The more people use the air filter in their home, the more frequently you need to change it. However, the process is not all that complicated. There are three basic categories: Households with pets, households without pets, and households with small homes. Each category has its own guidelines and recommendations for when to change the air filters in your home.
Pets
The air filters in your home should be changed at least once a month. If you have long-haired cats or dogs, you may need to change them more often. They tend to shed more than short-haired pets. However, there are some additional steps you can take to reduce the risk of your filter getting dirty.
Most air filters are recommended for replacement every 90 days or three months, although it is important to consider your pets and your location to determine the best frequency of replacement. For example, a single-pet household may want to change its air filters every two to four months, while a household with multiple pets should change them every 60 to 90 days.
Households with no pets
If you have pets or are allergic to certain allergens, you may want to change your air filter more often than households without pets. The reason for this is because the pet hair can cause the air filter to become clogged with debris. This can increase your maintenance costs.
For households with no pets, changing the air filter every six months is sufficient. If you have pets, however, you may want to change it every two or three months.
Households with pets
If you have pets, changing your air filters regularly is especially important. These air filters capture many tiny pollutants, such as pet dander and bacteria. They are also usually washable and reusable. Choosing a quality air filter is essential for the health of everyone in the household, including the pets.
The average household needs to change its air filters about twice a year, depending on the size of the home and the number of occupants. However, if you have several pets or suffer from allergies, you may need to change them as often as every three to six months. You should check the filters monthly to see if they are full or restricting air flow. Changing the filter regularly will help you avoid forgetting to do so.
Smaller homes
The size of your home is one of the biggest factors that determines when to change your air filters. Larger homes need to change filters more frequently because they have larger HVAC systems and move more air through them. Smaller homes often have smaller HVAC systems and filters and may require fewer changes. Other factors that determine how often to change filters include the number of people and pets living in your home.
For larger homes, it may be more frequent to change the air filter, while smaller homes may only need to change the filter every six months. If you live in a high-dust region, you will want to change your air filters more often.
If you need help changing your air filters in your home or business in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale or the surrounding area contact us.
