When it comes to choosing the right air filter for your home, there are a few things to consider. Lower quality fiberglass filters are more affordable, but they don't last long and need to be changed every month. Pleated air filters are high quality filters that are very effective at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days. If you have pets in the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and for households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20 to 45 days.
Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can usually wait to change filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. However, experts recommend changing it once every 30 days if the air filter is made of fiberglass filters, which are of relatively poor quality. On the other hand, expensive pleated filters can work well with a replacement once every three months or six months.
A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to replace the filter every 90 days. As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, the efficiency of the filter decreases. If there is a visible layer of dirt that covers most of the filter surface and that is thick enough to hide the filter material itself, it is a sign that the filter has been in the HVAC system for too long. We measure how well an air filter removes dust, pollen, and smoke from the air, and see how freely air flows through the filter at any fan speed.
The magnetism is strong enough to prevent these particles from spreading throughout the house, making them one of the best options for those who need a filter that can combat allergens. While these filters have a low MERV rating, they are a great long-term investment for someone who doesn't have strong preferences about HVAC filter types and doesn't need any special filters. The best way to find out what size filter you need is to remove the existing filter from your HVAC system and check its dimensions on the filter frame. It's important to note that there are high-efficiency filters that are designed to filter out small bacterial, mold, and fungal particles, but your standard MERV 8-11 filters will simply block out larger particles of dust, dirt & hair.
Typical recommendations range from every 30 days for cheaper fiberglass filters (which often don't do a good job of filtering), to 6 months for high-end pleated filters. If you have an asthmatic or allergic person at home, change the filter every 6 weeks to ensure the best indoor air quality. Some people need HVAC system filters that keep the air free of allergens and other contaminants, while others just need a basic filter to get the job done. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. And the best filters trap indoor contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen, helping to clean the air in your home. It's one of the best types of AC filters because it's cost-effective, disposable, and protects air conditioners and ovens from dirt.
There are air purifiers that will need more frequent filter changes, so be sure to read your air cleaner manual carefully to determine the life of the filter. In general, high-efficiency filters that are also cost-effective are best for homes, but other considerations should include whether there are pets in the house, if mold is a threat, and how often filters need to be changed.
