How often do you change your furnace filter?

Question

I always thought you change it every 3-6 months. My MIL said we should change it every month.

Answer 1

It depends on a few factors.
1. What type of filter are you using? Filters last anywhere from 1 month to 3 months.
2. How much dust do you notice in your house? If you need to dust everywhere more that once every week or so you may need to change it.
3. Do you have any pets? How many and what kind can increase or decrease the frequency that you change the filter.

Answer 2

Once per month is recommended in the wintertime and less frequently in the summertime. In colder temperatures, your furnace is in regular use and the filter should be kept clean for maximum efficiency.

What I like to do is purchase an extra filter to have on-hand ... this way, I'll have one immediately available when replacing is required and won't forget for days on end until I remember to pick one up.

Now that you've reminded me, I should go check my own furnace filter ... ;-)

Answer 3

I'm always told by heating and cooling companies to change it once a month. They also said to use the disposable ones. The permanent filters that you manually clean are not good enough. If you are on top of changing your filters, your system works more efficiently and it will last longer.

Answer 4

Mark the date on a new filter and install it in your system -- In 30 days check it --ok?-- check it again in another 30 days--ok?--and so on .Replace it when you think air can not pass freely through it. This might help in setting a standard" change filter time" for your particular inviroment and use. You have to personally inspect and determine this --- or paper filters are not expensive -- change it every 30 days if you like--probably the best for normal usage--make sure you install filter with the arrow(marked on ends)pointing in the direction the air flows. Happy New Year.

Answer 5

I have to change mine every month but I live in Fla, so my a/c runs most of the year, (just had it running Christmas day) but I also have dogs, so the hair doesn't help the filters....

Answer 6

it realy depends on your house keeping you see every time you use your broom or vacuum you sir up dust whitch will get picked up by your filter average 30 to 60 days new thermastats have a filter reminder .the cleaner the filter is the more efficiant your unit well run

Answer 7

I think that it would depend on how much you use your furnace filter. We try to change ours about once a month, and we also see that our electric bill is smaller.

Answer 8

In the winter especially, it is a good idea to change it once a month. It will pay for itself in more efficient heating as well as cutting down on the dust in the house

Answer 9

All depends on where you live, or if you have allergies. I wouldnt let it go past 3-4 months. Most filters have on it how often you should change it.

Answer 10

with snow on ground and cold out side change the furnace filter each month.