How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filters?
Think of filters like your system’s lungs—when they’re clogged with dust and debris, your HVAC struggles to “breathe,” driving up energy bills and circulating allergens through your ducts.
So, how often should you swap them out? The short answer is annually. But the exact timing depends on your home’s unique needs. Let’s break it down so you can protect your system, air quality, and wallet.
Why Air Filter Replacement Matters
Dirty filters strain your HVAC system and impact everything from your health to your energy bills. When filters are overdue for a change, your system works harder to push air through the buildup, like trying to sip a milkshake through a tiny straw. This extra strain can lead to higher utility costs, uneven heating or cooling, and even premature system failure. Clogged filters are one of the leading reasons our customers call us for HVAC appliance failures.
More importantly, clogged filters let dust, pollen, and pet dander recirculate through your home. If your family deals with allergies or asthma, selecting the right filter and replacing it regularly are among the easiest ways to reduce irritants.
Your Filter Replacement Schedule
While the standard recommendation is annually, your ideal schedule depends on three key factors:
Filter Type: Basic fibreglass filters (the thin, disposable ones) need replacing every 30 days because they only catch large particles. Pleated filters, with their denser material, can last up to 90 days. High-efficiency filters like HEPA may last 6–12 months, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Household Habits: Homes with pets, and people who have wood burning fireplaces or regularly burn candles in their home should change filters every two months—pet hair, soot and dander clog filters faster. Families with allergies or respiratory issues might benefit from monthly changes, especially during peak pollen seasons. And if you have young kids or smokers indoors, more frequent replacements help keep the air cleaner.
Seasonal Demand: During heavy-use seasons (summer and winter), check filters monthly. When your system runs less in spring and fall, you can check every 3 months.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
What begins as a simple maintenance oversight can snowball into serious consequences. First, indoor air quality deteriorates, with recirculated allergens triggering more frequent sneezing, congestion, and respiratory irritation. Left unchecked, your system components begin to suffer—air conditioners may develop frozen coils, while furnaces risk overheating, both scenarios requiring emergency repairs.
Air Filter Maintenance Solutions
While filter changes are straightforward enough for most homeowners to handle, truly optimizing your HVAC system requires professional expertise. Our Magic Maintenance program offers a comprehensive 20+ point inspection and cleaning by trained technicians to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency and to keep your warranty intact. For comprehensive air quality improvement, consider our duct cleaning service every 3-6 years to remove years of accumulated dust and debris.
Whether you need help selecting the right filter, scheduling routine maintenance, or addressing more complex airflow issues, our team is ready to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. Contact Ashton Heating & Cooling today—clean air starts with proper care, and your family deserves nothing less.
