Why Your HVAC Filter Does Not Need Monthly Replacement
Common HVAC Myths: Filter Replacement Frequency
One of the most persistent myths in home comfort maintenance is that every HVAC system requires monthly air filter changes. At Oakmont Mechanical, we regularly encounter homeowners who have been needlessly spending extra money on filters due to this misconception.
The truth about filter replacement frequency depends on several factors:
- Household size
- Number of pets
- Local air quality
- Filter type and quality
For example, a single person living in a clean suburban area with no pets might only need to change their high-quality pleated filter every 6 months. However, a family of five with three dogs in a dusty rural area might require changes every 2-3 months.
How to Know When It’s Time
Instead of following an arbitrary monthly schedule, we recommend visual inspection of your filter every 30 days. If you can still see light through the filter when holding it up to a bright source, it likely has more life left in it.
The Cost of Over-Replacing
Unnecessarily frequent filter changes not only waste money but can also create unnecessary environmental waste. Quality filters aren’t cheap, and disposing of them before they’ve reached their actual end-of-life doesn’t benefit your system’s performance.
Remember, while regular maintenance is crucial for your HVAC system’s longevity, blindly following a one-size-fits-all replacement schedule isn’t the answer. Trust your eyes and your system’s performance as indicators for when it’s truly time for a new filter.