How Long Does a Furnace Filter Last?
How Long Does a Furnace Filter Last?
01/23/2020
A furnace has never been more important as the world continues to see harsher temperatures, like colder winters. One thing that makes your furnace work properly is your filter, but these things don't last forever. Depending on the condition of your home, your furnace filter can last for up to one to three months. Filters are there to help remove dust mites, debris, spores, pollen, smoke, danger, and smog, just to name a few things, so you can see its importance.
We like to talk to our customers about what the filter does to maintain air quality because it helps ensure that you replace them when needed. Most of them have to be replaced every three months, but there is a little more to learn regarding that. The amount of time they last depends on the type of filter you have, and there are a few, such as HEPA filters. It also depends on the level of pollutants in your air ducts.
When to Replace Your Furnace Filter
The reality is replacing your filters every three months as a general rule, but your HVAC specialist will tell you it's a little more complex than that. One thing that makes a difference is the size of the filter itself. Filters that are only about one inch to two inches thick are going to have to be replaced every one to three months.
Filters that are three inches and four inches can last between six to nine months. A filter that is five to six inches can give you up anywhere between nine to 12 months of filter action. Now, these months could be shortened, especially during spring when pollen and other air pollutants are more invasive. You can have one of our HVAC professionals come and inspect your filters, just to be sure.
Types of Filters
The type of filter for your HVAC system could also make a difference regarding how often you are going to change it. HEPA filters remove up to 99 percent of the particles in the air that are .3 microns or larger. That is pretty good, but this level of efficiency also forces you to change these filters more often, but you can check the label with your HVAC professional to be sure.
There are other types of filters, like pleated filters, which have more surface area and could definitely help capture particles to keep your home safer. Electrostatic filters are washable filters that can help attract dust, so if your home is prone to dust and you don't want to replace filters often, this might be a good choice. Fiberglass is another good option that many people use if they have a lot of dust within their duct systems.
Contact Command Service Center for more information regarding filters and having them inspected or replaced as needed. We are more than happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have.