According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend about 90 percent of their days inside. While you might feel more comfortable at home, the concentration of pollutants can be two to five times higher here. 

You can reduce the number of pollutants in your home by replacing your HVAC air filter regularly. This guide will discuss exactly how often you should change your AC filter and what factors might affect indoor air quality in your home. Keep reading to learn more. 

The Lifespan of an Air Filter Varies 

An air filter works to clean the air flowing through your HVAC system. The 14 x 14 x 1 air filter will collect allergens and prevent them from flowing through your home. These filters are specifically designed to clean the air flowing through your system, and they can collect all sorts of allergens and prevent them from entering your home.

Most air filter manufacturers suggest changing your filter once every month to three months. The best time to change your filter will depend on the quality of the filter you choose and other environmental factors. The highest quality filters will keep the largest amount of allergens from flowing through your air vents for the longest.

You’ll also have to choose from different HVAC air filter sizes. If you don’t already know the right size filter, you can contact your HVAC system manufacturer to find out. The 16x25x1 filters are some of the most common and can be purchased online. 

Health Issues Might Require You to Change It Sooner 

If you or a member of your household suffers from any respiratory conditions, you should change your air filter every month. An excess amount of dust and debris will be released into your home if you don’t.

This can increase the risk of suffering asthma attacks. In these cases purchasing a HEPA air filter for HVAC systems throughout your home is the best decision for your family’s health. 

If you live with pets, you understand how much hair they shed and the dirt they bring into your home. All of this debris will clog your AC filter, so changing it every month is important. 

You Should Change Your AC Filter During Allergy Season 

The allergy season keeps your air filter working overtime. Your air filter traps the excess allergens in the spring and keeps the air flowing through your home clean. 

This is why it’s important to purchase the best air filter for home HVAC systems during this season and change it every few weeks if necessary. You’ll need a high-quality air filter that can keep pollen from circulating through your home and causing uncomfortable allergic reactions. 

Change Your Air Filter After Construction Work

You should also change the air filter for HVAC systems in your home immediately following any construction. Any home renovation project brings excess dust and dirt into your home and can clog your air filter.

A clogged air filter can damage your HVAC system if it isn’t changed. 

Learn How to Care For Your HVAC Air Filter

It’s important to change your HVAC air filter regularly. This will keep the air in your home clean and your HVAC system running smoothly.

Depending on some of the factors listed in this guide, your air filter should be changed every 30 to 90 days. Check out some of our other home-related blogs for more tips.