It’s recommended that the average household should change the furnace filter in their HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning System) once every 1–3 months. Changing your furnace filter on a regular basis has many benefits, including the reasons listed below.
Reasons to Change Your Furnace Filter
To improve the air quality in your home. People with allergies to dust, cleaning products, and pets will find that keeping your furnace filter clean will ultimately make it easier to breathe and you will have fewer allergy issues in general.
To keep your HVAC system working properly. While many residents rent their homes and may not feel responsible for maintaining a furnace they don’t own, this is actually incorrect. Not maintaining the HVAC system will make your home more expensive to heat and may result in breakdowns during colder seasons. When an area gets hit with a cold weather streak, it isn’t just one furnace that breaks down—many fail at the same time, causing delays in parts and repairs. Keeping your HVAC well-maintained can prevent a winter breakdown.
To decrease your energy bill costs. When your filter is dirty, your HVAC has to work extra hard to maintain the temperature in your home. Replacing your furnace filter regularly will ensure that your HVAC can operate as efficiently as possible, saving you money on energy bills.
To extend the life of your furnace. Replacing an HVAC system is one of the most expensive items in a home. Costly repairs bring operating increases, which ultimately result in rent increases. Maintaining your furnace filter may reduce the cost of maintaining your residence and potentially help keep rent prices lower.
How to Find the Filter Size You Need
Most furnace filter sizes can be found on the side of the filter itself—see the image above. Look for the nominal size (for example, 20×20×1) used when shopping, and note the actual measured size when it is listed.
