How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filter

Once a Month

Changing filters in heating and cooling equipment at least once a month is the industry standard for our customer’s residential and commercial properties.

By changing the filters each month, furnaces and air conditioners have a longer life span in addition to operating more efficiently to keep utility bills reasonable.

In many cases, it is a good idea for someone to change HVAC filters more often than once a month to avoid allergic reactions from pollen, household dust or pet dander. The best way to know if filters require changing more often is by inspecting the devices on both sides to see if there is visible debris.

High Efficiency Filters

In homes with numerous animals, fur and hair becomes a serious issue, especially if the animals are not groomed on a weekly basis. A building with a large number of people with long hair may also have a problem with debris buildup on HVAC filters. Medical facilities need to make sure HVAC filters are free of debris to help prevent transmission of pathogens.

In addition, medical facilities should use a high efficiency particulate air filter instead of a standard variety of filter. A HEPA filter is made with finer mesh that is designed to trap tiny particles of contamination, including tobacco smoke and dust mites that cause respiratory distress for many individuals.

Remove Dangerous Contamination

There are other great reasons to change a building’s HVAC filters more than once a month such as living in an area with high levels of air pollution. For buildings with dusty environments such as manufacturing plants, changing filters more often is required to meet health code regulations.

Homes with many residents or numerous guests may have more contamination in the air caused by cooking food or smoking cigarettes.

A buildup of dust and fibers on air filters in an air conditioner or furnace is also a fire hazard as the debris blocks adequate airflow and causes mechanisms to overheat.

The changing of air filters in HVAC equipment should occur at least once a month but is also a matter of personal preference.

Replacing your Boston home air filter every month is vital. Call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning at (617) 566-6990 if you need assistance, or have any concerns.