How to Choose and Replace Home Air Filters for Your HVAC System

Minimize the housework and microscopic particles that enter your home by replacing the air filters. Routinely replacing air filters will ensure your central heating and cooling (HVAC) system is doing its job to provide your family with fresh, clean indoor air.

Here we’ll cover the how-tos of replacing your home air filters.

How often should I replace the air filter?

There are several things to consider when it comes to how often you should replace the air filters.

Air filter type

Filters made of fiberglass are cheap, but they often need monthly replacement. With this in mind, higher-quality pleated filters can last from three to six months. Although, this will vary depending on the manufacturer, quality of materials, and frequency of use.

Home square footage

Larger homes mean more air circulation. So air filters in larger homes will need to be replaced more frequently.

Where you live

Do you live in a large city or the suburbs? If you reside in a large city, smog and air pollution can cause your HVAC air filter to work overtime. For city dwellers, filters will need to be switched out more often.

Household needs

If you have a family member with severe allergies, asthma, or a medical condition, the filter may need to be replaced more often. If you have a pet, pet hair and dander may also require more frequent filter changes.

Maintaining a schedule

Follow the directions that come with your new air filter and follow the recommended change schedule.

Some programmable thermostats come with automatic reminders and alerts. The ‘filter change reminder’ setting will detect when the air filter is dirty and beginning to block airflow.

A ‘change filter’ light will come on to alert you that it’s time for a filter change – eliminating any guesswork. However, you can visually check the filter’s condition monthly and change it every three months.

Can home air filters be expensive?

According to Consumer Reports, air filters for home central heating and cooling (HVAC) systems range from $20 to $80 per filter. However, your yearly replacement cost may range from $20 to $200, depending on the type of filter that you pick.

What type of air filter is best?

The quality of the air filter can significantly affect how well your heating and cooling system performs. Moreover, they help to trap microscopic particles. For example, mold spores, dust mite debris, dust, pollen, bacteria, pet dander, and more!

• Fiberglass filters are inexpensive but usually inefficient at thoroughly trapping and containing the particles.
• Pleated filters work well because the pleats trap more air particles. Check out the electrostatically charged pleated filters; these will really attract and trap the airborne particles! However, it is the more expensive route.
• Reusable filters are an excellent option for those who don’t mind rinsing out the filter every couple of months. Although it requires more attention, it can be a cost-effective option in the long run.

MERV ratings

Most home air filters are labeled with a MERV rating from 1 to 16. This industry-standard rating indicates the filter’s ability to trap air particles. The air particles range in size from 3.0 microns to 10.0 microns.

The higher the rating, the better it filters the air, which will be reflected in the price. MERV ratings for beginners:

• MERV 1-4 Air Filters- Inexpensive fiberglass mesh filters remove particles over 10 microns in size. They are usually the cheapest option and do little to improve indoor air quality.
• MERV 5-8 Air Filters- Budget pleated air filters that remove particles down to 3.0 microns in size. Can remove pollen and mold spores.
• MERV 9-12 Air Filters- High-quality filters that remove particles to 1.0 microns in size.
• MERV 13-16 Air Filters- Highest quality filters that will remove particles down to 0.3 microns. Can remove tobacco smoke.

Where is the air filter located?

The return air duct or blower compartment of your HVAC system lies in your air filter. The air filter will clean the incoming air to improve the air quality before it enters your home.

You’ll usually find the air filter in one of these locations:

• On horizontal HVAC units that have the return duct attached to the side of the air handler, the filter is usually found in a slot located on the return air (intake) side of the unit.
• For vertical air handlers with a return air duct that enters at the top of the air handler, the filter often fits into a slot above the HVAC unit.
• If your vertical air handlers return air duct is below the air handler, the filter is frequently found in a slot below the HVAC unit.
• In other HVAC systems, the air filter may be located behind the return air grille on a wall. If you have a return in each room, air filters may be behind the return grilles.

How do I find the correct size air filter for my home?

Remove and check the installed filter to find its dimensions along the edge.

Most home systems require a filter that is one inch thick. However, large homes may require a thicker filter (2 to 5 inches), due to the amount of circulating air.

Usually, the thicker the filter, the better the cleaning ability. Which also leads to a longer period of time between filter changes. Correspondingly, it’s better for your home heating and cooling system.

Why should I replace my air filters?

It’s important to change your air filter regularly to keep your indoor air clean. Furthermore, a dirty filter is a constant drain on your system’s efficiency and an ongoing source of air pollutants.

Dust and particles that sit on a dirty air filter can take on moisture, mold, and bacteria growth. Mold or pollutants that find their way inside your HVAC system can spell trouble.

Furthermore, clogged air filters will slow down the air circulation in your home. It’s cheaper and easier to switch out air filters than to pay for a professional duct cleaning service.

Dirty coils and heat exchanges can shorten your system’s life because it will make your work harder. Regularly replacing the air filter will help lengthen the life of your heating and air conditioning system.

Handy Tip: Set a reminder or a recurrent event on your phone to check your air filters. You’ll receive a message when it’s time to check or replace the filter.

With this newfound knowledge on how the type of filters and how to replace them, you can now improve the air quality inside your home! Let us know in the comments below what your tips and tricks are for replacing an air filter!