California has recently experienced a series of major fires. Thankfully for us in the Central Valley, these fires were in the north and south of the state. But we’re not strangers to these disasters: last summer wildfires scorched more than 1700 acres in Fresno and Mariposa counties. This caused a plunge in air quality for surrounding areas. When this happens, we recommend making an immediate change to the furnace filter on your HVAC cabinet. Otherwise, extra pollutants trapped in the filter will further drop indoor air quality. For more on this, here’s why changing your air filter matters.
But how long will the furnace filter last under normal conditions?
This is a good question, since changing the filter regularly is an essential part of protecting your furnace, your comfort, and your energy bills. If you’re unsure how this ties into performance, learn ways to improve home heating and extend your system’s efficiency through the colder months.
First, a word about what the furnace filter is for. It’s not to improve air quality in the house. It can cause air quality to decrease if left in place too long, but its normal function isn’t to clean the home’s air but to protect the furnace. The filter cleans the air coming through the return air ducts and into the furnace cabinet. The blower fan in the air handler pulls air from the house through vents, then sends the air through the furnace to warm it and on into the supply ducts. The furnace filter stops dust and other debris brought in through the return ducts from contaminating the inside of the unit and harming its ability to work at peak condition.
The filter stops most larger particles that may come through the return ducts: household dust, lint, dander, etc. In most cases, the filter is located either behind the grill of the return air vents or next to the air handler where the return ducts connect to it. To change it, simply slide out the old filter and put in a new one.
How long the filter can go before needing a replacement depends on several factors:
- The filter type: The stronger the filter, the longer it can last. A simple panel filter made of fiberglass mesh will probably need to be changed monthly. A pleated filter made of polyester can often last for three months. There are strong filters available which may only need replacement every 6 months, but we don’t recommend going too strong since it will cut down on airflow to the furnace.
- The frequency of use: The more you use the air handler in the furnace (regardless of whether the furnace itself is running), the quicker debris will build up in the filter. For regular steady use over winter, you can stick to the timetable above (1 to 6 months, filter depending). If you use the furnace more or less often, adjust the time—but we advise you take a look at the filter monthly to check on it. If it’s fully congested, make the change, and note the frequency for further reference. You can also set reminders for filter changes to avoid any system strain or missed maintenance during peak heating season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the main purpose of a furnace filter?
Answer: A furnace filter protects the furnace by trapping dust, lint, and dander from return air, preventing debris from entering and damaging internal components. Its primary function is not to improve air quality, but to safeguard the HVAC system.
Question: How long do different types of furnace filters typically last?
Answer: Fiberglass panel filters usually need replacing every month. Pleated polyester filters can last around three months, and some high-efficiency filters may last up to six months, depending on airflow and usage conditions.
Question: What factors influence how often a filter should be changed?
Answer: Filter lifespan depends on the type of filter and how frequently your HVAC system runs. During heavy use seasons like winter, check your filter monthly and replace it if it’s dirty or clogged to maintain airflow and system performance.
Question: What’s a good way to remember when you last replaced the filter?
Answer: A simple method is to write the date of installation directly on the filter’s frame with a marker. This makes it easy to track when it needs to be checked or replaced.Question: Are there external circumstances that require earlier filter changes?
Answer: Yes. Situations like wildfire smoke, construction dust, or heavy outdoor pollution can clog filters faster than usual. In those cases, it’s important to inspect and replace the filter more frequently to maintain indoor air quality and system health.