replacing a pleated air filter about once every 60 days if you have one or more pets. Wait up to three months to change a fiberglass air filter and nine to 12 months before changing a pleated air filter. The easiest way to find an air filter that's right for your home is to locate the one that's already installed. It helps keep indoor air clean by trapping particles of mold, pollen, and other contaminants that move through the system.
Replace the air filter to restore airflow, improve heating and cooling efficiency, and increase air quality throughout the house. What might be an appropriate air filter replacement frequency for one home may not be the right choice for every home. However, if it's impossible to replace the air filter for an extended period of time, spending more than 90 days won't cause irreparable damage to your air conditioning system. Things like changing the oil and replacing the vehicle's air filters can be done with little automotive knowledge and with few, if any, tools. However, these appliances are usually made with smaller filters and may need to be changed more often than those in larger homes.
