Written by Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning
Part of being a good homeowner is knowing how often to replace your AC filter. But how often is often enough, and when do you need to clean a filter versus replace it?
In general, you want to change or clean an AC filter every one to three months, with a number of factors determining exact timing. We’re covering what those factors are below, with a quick guide to when (and how) to change or clean an AC air filter in your home.
Key Highlights:
- Standard filters should be changed or cleaned every 1-3 months.
- Disposable filters must be replaced with new ones, while reusable filters can be cleaned and reinstalled.
- Hot, dusty climates and high-allergen environments require monthly filter changes instead of quarterly.
- Homes with pets need more frequent replacements, especially with heavy shedders or multiple animals.
- Households with respiratory conditions or allergies should change filters every 1-2 months.
- Always replace a filter immediately if it looks dirty or clogged, regardless of the schedule.
- Regular filter maintenance improves indoor air quality, increases HVAC efficiency, and prevents system damage.
Why AC Filters Need to Be Replaced
Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home and family comfortable, and requires routine maintenance to stay efficient and functional.
Staying on top of replacements means:
- Better indoor air quality
- Increased efficiency
- Decreased risk of system damage
Regular replacements or cleanings ensure your AC filter is able to do its job. And that’s a must considering just how many types of airborne particles your filter is responsible for keeping out of the HVAC system—a list that includes dust, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and smoke.
Should I Change or Clean my AC Air Filter?
Replacing an air conditioner filter can mean cleaning it or swapping it out for a new one. It all depends on what type of filter you have: a disposable filter needs to be changed; a reusable filter needs to be cleaned.
How to Change a Disposable AC Filter
- Turn off your HVAC system
- Remove the dirty filter
- Place a new, clean filter into the air filter cabinet
- Turn the HVAC system back on
How to Clean a Reusable AC Filter
- Turn off your HVAC system
- Remove the dirty filter
- Rinse the filter thoroughly in warm water, gently scrubbing with a soft brush and mild soap if necessary to clean off grime
- Shake out excess water and allow to air dry completely (you can use a fan to speed things up, but no heated tools like blow dryers)
- Place the filter back in the air filter cabinet
- Turn the HVAC system back on
How Often Should I Clean My AC Filters? 6 Factors That Matter
In terms of when to change an AC air filter (or clean it, if it’s reusable), the rule is once every 30 to 90 days. Learn about the factors that impact how often you do it below, and get in touch if you have a question about your specific unit.
#1: What Type of Filter Do You Have?
Different filters have different lifespans. Most disposable and reusable filters (your standard 1-3 inch filters) will last 1-3 months, with direct recommendations provided by the manufacturer. High-efficiency filters, also known as HEPA- or HERV-rated filters, are effective at trapping small particles and allergens, and often don’t need to be replaced for six months to a year.
#2: Where Do You Live?
Dusty, hot, and dry climates tend to necessitate more frequent replacements of your AC air filter. The same thing goes for homes located on or near sand, or those in areas that get hit hard with allergens. So if you’re located somewhere with extreme heat or lots of airborne dust and other particles, you’ll probably want to change out your filter every 1-2 months, instead of every three.
#3: How Much Are You Running the AC?
How much of a workout your AC unit is getting every day can depend on things like the size of your home, the number of occupants in your home, if there’s smoking in the home, or other environmental factors like pollen or dust. The more you run it, the more often you’ll need to change or clean it.
#4: Do You Have Pets?
We put up with a lot for our pets, including a huge amount of fur and dander in the air. Your AC filter keeps that away from your HVAC system, and may need more frequent replacements if it’s working extra hard to do so, such as if you have heavy shedders or multiple furry friends running around.
#5: Any Respiratory Conditions or Allergies?
Indoor air quality can have a massive impact on health conditions like respiratory illness or allergies. Changing or cleaning your AC filter reduces this impact and helps keep everyone in your home healthy, so do it every 1-2 months if you have one or more household members with certain breathing-related conditions.
#6: What Does It Look Like?
Check your filter regularly. If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace it or clean it, even if it’s not technically ahead of schedule.
Expert Help for a Comfortable Home
Regular maintenance, including AC filter replacements, is crucial for keeping comfortable and saving money. For more information on caring for your Arvada, Colorado HVAC system, reach out to the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today!
