If you drive on dusty terrain or unpaved roads, you may need to replace your air filter more often than the average driver. It's important to understand why air filters need to be changed regularly and how often they should be replaced. Vehicle manufacturers vary in their recommendations for how often air filters should be replaced. Many suggest changing it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Consult the owner's manual for your vehicle's specifications to determine the exact mileage for your car. You can also ask your local mechanic for a recommendation based on your driving habits. When it comes to home air filters, the general consensus is that they should be changed every 3 months or 90 days. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper framed with cardboard for greater stability and stiffness.
The MERV rating is a scale from 1 to 20 and evaluates how well an air filter can remove particles from the air. The toughest filters are reusable, usually with metal frames, and can be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the engine does not receive the necessary amount of clean air, it will not operate properly. A clean engine works more efficiently than a dirty engine, and your car's air filter is the engine's first line of defense.
You can examine the thickness of the filter rather than the brand to determine how long it will last. Some air filters are designed to last up to six months, while others must be changed monthly. The denser the filter, the longer it will last. When you start to notice signs that it's clogged, it's time to replace it.
It's important to note that there are high-efficiency filters that are designed to filter out small particles of bacteria, mold and mildew, but standard MERV 8-11 filters only block larger particles of dust, dirt and hair. If the user manual says it's time to replace the filter, it's best to take care of replacing it instead of waiting for other problems to start to appear. The air filter prevents contaminants in the air such as dirt, dust and leaves from entering the vehicle's engine and damaging it. To ensure optimal performance of your car or home HVAC system, make sure you change your air filter regularly according to manufacturer specifications.
