Once you've found your perfect air filters and stocked up, how do you know the frequency with which you should change them, and when to replace your furnace filter?
OR which way does furnace filter go. First off, it’s imperative to switch out your dirty furnace filters on a regular basis, as recommended by the manufacturer. The time frames vary by model and type, with recommended changes usually suggested on each one.
Once you get into the routine of changing filters, including your dirty furnace filter, you’ll know exactly when to change your filter and how to do it with ease. Each filter we sell features a different suggested replacement schedule, so use this as a guideline:
- One-inch thick filters: 30 days to three months
- Two-inch thick filters: two to four months
- Four-inch thick filters and higher: three to six months
Yes, we know life can get busy. The last thing you want to worry about is changing your furnace filter, especially when dealing with clogged filters. But one way to remember this important task is to jot it down on your calendar or set up a recurring reminder on your smartphone whenever you make a change. This will alert you as to the next time you have to tackle this chore.
Most furnace filters 16x25x1 need a change after two to three months, but you will want to replace yours more or less frequently depending on lifestyle and use. Change it every month or so if you’re a smoker, have pets, live in a heavily congested area or one where a lot of construction is going on, or have family members who are prone to allergies and asthma. If you’re wondering about your furnace filters how often to change, read on!
3 Tell-Tale Signs: Change your Filter
How do you know if it’s time to change your filter? Here are some signs:
- No air flow coming out of the AC or HVAC system
- Takes longer to RAISE temperature in the house in extreme cold weather. This is because air flow is blocked due to dirty filter.
- Takes longer to LOWER temperature in the house in extreme hot weather. Also due to dirty filter.
A visual inspection of the filter itself can also yield clues about whether or not you need to change it. There are a two vital ways you can recognize the need for a filter change if you’ve forgotten to write a reminder:
- Remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can see light through it or if it’s light gray in color with just a little dust between the pleats, put it back in for another month.
- If you find that the filter is dark gray in color with no light getting through and noticeable dust and debris between the pleats, replace it right away.
Set a reminder to check your filter a month earlier next time. With so much dust accumulating, that means your filter has not been working optimally for quite some time.
A Bit of Advice on AC Units
With AC units, you’ll see water due to ice melting at the bottom. When air flow is blocked, ice builds up, which blocks air flow. If this happens, shut the AC for a few hours to let the ice melt. Restart AC and see if cold air comes out. If not, you need more refrigerant. Call HVAC company for repair. Install a new filter before restarting the unit but if have no filters on hand yet, just run the AC without it. This shouldn’t be an issue for day or two while you wait to get a new one in the mail. This isn’t the ideal situation, but it’s better than using a unit with a filter packed with dust.
Here’s a helpful link that shows you why filter changes are a good thing: Top Two Reasons Why Your A/C System is Experiencing Ice Build-Up.
Dangers of Not Changing Filters Regularly
If you fail to change your filters on a regular basis, you risk affecting the health of everyone in the home. If you leave it in too long, it becomes virtually useless because dust and dirt simply blow through it and circulate throughout the house. You can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms by allowing dust and dirt to accumulate, as it settles in carpeting, bedding and furniture. Boost performance and increase efficiency to save on energy costs with new filters at recommended intervals. Another benefit of changing filters is that you improve indoor air quality and won’t spend as much on AC or furnace repairs.
Remember, only FILTRATION MONTREAL provides the best filtration for the best price. We do not make inflated promises about extended use. Don