If you’ve ever noticed your HVAC system struggling to keep your home comfortable, the culprit might be something as simple as a dirty air filter. While HVAC systems are designed to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, a clogged filter can drastically reduce efficiency, increase energy bills, and even affect indoor air quality.
At Carolina Comfort Specialists, our HVAC service technicians are often asked how often they should replace their HVAC filters.The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but understanding the factors involved can help you make the right call. Continue below to learn more.
1. Standard Recommendations
For most homeowners, replacing the HVAC filter every 90 days is a good rule of thumb. However, some factors may require more frequent changes:
- Pets: Homes with cats or dogs often accumulate pet hair and dander, which can clog filters faster.
- Allergies or Respiratory Conditions: If anyone in your home has allergies or asthma, changing your filter every 30–60 days can improve indoor air quality.
- High-Dust or Construction Areas: Homes in dusty neighborhoods or undergoing renovations may need filter changes more frequently.
2. Types of Filters Matter
Not all filters are created equal. Fiberglass filters are cheap but need to be changed more often, usually every 30 days. Pleated filters are more efficient and last longer—sometimes up to 90 days. High-efficiency filters (HEPA) may also last 60–90 days but require monitoring for clogging.
3. Signs Your Filter Needs Replacement
Even if it hasn’t been 90 days, look for these warning signs:
- Reduced airflow from vents
- Visible dust on vents or around the home
- HVAC system running longer than usual to reach the desired temperature
- Allergies or respiratory irritation worsening indoors
Replacing your filter promptly can prevent these issues and keep your system running efficiently.
4. Benefits of Regular Filter Replacement
Regularly changing your heating and air conditioning filter does the following:
- Improves air quality, reducing allergens and dust
- Boosts system efficiency, lowering energy costs
- Extends the lifespan of your HVAC system
- Helps maintain consistent indoor comfort
Trust Carolina Comfort Specialists for All Your Charleston HVAC Needs
Your HVAC filter might seem like a minor component, but it plays a significant role in home comfort, air quality, and system efficiency. For most households, checking and replacing filters every 30–90 days is ideal, with adjustments based on pets, allergies, and environmental factors.
At Carolina Comfort Specialists, we’re here to help you maintain your HVAC system so it performs at its best year-round. Need help choosing the right filter for your system, or want professional HVAC maintenance? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.