It’s important to change your furnace filters regularly. Not only will it keep your home clean and safe, it will also help prevent problems that can arise when your furnace has to overwork to keep you comfortable.
While a good rule of thumb is to check your filters every month and change them every two to three months, those numbers can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the answers to these questions:
- Do you have pets? Pet dander will accelerate how often you need to change your filters.
- Does someone in your house smoke? Cigarette smoke will also require you to change filters more often.
- What kind of filters do you use? Standard fiberglass filters need to be changed monthly (maybe a little less depending on how contaminated your home air gets). If you use permanent washable filters, they need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried once a month.
The best way to know how often you need to change your air filter is by simply checking it every month. The conditions in each home are unique – a rule of thumb that works in one home might not work in another. After a few months, you’ll have a much better sense about how quickly your filter gets filled, and how often you will need to clean it or install a replacement.