As homeowners, HVAC maintenance is often the most overlooked. Ordering filter replacements and replacing filters regularly is not at the top of our to-do list. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
What if we told you there was an easier way? Read on to find out.
What is an air filter?
Furnace filter, HVAC air filter, AC filter, AC air filter, air purifier filter—they’re all the same thing. These nifty little devices help protect your HVAC system and keep the air quality in your home healthy for you and your family. Neglecting to change them can lead to costly repairs and health effects.
Order Replacement Furnace Filters
What do air filters do?
For lack of a better word, air filters filter the air in your home. They help keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly and improve indoor air quality throughout your home. They may also impact the energy efficiency of your systems. Depending on the air filter you use, it can capture pollen, dust mites, plant spores, mold spores, auto emissions, pet dander, tobacco smoke, bacteria, virus carriers, and more.
To learn more about choosing the right MERV, check out our In-Depth MERV Ratings Guide.
How many air filters do I have?
Typically, there is an air filter for every level of your home, but there might only be one for smaller homes.
Where are air filters located?
Air filters are commonly located in the furnace or a return in the ceiling or wall. If you have a wall-mounted unit, they could be located on the front panel. If you’re unsure where your filter is located, it’s a good idea to inspect every possible area or consult your owner’s manual.
When should I change my air filter?
There are many different types of filters, and recommendations vary. First, consider the depth of your filter.
- For fiberglass filters, change them every 30 days.
- Change 1-inch pleated air filters every 1-3 months or 30 to 90 days.
- Pleated filters with a 2-inch depth, replacing them every 4-6 months is recommended.
- Pleated 4-inch depth filters should be replaced every 6-12 months.
- For pleated 5-inch filters, replacing them every 9-12 months will suffice.
Other factors to consider are:
- The number of people living in your home
- The number of pets in your home
- Other air quality factors in your home
- Do you cook a lot?
- Does someone smoke?
- Do you or other people living in your home have asthma or allergies?
- Is someone sick?
- Is your home older?
- Seasonal change
According to the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA), filters should be visually inspected monthly and changed based on manufacturer recommendations or, at minimum, twice a year at the beginning of heating and cooling cycles. As a rule of thumb, filters should be changed more frequently due to outdoor air conditions or particulate loads in the air.
What happens if I don’t change my air filter?
Several things can happen if you do not change your filter. Here are a few possibilities:
- The air in your home can become stagnate.
- It can cause bad odors.
- It can make you sick. Learn more about Sick Building Syndrome.
- Damage to your HVAC, furnace, and/or air conditioner.
- High energy bill.
Order Filters Now
Possible Solutions
Regardless of what filter you use, changing your filter regularly is most important.
It is ultimately up to you how often you replace your filters, but it is essential to consider the impact of not changing them. Here are a few solutions to help you stay on top of this chore.
Sign up for an Air Filter Subscription Service
Signing up for a filter subscription is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to stay on top of making sure you’re changing your filter when you should be. As a bonus, having to remember what size filter you need is done for you. The only thing you’ll have to do is find your filter one time, figure out how often you’ll want them sent to you, and select Subscribe & Save. But wait, there’s more! Filters Fast offers up to 10% off and FREE shipping on every subscription order. It’s a no-brainer – you’ll never have to remember to order your filters and save money! What are you waiting for?
Filter Reminders
Are you not a fan of signing up for a subscription? Product Reminders will do the trick! There are two ways to sign up for reminders with Filters Fast!
- When you check out at FiltersFast.com, you will automatically be enrolled to receive product reminders for the filters you order.
- Log in to Your Account
- Find Product Reminders on the menu
- Find the product(s) you want reminders for
- Select the “Reminder Frequency” from the drop-down, and it will automatically save.
- Check your email for your reminders
Buy in Bulk
Bulk buying is best if you want to save money without the commitment. Although buying in bulk has a higher upfront cost, the per filter cost is much lower than purchasing a one-off filter. Think about it—when you buy filters in a six-pack, you’ll have filters on hand, so you can change your filter when you need to. Our Filters Fast® Brand filters are made in the United States and are available in a convenient pack of six. Learn more about our brand.
About Filters Fast® Brand Filters
Pro tip: Store your filters near where you need to change them, and set a reminder on your phone to go off every 30-60 days. When you get the reminder, all you’ll have to do is grab a filter from the box and change it.
Getting low on replacement filters? Reordering is easy at Filters Fast.
The Future of Filter Changes is in Your Hands
It’s simple—change your filter, change your life. No matter how you choose to keep up with filter maintenance, Filters Fast is here to help you get your filters and make filter changes as easy as possible.
Leave a Reply