How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?
As home owners, we have the best intentions to take good care of our HVAC system. It's one of the most important and expensive systems in your home. Not having heating and cooling when you need it can be a real disaster. Keeping your HVAC components clean and well-maintained will keep them running efficiently and for much longer.
Everyone knows you're supposed to change your air filters regularly, but do you change them as often as you should? Here are some good rules of thumb:
In a vacation home or single occupant home without pets or allergies: every 6-12 months
Average size home without pets: every 90 days
Average size home with a dog or cat: every 60 days
Multiple pets or allergies: every 30-45 days
Bought the Wrong Size Filter?
You wouldn't believe how often our home inspectors see this in the field. It happens all the time: you come home from the store and realize you've bought the wrong size filter. Do yourself a favor and return them for the proper size. It may be tempting to just make it work, but you'll probably do more damage than good. The filter can't properly prevent dust and debris from building up on the motor and fan and/or will create a blockage that will prevent air flow.
