When is the Right Time to Replace Your Furnace Filter and Why?

Learn when is best time to replace furnace filter for optimal performance and energy savings.

When is the Right Time to Replace Your Furnace Filter and Why?

For 3- to 4-inch filters, it is recommended to change them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, it is suggested to change them every 9 to 12 months. This is a general recommendation, but there are some factors that can shorten or extend the time between oven filter replacement intervals. The majority of HVAC professionals agree that the furnace filter should be replaced every 90 days or every three months.

However, this depends on the thickness of the filter. Thicker filters have more room to accumulate dirt and dust, so they don't need to be changed as often. Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, of Ohio, suggests changing filters less than 2 inches thick every 30 to 90 days. Three- or 4-inch filters can last 6 to 9 months, and filters up to 6 inches thick can be replaced once a year.

Fiberglass filters are the most common and least expensive. They usually require replacement every 30 days, but they can last longer depending on their quality and how often you use the oven. In general, oven filters need to be changed approximately every three months. The type and thickness of the filter can affect how often you need to replace it. Check the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should change the oven filter.

This also depends on how old the system is and how often it is used. The EPA recommends inspecting the filter once a month, especially during the winter, and changing it if it looks dirty. Change the boiler filter at least every three months. The boiler filter protects your home from dust, hair, debris and other contaminants that enter through the return duct of the air conditioning system. The most common type of filter is a disposable pleated oven filter, but there are several options with different MERV ratings. Ovens with dirty filters require more energy than those with clean filters and can significantly increase your energy bills.

Clean oven filters can also reduce symptoms of COPD, asthma, and other respiratory problems, by promoting your family's health and safety all year round. The filter is placed in a shared air controller where it cleans the air before diverting it to the air conditioning unit or oven. Generally speaking, you don't need to change HVAC furnace filters as regularly during the winter months compared to the summer months. Dirty oven filters reduce unit performance and, at the same time, increase your energy requirements, increasing your energy payments. Replacing the oven filter regularly will reduce the voltage of the unit and, at the same time, prevent breakdowns, allowing you to get the most out of your oven before switching to a newer model. Without a filter, the oven would stop working fairly quickly because the equipment would be too dirty to work properly. If you need help changing filters or cleaning your oven, talk to an oven maintenance professional in your area.

Knowing when and how often you should replace your furnace filter will help keep your home safe from dust and debris while also helping you save money on energy bills.

Juanita Pete
Juanita Pete

Extreme web evangelist. Typical problem solver. General internet ninja. Typical zombie nerd. Evil travel geek.