How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

Most people forget about the air filter until something goes wrong. Then the house is hot, the bills are high, and the AC sounds tired.

The good news is that this is one of the easiest jobs in your home. You do not need tools. It takes about two minutes.

The short answer

A basic 1 inch filter should be changed every 1 to 3 months. Thicker pleated filters can last closer to 3 months. Some thick media filters last longer. Check the label on yours.

When to change it sooner

In Birmingham, your AC runs a lot in summer. Pollen is heavy in spring. Both wear a filter out faster. Change it every month or two if any of these fit your home:

You have pets

Pet hair and dander fill a filter fast. Check it every month.

Someone has allergies

A clean filter catches more dust and pollen. A full one stops catching anything.

You run the system all day

The more your system runs, the more air moves through the filter. More air means more dirt.

There is a lot of dust in the house

New building work, a dusty street, or a smoker in the home will all fill the filter faster.

A simple way to check

Pull the filter out and hold it up to a light. If you can barely see light through it, it is time for a new one. If it looks gray and fuzzy, do not wait.

Write the date on the edge of the new filter with a marker. Then you will know when you changed it.

What a dirty filter costs you

A clogged filter blocks air. Your system has to work harder to push air through. That can mean higher power bills, weak cooling, and more wear on the parts. In bad cases the coil can freeze up.

Do not forget the tune up

A clean filter helps a lot. But it does not replace a check by a pro. Twice a year, once before summer and once before winter, someone should look at the whole system.

That is why we offer a maintenance plan. It is $200 a year and includes two visits. We check the system for problems, clean the indoor and outdoor coils, and replace the filter. Members also go to the front of the line when we are booked out.

Anything we find outside of that list costs extra. You get the price before we start any work.

Need help?

Not sure what size filter you need? Not sure if your system is running right? Call En Route Heating and Air at 205-922-7170. We serve Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Trussville, Bessemer, Chelsea, Pelham, and Alabaster.

On the way. On time. Or we take $50 off.