When Should I Change My Air Conditioner's Air Filter at Home?

Looking for the fast answer? Check out our FAQ on "How often to change the air filter".  

1. Knowing just how often to replace your furnace or air conditioner filter.
2. Replacing them at the proper time.

When To Change Your Air Filters

Most filters have a timeline printed on the box or plastic. It may instruct "Lasts up to 3 months" or "Change filter every 90 days". Pay attention at the store and you should see that some are designed to only last a single month, while other manufacturers (like Honeywell) have released media air cleaners with filters meant to be swapped once every 6-12 months. The norm seems to be once every few months for most higher quality filters, but we have a rule of thumb that we suggest our customers to go by. If they're dirty, change them! A dirty air filter can add or cause damage to expensive parts, like your compressor, so it's best to change it out more often than neglect it. If you want to follow the manufacturer's recommended limit, we suggest writing the date on the filter when you swap it out, and programming a reminder for yourself in your phone or on a calendar. Also note that your filter manufacturer may have a different recommendation from your HVAC system manufacturer.

Figuring out how often to change your air filters relies upon several factors:

• The type of air filter you are using
• The overall air quality of your Kingwood area home
• Pets – Cats, dogs, birds, etc.
• Occupancy of the home
• How much construction is taking place in the neighborhood around your home

For the common 1"-3" air filters, the OEM specs basically suggest to change them bi-monthly, which is really a great rule of thumb. However, generalities may not be suitable for your specific needs. If you suffer from light to moderate allergies, you might require an upgraded air filter or change them even more frequently than OEM specifications. On the other hand, if you're in a remote area, own a seldom occupied home (like a vacation home) or an area with little auto traffic, changing your air filter every 12-months may be quite sufficient. Why do pets matter so much? They have a tendency to shed, which can clog your air filter in no time, just like a vacuum. Obviously, the air filter is just doing its job by trapping pet hair and dander, but exceptionally dirty filters can cause seriously reduced HVAC performance.

In summary:

• Seldom used home or single occupant homes without pets or allergies: Change 6-12 months
• Common suburban home without pets: Change every 90 days
• House with a pet: Change every 60 days
• Multiple pets or have allergies: Change every 30-45 days

How To Remember To Change Your Air Conditioner's Air Filters

Finch Air Conditioning & Heating offers a simple solution; sign up for the Service Experts Email Club. This is a convenient way to get money-saving discounts and other helpful information on your smartphone, tablet or desktop. Also, your email subscription preferences let’s you set a reminder to change your Kingwood area home's air filter every 30, 60, 90, 120 or 365 days, or the date of your choosing.

How to replace your return air filter

Most of us know how to replace the air filter in their equipment, but some houses have an additional filter in the return ductwork. Whether you have one or not is dependent on what your unit's manufacturer recommends. Your HVAC is made to handle a certain amount of pressure in your home, and the more filters you have the more the blower motor works, which can reduce the life expectancy of your system if it isn't designed for it. Discovering whether you have a return filter and replacing it is simple:

1. Locate your return air vents.
2. Some covers have screws and some have tabs. Unscrew or pull tabs to remove from the wall.
3. Check for a filter. If one is inside, pull it out and write down the size.
4. Verify the filter type is the one recommended by the manufacturer.
5. If filter is dirty, replace with the manufacturer's recommended filter of the same size and type.