How Often Should I Change My AC Filter?

The air conditioning filter is essential for controlling indoor air quality and efficiency. It helps trap the allergens and particles that float through the air in your home. Over time, those particles build up on the filter.

Your air conditioning system needs to work harder to push through the buildup, causing your AC’s efficiency and air quality to drop. You can quickly fix the problem by changing your AC filters regularly; in most cases, you should change your AC filter every 90 days.

Improve your HVAC efficiency with regular AC maintenance in West Volusia County, FL. Call Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning at (386) 337-3502 or contact us online today!

Filter Type

The filter you have affects how often you should change it for efficiency and indoor air quality.

Here are the different types of air filters and how they perform:

Fiberglass Air Filters: This type is common in homes because they are affordable and easily disposable. Unfortunately, they do not catch small particles and irritants because of their easy and inexpensive construction. If someone in your household has allergies or breathing difficulties, you’ll want to change these more frequently.

Pleated Air Filters: These are made from polyester or cotton. The pleats add to their ability to catch airborne irritants, including mold, pollen, and pet dander. The higher the pleat count, the better the filter is for blocking irritants.

HEPA Filters: This kind of filter is best for households with people who have allergies or breathing issues. They do a great job catching mold, pollen, dust, pet dander, and bacteria, catching up to 99% of the irritants in your home.

Unfortunately, the better the filter catches particles, the more difficult it is for air to travel through, which decreases your air conditioning system’s efficiency.

UV Filters: These filters work with a UV cleaner attached to your HVAC system and kill bacteria and viruses floating in the air. While this kind of filter keeps the germs in your home at bay, they do not capture much dust and other particles.

The Number of People & Pets in Your Home

The number of people and pets living in the home will determine how often you should change your AC filter.

For AC filters, the “standard family size” is three people. So, a household of three people without pets should change the AC filter every 90 days.

If more people live in your home, consider changing your filter every 45 to 60 days. If you have pets, the general guideline is to change the air filter every 60 days for one pet and a month earlier for every additional pet.

Single-person households, especially those without pets, and pet-free vacation homes can go longer than 90 days before you need to change the filter.

Allergies

If you or someone in your house has allergies, you must change your AC filter more often. Changing the filter more frequently improves the air quality in your home.

Those with allergies should change their AC filter every 30 days. Even if you don’t have allergies, changing the filter more frequently is the best practice; it will help everyone in the house breathe easier.

Consider air cleaners and air purifiers to help improve air quality and lower the airborne irritants in your household.

Choose Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning for Your AC Maintenance

Changing your AC filter is one way to keep the air inside your home clean and pure. For a comprehensive indoor air quality evaluation and a thorough AC system maintenance check, count on the professionals at Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning.

We’re committed to exceptional customer service and offer upfront pricing so you understand the project’s scope before we begin.

Join our maintenance program to improve your home’s air quality in West Volusia County, FL, with Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning. Call (386) 337-3502 or contact us online to schedule today!