How Often Should I Replace my AC Filters?

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How Often Should I Replace my AC Filters?

If you own an AC unit, a common question you may as is, “how often should I replace my air conditioner filters?” That’s an important question to keep in mind for all home or property owners. Generally, it depends on a variety of factors, but, it’s definitely more often then you might think. A few of the biggest factors are how many pets (if any) live in the home, the level of construction and air pollution in the area, the average indoor air quality and what type of filter is being used.

It’s broadly recommended that you change your AC filters every 30-60 days, but sometimes, an annual air filter change can suffice. It really depends on the factors mentioned above. In a single occupant’s home with no pets, a good average for changing your filters is 6-12 months on average. An average suburban home may need a filter change every 90 days, and if there’s a pet in the home, every 60 days. A good way to know what’s right for your home is to check your filter weekly. If it gets to the point where you are unable to see light dispersing through it, it’s time for a new filter.

But, let’s take a look at the factor you may have the most questions about – the type of filters. On the packaging, all filters have a MERV rating [Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value]. The system is simple – the higher the number, the higher the filter quality is. However, the highest number does not always work best for your home. A filter with a high MERV rating can actually slow down your air conditioning system unless it is working in a system with high-efficiency. When you buy a filter, make sure it has a balanced MERV rating, ideally in the 6-8 range.

At Twin Tech, we often include a MERV 11 air filter with our installations. If there is no construction or pets, these air filters can last up to 1 year. This filter is 5 inches thick and can allow substantially more airflow than the typical 1 inch thick 3M. If your home air conditioner can carry up to 2.5 tons or more, you should definitely consider having a MERV 11 air filter, in order to increase air flow and remove heat efficiently.

Changing your AC filter is important for maintaining the air quality in your home. It helps your system run at the top of its performance range, which can even mean lower energy bills! If you have any further questions or concerns, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a Twin Tech Heating and Cooling expert, or you can give us a call at 1.844.894.6832.