How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter in Winter? A Comprehensive Guide

The standard recommendation is to replace furnace filters at least once every 90 days. This is a general guideline, however, and there are certain factors that can shorten or extend the time between filter replacements. The filter's purpose is to collect dust, hair, and other small particles from the air to prevent them from damaging the boiler's components. As an expert in SEO, I understand the importance of keeping your furnace filter clean and in good condition.

Not only does it help keep your home clean and free of dust and allergens, but it also helps your furnace run more efficiently. That's why it's important to know how often you should change your furnace filter in winter. Now that you know how to change your furnace filter, here's an extra tip to keep your furnace in top condition: during winter, you may need to change the filter more often as many families spend more time indoors and the system is used more frequently. To make it easier to remember when to replace the filter, many furnace manufacturers suggest changing it at the start of each new season.

The main function of a furnace filter is to trap airborne contaminants, not for air quality reasons but to keep them away from the heating and cooling system. If furniture gets dusty soon after cleaning, it could be a sign that the filter is clogged and can no longer effectively remove dust from the air. Filters are assigned a minimum efficiency rating (MERV) which ranges from 1 to 16, although ratings of 6 to 12 are best for residential furnaces. Depending on the type of filter you use, you may need to change it every few weeks or, rarely, every six months or a year. Indoor air quality equipment such as air purifiers and air cleaners reduce the amount of contaminants in the air, so the furnace filter has fewer particles to capture.

In homes without this equipment, the furnace filter is the only line of defense against airborne contaminants, so it fills up faster. How often this task needs to be done depends largely on the type of furnace filter being used. If any of your household members suffer from allergies or asthma, you should change your furnace filters more often. Consider using a filter with a MERV rating of 12 such as the Nordic Pure Filter (available on Amazon) if your furnace can handle it. As an expert in SEO, I recommend that for allergy sufferers' comfort, you should change your furnace filter every 30 to 60 days.

Always keep extra filters on hand and be prepared to change them as soon as they look dirty. Homeowners usually change their furnace filters more often in summer and winter than in autumn and spring. It's important to replace the old filter with one that's exactly the same size, so make sure you note down the size listed on your current filter and take it with you when you buy a replacement. By following these tips and changing your furnace filter regularly during winter months, you can ensure that your home stays clean and free of allergens while also keeping your heating system running efficiently.