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A good rule of thumb is to change 1-2 inch filters every three months, 4 inch filters every six months and 5 inch filters every 12 months. Signs your air filter needs changed: The filter is visibly dirty.
How long does a 5 inch filter last?
In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
How often should I change a 5 inch furnace filter?
How Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter? 1-inch and 2-inch air filters should be replaced about every one to three months. 3-inch and 4-inch filters require replacement after six to nine months. 5-inch and 6-inch air filters need a change after nine months to one year.
Are 5 inch furnace filters better?
Enhance Indoor Air Quality Replacing your standard one-inch air filter with a pleated 5-inch filter can result in better air quality inside your home. That’s because bigger air filters feature higher MERV ratings, leading to better filtration of pollutants and allergens.
How often should I change my 4 inch air filter?
When to Change an Air Filter Every three months for 1-inch to 2-inch filters. Every three months for pleated media filters. Every six months for 4-inch filters. Every 12 months for 5-inch filters.
Do bigger furnace filters last longer?
Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square footage to capture and hold air particles. To put it in perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month whereas a 4-inch air filter could last up to six months.
How long do big furnace filters last?
A three to four-inch filter can last for six to nine months. If you have a thick five to six-inch filter, it can last from nine to twelve months. By making sure that your filters are changed when they need to be, you can enjoy having a heating and cooling system that will work its best.
How long do Filtrete filters last?
Filtrete Filters are engineered and tested to last three months under a wide range of typical operating conditions.
What happens if you don’t change your furnace filter?
Short Cycling. If the air filter is not serviced often enough, it will eventually become clogged to the point that air cannot pass through it. When the furnace is operating, the lack of air flow will trap the heat in the system. Without a new air filter, the furnace will overheat every time it starts up again.
How often should you change air filter house?
Here are averages that may help you know how regularly you should get a new air filter at your residence: Vacation house or one occupant and no pets or allergies: every 6–12 months. Ordinary suburban home without pets: every 90 days. One dog or cat: every 60 days.
Can I use a different size furnace filter?
If your current furnace only allows for furnace filter sizes with a depth of one inch, HVAC contractors can modify the furnace to accommodate larger sizes. This does take work and time. However, homeowners get to use better furnace filter sizes that do more for home comfort. They also worry less about their furnaces.
Can you use a 1 inch filter instead of 5?
If you try the 1 inch filters for a month and don’t see a difference, then feel free to keep using them. They will be cheaper than the 5 inch as well. If you look at the filter media itself it’s the same thickness whether the filter is 1″ thick or 5″ thick, only the cardboard frame is thicker.
Does thickness of furnace filter matter?
The Thicker, the Better Furnace filters can range anywhere from 1″to 5″ in thickness. In general, the thicker the furnace filter is the more efficiently your unit work and the longer it will last.
How do I know when to replace my furnace filter?
The best test to know if a furnace filter is ready to be changed is to hold it up to a bright light . If you can still see light through the filter then air is still getting through the filter. If you suspect the filter is dirty enough to restrict the air flow, then change it out to a new filter.
How do I know what furnace filter to buy?
First, locate the filter slot in your furnace/air handler. Some homes have filters behind their return vents as well. Furnace filter size is measured using length, width, and depth. For example, a furnace filter that measures 18”x16”x1” is 18 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 1-inch deep.
Why does my furnace filter get dirty so quickly?
When the thermostat’s fan setting is set to “ON” the indoor blower will run 24/7, constantly circulating air over the air filter. So now the filter is constantly catching airborne contaminants, causing it to quickly get dirty. Furthermore, your energy bills are higher because running a blower nonstop ain’t cheap.
Can I use a 2 inch filter instead of 1 inch?
As you can see the 2 inch filter will serve our needs MUCH better than the 1 inch filter. Even if the duct system is in good shape, using this filter will keep the system from struggling.
How long does a 4 filter last?
Rules of thumbs are 1 inch filters change at least every three months if not sooner, 2 inch filters 4 months, 4 inch filters can last 6 to 8 months and 5 inch filters can last as long as a year depending on the quality. 50% of your filter is plugged in if you can see dirt on it.
Can I use a 1 inch filter instead of 4 inch?
Question: Can i use a 1 inch filter instead of 4 inches? Answer: If you are okay with more frequent replacement and little stress on the system, 1” filter can be budget-friendly alternative of 4” filters.
How long do pleated filters last?
Pleated air filters are high-quality filters that are very effective in trapping particles and last up to 90 days. Pets—If you own pets, change your filters every two months to keep your air clean.
How often should you change furnace filter in summer?
During milder spring and fall weather, when you rarely use your system, you may only have to change the air filter once every six to eight weeks. In summer, when your air conditioner gets a daily workout, a monthly air filter replacement is often a must.
