How often should you change your furnace filter in the winter?

Professionals, like our team at Airco Service, Inc. say that you should change your air filter at least every three months. During the winter, when you rely on your heating system more, you want to increase that frequency. During the winter, when the system is in constant use, change it out every month.

How do you know when to replace your furnace filter?

If your furniture gets dusty soon after housecleaning, the furnace filter could be clogged and is no longer effectively removing dust from the air. You may also notice that your furnace runs more than usual. Take a peek at the filter: If it’s gray and covered in dust and lint, it’s time to replace it.

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.

Should I change my furnace filter every month?

The basic consensus among HVAC professionals is that you should replace your furnace filter every 90 days — or every three months. However, that depends on the filter’s thickness. Thicker filters have more room to collect dirt and dust, so they don’t have to be changed as often.

Do I need to change my furnace filter if it doesn’t look dirty?

If your filter isn’t dirty despite your air conditioning seeing regular use, then you should inspect the filter to make sure it is installed correctly. If it is, and you aren’t making any efforts to keep dust out of your house, call a professional to make sure nothing is wrong with your air conditioning.

What are the signs of a dirty air filter?

8 Dirty Air Filter Symptoms: How to Know When to Clean Your Air…
  • Air Filter Appears Dirty. …
  • Decreasing Gas Mileage. …
  • Your Engine Misses or Misfires. …
  • Strange Engine Noises. …
  • Check Engine Light Comes On. …
  • Reduction in Horsepower. …
  • Flames or Black Smoke from Exhaust Pipe. …
  • Strong Fuel Smell.

How often should MERV 8 filters be changed?

every 3-4 months
The basic recommendation for furnace filters replacement is every 3-4 months for MERV 8, every 6 months MERV 10 and 11 and every year for MERV 16. There are other several factors to consider when determining when to change your home air filter.

How long do furnace filters last?

Change Your Filters Regularly

For example, a one inch furnace filter should be changed out every one to three months. 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.

Can you vacuum a furnace filter?

Vacuuming your furnace filter will remove the build up of dirt and dust that impedes airflow through your system and increases your cooling systems run time. Vacuuming your furnace filter will not likely extend the life of your filter though.

What’s the difference between MERV 8 and MERV 11?

A MERV 8 filter should pick up most animal dander, but if you have 2 or more pets you may need a MERV 11 to completely eliminate those harmful particles from your home’s air. … A MERV 11 filter would make their lives a lot more comfortable because it can pick up even smaller particles than a MERV 8 filter.

Is FPR and MERV the same?

MERV ratings extend from 1 to 16. MPR measures ratings based on sizes 0.3 to 1 microns. FPR ratings are on a scale from 4 through 10. The MERV filter rating is the domestic and international industry standard rating system established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers.

Whats the difference between MERV 11 and 13?

A MERV 11 rated furnace filter can trap the majority of harmful contaminants that are present in the air. … A MERV 13 filter is capable of filtering out all particle impurities like dust, lint, pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, smog, and smoke. On top of this, it can also trap bacteria and viruses.

Is MERV 12 too restrictive?

While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.
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Learn how to maintain your. home and HVAC this fall.
MERV Minimum Particle Size
9–12 3.0–1.0 μm
13–16 1.0–0.3 μm
17–20 < 0.3 μm
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Sep 20, 2019

Is MERV 13 too restrictive?

MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.

Can my furnace handle MERV 11?

The short answer is that it can, but it’s not really an issue except under extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them.

What does MERV stand for?

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). … The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles.

Are MERV 13 filters worth it?

A MERV 13 filter is a step in the right direction and captures more particles than a typical MERV 8 filter. However, it is not as good at capturing small virus sized particles like a HEPA can. A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size (the coronavirus is 0.1 microns).