To improve your home’s indoor air quality and prolong the life span of your HVAC equipment, you should replace your furnace filter regularly. While it’s recommended you do so every three months, Cornelia-based Economy Heating & Air, the leading HVAC service provider in northeast Georgia, says there’s no absolute rule. They explain a few aspects that require more frequent filter replacement.

3 Factors That Affect Furnace Filter Changes

Filter Size

The larger the filter, the less often you must change it. In a clean house with excellent air quality, you should replace a filter that’s 1–2 inches thick every three months, a 4-inch filter every six months, and a 5-inch filter as little as once a year.

Presence of Air Contaminants

If occupants of your house smoke, you have pets that shed, or your rooms are particularly dusty, you should change your furnace filter more frequently. Houses with one pet or one smoker should change a 1- or 2-inch filter every two months, a 4-inch filter every three months, and a 5-inch filter every six months. If multiple pets or smokers occupy your house, change a 1- or 2-inch filter monthly, a 4-inch filter every two months, and a 5-inch filter every three months.

HVAC Fan Operation

If you run your HVAC system’s fan frequently, your filter will fill with dust and other air contaminants faster. If you rarely use your fan, use the three-, six-, and 12-month standard for filter replacement from the first section. If you turn it on occasionally, change the filter more frequently. If your fan runs continuously, change a 1- or 2-inch filter monthly, a 4-inch filter every two months, and a 5-inch filter every three months.

If you're dealing with several contaminant sources and constant HVAC use, change your furnace and air conditioner filter every month, regardless of its size. This will ensure you get the best indoor air quality.

If you need filter replacement or other furnace maintenance services, contact Economy Heating & Air in Cornelia, GA. They have been serving the area since 1987, earning a reputation for efficient and reliable work. Visit their website for information about their HVAC services and call (706) 778-­2861 to schedule a visit from a technician. Like them on Facebook for more tips and news from their team.