How Often Should Air Filters Be Replaced in My Home?

The frequency of air filter replacement depends on the type of filters you use, the size of your home and the amount of dust or indoor air pollutants (like smoking, pet dander, etc.) in your home. Special considerations may need to be made for households with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions. Generally, it’s best to replace your air filter every three months or even more frequently during particularly high-use seasons.

If you have pets or suffer from allergies, you may want to replace your filter every month instead of every two or three months to ensure your indoor air is clean. It’s a good idea to visually inspect your filter every month or so. If you notice the filter has accumulated a thick layer of dust, it’s time to change it, regardless of how long it’s been since the last replacement.

If you use your HVAC system daily during the winter and summer months in Texas, you should change the air filters more often. If you own a vacation home where the heating and cooling system is only used occasionally, you can probably get away with replacing the air filters every six to 12 months.

What Is an Air Filter and How Does It Work?

An air filter typically looks like a flat, rectangular or cylindrical piece of material with a mesh or pleated surface. It may be made of paper, foam, fiberglass or other materials. It’s designed to trap particles like dust, pollen, mold spores and other airborne contaminants as air is pulled through it.

An air filters are usually located near your HVAC system’s air hander (a large metal box used to regulate and circulate air). If you have a large home, you likely have a second or even third air filter. Look for filters at the return vents where indoor air is pulled into your HVAC system. They’re usually placed here so any air being recirculated in your home must pass through the filter first.  

What Happens if I Don’t Regularly Replace My Air Filters?

If you don’t regularly replace your air filters, your HVAC system will become clogged with dust or debris like pet hair, which can reduce its efficiency and cause it to work harder or even fail prematurely. This can lead to higher energy bills, as well as increased wear and tear on the system.

It’s not uncommon for an HVAC system to begin to malfunction or even break down over time because of clogged air filters that restrict airflow and allow contaminants to penetrate the unit’s internal components.

From a health standpoint, a clogged filter can cause poor indoor air quality, leading to health issues such as allergies and asthma.

How to Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

1. Make sure the filter is the correct size: The filter should fit snugly into its location. If you need to force it or bend it, chances are good it’s the wrong size.
   
   
2. Know all the locations of your air filters: If your home has more than one filter due to its layout or the number of HVAC zones. All locations need to be checked and the filters need to be replaced on a regular basis.
   
   
3. Remove the old filter (or filters): Carefully remove the old filter from its housing and discard it.
   
   
4. Install the new filter: Slide the new air filter into its housing and make sure it is securely in place before closing up any access panels or doors on your system. Flip any necessary latches to secure return vents back into place when you’re finished.

HVAC Cleaning and Maintenance Specialists in Arlington

From routine maintenance, including air filter replacement, to HVAC repairs and air duct cleaning, Tom’s Mechanical, Inc. in Arlington can help.

Our team of experienced technicians can provide a variety of services to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. We offer 24/7 emergency services, so you can rest assured we’ll be there when you need us most.

We also provide free estimates and competitive pricing on all our services. Call us today at 972-388-3669 to learn more about how we can help you with your HVAC needs.