A pleated air filter should be replaced every 30-60 days, while a 2-fold air filter should be changed every 3 months. A 3-fold air filter should be changed every 120 days, and a 4-fold air filter should be changed every 6 months. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months. This may vary depending on the location of your home, if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
If you have pets in the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months. For households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20 to 45 days. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can usually wait to change filters every 9-12 months. The more you use your home, the more often you need to change the air filter.
As the filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. If you can't tell by looking, but it's been more than three years or 30,000 miles, you should probably buy a new one (especially if you can save money doing it yourself). However, you should be careful if every time you change the oil, the repair shop says you also need a new air filter. We expect drivers in most cases to spend more than a year, at least, and probably more than two years between air filter changes, depending on conditions and mileage.
The ideal is to change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter. A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to replace the filter every 90 days. If you have an asthmatic or allergic person at home, change the filter every 6 weeks to ensure the best indoor air quality. To locate the engine air cleaner housing, look for a large plastic housing usually black that sits above or to one side of the engine.
Not replacing the air filter accordingly can cause the homeowner's energy bill to rise as clogged filters cause the system to work harder when air circulates. Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will act. Replacing your engine air filter is an often overlooked maintenance item but a dirty air filter can have a negative effect on your car's performance. The fewer occupants there are in a house, the less pollutants and debris will accumulate in its air filters.
Compared to other DIY home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour. A professional will be able to help you if there is a particular protocol for changing the air filter of a specific brand or how often an air filter needs to be changed. If you've recently noticed that you have to refill your gas tank more often than usual, it's probably time to check your air filter.