How often should I change my air filter at home?
In case you didn't know, an air filter plays a vital role in the air quality of your home in Minnesota by filtering the air circulated through your HVAC system. Air filters catch dust and other debris, cutting down on the amount of bacteria and allergens floating around inside your home and thereby ensuring that you're breathing good, clean air.
There are two main types of air filters found in homes: fiberglass and pleated. Fiberglass air filters are cheaper, but also less effective at catching small particles in the air. Fiberglass air filters are also shorter-lived, and will generally clog up quickly and need to be changed at least once a month. For pleated air filters, the longevity will depend on the thickness of the filter.
A 1" thick pleated air filter will last for 1-2 months, only slightly longer than a fiberglass filter. However, thicker pleated air filters will function for far longer than fiberglass air filters before they need replacement. 2" thick pleated filters last for about 3 months, 3" pleated filters generally last for 4 months, and 4" pleated air filters only need to be changed every 6 months. If you get a 5" or 6" thick pleated air filter, it will last for at least 9 months and may only need to be changed once per year.
The lifespan of air filters in your Minnesota home can also be influenced by other factors, including the size of your home, how many pets you own, and how much air pollution is present in your city.