What Affects the Lifespan of an HVAC Air Filter?

While it might seem unimportant, the air filter is one of the most critical working parts in an efficient HVAC system. The filter's main task is to catch any errant airborne particles and remove them from the house's circulating air.

There are two major filter types throughout the U.S. These filters are made from different materials but ultimately serve the same purpose and must be discarded when full. But how often should the HVAC filter be changed? Follow our short guide to find out what affects the filter's lifespan.

Different filter types

The two main filter types in use are cheaper fiberglass filters and more intricate pleated filters.

The fiberglass filters capture a smaller portion of unwanted air particles and might not be suitable for every situation. Furthermore, they get clogged faster than other filter types. Generally, check these filters once a month and replace them if needed. If a filter shows a modest amount of captured particles, leave it in place and check every few weeks afterward.

Pleated or washable filters have a longer lifespan than fiberglass. However, they are more expensive and require some maintenance beyond replacement. When a washable filter is filled, it's possible to reuse it by cleaning it. Depending on how much foot traffic there is in the house and how large it is, these filters usually require a monthly washing. Over time, even the best washable filters lose much of their absorptive properties and need replacement. The baseline for replacing these filters is once every three months.

What shortens the filter's lifespan

A few notable factors can increase the air filter's wear and cause it to require replacement sooner than the baseline period:

Pets

Having any pet usually means that filters are working overtime to remove smells and other air particles. With many furry companions, the shedding seasons can often mean pet owners have to change even the most sturdy filters every month regardless of their quality. The fur can lodge itself between the filter fabric, which regular washing might not always fix.

Home habits

Smoking or vaping also shortens the filter's lifespan by a significant amount. If the filter stops working correctly, the smoke gets circulated back into the air and can cause issues for other family members. In this case, the air filter would need to be checked twice as frequently for signs of clogging.

HVAC use

It may come as no surprise to learn that the filter lasts less time the more the occupants use the HVAC system. If the AC is permanently on during the summer months, the filter might require more frequent checking or replacements. The same principle applies to furnaces and their filters.

Size

The size of the house directly correlates to how much air needs to circulate through the HVAC system. An undersized system requires more frequent checkups. If you've recently added rooms to the house, consider upgrading the HVAC to match the more stringent demands.

If you're worried about the HVAC filter inside the house, contact a professional HVAC technician who can perform full diagnostics to determine the system's current condition. They can also set up a scheduled maintenance program to ensure the air quality remains perfect throughout the seasons.

Stud Air Conditioning is a full-service installation, maintenance, and repair HVAC company serving Broward, Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie counties. Call us when you need help with your heating or cooling needs at (954)324-2905. We can help!