When it comes to furnace filters, a good rule of thumb is to replace 1- to 2-inch filters every three months, 4-inch filters every six months, and 5-inch filters every 12 months. If you can't see the filter material itself, it's time for a replacement. Generally, experts recommend changing furnace filters at least once every 90 days. However, if the filter is made of fiberglass, it should be changed every 30 days.
More expensive pleated filters can last up to three to six months. But their lifespan depends on the specific situation. The main purpose of a furnace filter is not to clean the air you breathe, but to clean the air that passes through the furnace and other air conditioning equipment. The heating component of the central air conditioning system is made up of several main parts that are responsible for heating the air inside the house. Indoor air quality equipment, such as air purifiers and air filters, reduces the volume of contaminants in the air.
This means there are fewer particles for the furnace filter to capture. In homes without this equipment, the furnace filter is the only line of defense against air contaminants, so it fills up faster. The furnace is part of the air filtration system for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and is responsible for absorbing cold air and heating it before it reaches the rest of the house through the air treatment system. After analyzing how often an air filter should be changed, it's important to know which type of filter is ideal for your needs. Changing furnace filters on a regular basis has a major impact on home comfort and indoor air quality, as well as on the performance, energy efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. If you have problems with indoor air quality, your furnace filter won't last as long as in a home with good indoor air quality.
Even if you live in a mild climate with good air quality, there's another important reason to change your furnace filter regularly: some HVAC systems are designed to have a single filtration system instead of separate systems for the air conditioner and furnace. If your HVAC has a single filtration system that uses an air filter for both components, replacements will be less frequent in winter than in summer. Be careful not to confuse Honeywell heating filters with their HEPA air filters for purifiers, which last much longer. How often you change the filter will largely depend on its expected life. We also offer 5 inch furnace filters (16x25x5 or 20x25x), whole house air filter brands, and rigid cell furnace filters.
You may not have realized that your furnace filter needs to be changed because not all HVAC systems require one. To ensure optimal performance from your HVAC system and maintain good indoor air quality, it's important to change your furnace filter regularly according to manufacturer's instructions. Depending on your specific situation and type of filter used, this could mean changing it every 30 days or every 12 months.
