Anoka, MN, is a place where frigid winters and hot, humid summers put HVAC systems to the test year-round as they work to keep your home comfortable. Your air conditioner and furnace might do the heavy lifting, but there’s a smaller component that plays a massive role in everything running smoothly. That’s your home’s HVAC air filter. Changing the AC filter regularly improves air quality and helps the system run efficiently, and that’s particularly important in the summer heat.
How often should you change your AC filter? The answer can vary from once a month to twice a year. Keep reading to learn all about this and figure out what’s right for your household.
Why Your AC Filter Matters
Your AC filter traps allergens, dust, airborne pollutants, and pet dander before they can move around your home. Having a clean filter keeps your AC system efficient, maintains strong airflow, improves indoor air quality, and reduces wear and tear on the system. Conversely, a dirty filter strains your system, restricts airflow, boosts your utility bills, and might shorten the lifespan of your air conditioning system.
General Guidelines for Filter Changes
Every home has a unique situation, but it helps to know a rough guideline. A good starting point is determining the type of AC filter you use. Basic fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days. Most homes use pleated filters that need replacing every two to three months.
Thick, high-efficiency filters can be High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) models or filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher. Depending on use, they may need changing only twice a year. However, multiple factors are crucial to this and can influence how often you should change your filters.
Local Factors That Influence Filter Lifespan
Where you live, your lifestyle, and the kind of home you have can all impact how frequently you need to change filters.
Seasonal HVAC Use
Anoka residents experience long, cold winters and hot, muggy summers. You probably run your HVAC system the majority of the year, and that means warm and cool air moving through your filter. Summer temperatures can reach the 80s and 90s. Paired with high humidity levels, this makes your AC work harder than it should, requiring a new filter every 60 days.
During the winter months, your furnace or central HVAC system likely uses the same duct system, and your filter still collects dust. Depending on winter use, change your filter every two to three months.
Allergies and Outdoor Air Quality
Minnesota has multiple pollen seasons. Spring can bring tree pollen into play, and ragweed is a problem from late summer into the fall. No matter what aggravates allergy symptoms in your home, your AC filter will need changing every 30 to 45 days when peak allergy seasons hit. Consider frequent replacements in dry summers to improve your indoor air quality, especially if wildfire smoke from western states or Canada drifts into the region, and if you use a high-efficiency filter.
Pet Ownership
Many neighborhoods in this area are pet-friendly places, but that also means dog and cat dander and fur can clog your AC filter. Change your filter at least every 60 days if you have such a pet. If your household has two or more furry family members, change the filter every 30 to 45 days. Regular vacuuming can help a lot, but a pet-filled home still requires attention to the AC filter.
Home Type and Insulation
Older homes are prevalent throughout this community, and they often have more gaps and drafts that allow dust to enter the system. However, newer homes with tight insulation might trap more pollutants inside. In both cases, regular filter changes maintain clean indoor air.
How to Change Your AC Filter
Consult your manufacturer’s instructions or system manual for specific instructions, but the general process is usually the same. Start by turning your home’s HVAC system off to ensure safety and prevent the system from sucking debris into itself. Locate the filter, which is typically located inside a return vent or near the furnace in your utility closet or basement. Hold the current filter up to a bright light; if you can’t see through it, you need to change it. Insert an appropriately sized filter with the right MERV rating; MERV 8-12 works for most Anoka homes, but your HVAC technician can guide you to the right filters. The arrows should point in the same direction as the airflow.
Choosing the Right Filter for Your Anoka Home
MERV ratings for HVAC filters are displayed on a numerical scale. MERV 1 through 4 filters offer low filtration and aren’t recommended for homes with allergy sufferers or pets. MERV 5 through 8 filters are effective choices for most households. Pleated filters in the MERV 8 to 11 range are also safe choices for many Anoka homes. If your household includes an allergy sufferer, look for MERV ratings of 9 through 12.
Higher ratings can mean more filtration, but more isn’t always better. MERV 13+ filters are hospital-grade units. If your home’s HVAC system isn’t designed for this level of filtration, using a filter may restrict airflow and cause complications.
Signs That Your Filter Needs Replacing
Even if you determine appropriate calendar intervals for filter changes, it’s wise to watch for warning signs that you need to change ahead of schedule. Dust accumulations around your home’s vents are a visible warning sign. You might also notice weaker-than-usual airflow from your air conditioning or energy bills higher than they should be.
Don’t ignore dusty or musty smells, more frequent allergy symptoms, or sneezing. If your household notices any of these issues, check the filter, even if it’s not yet due for replacement.
Pro Tip: Set a Filter Reminder System
Don’t rely on your memory alone to stay on pace with filter replacements. Put recurring reminders on your phone or calendar, and write replacement dates on the actual filter. Syncing your changes to Daylight Saving Time or utility bills can make for convenient reminders to stay current on this crucial furnace and AC maintenance task.
A Year-Round Necessity
In regions where HVAC systems operate year-round, regular filter changes are crucial for maintaining clean air and ensuring smooth operations. Many homeowners should schedule filter replacements every two to three months; however, households with heavy system use, allergy sufferers, or pets may need to change filters every 30 to 45 days. Changing an HVAC filter is a low-cost and simple step to ensure comfort in every season and avoid costly repairs. Stock up on the right filters, set reminders, and enjoy lower bills and better air in the future.
Liberty Comfort Systems offers HVAC services to residents of Anoka and the surrounding areas of Minnesota, including heating and cooling repairs, installation, and maintenance. We also provide indoor air quality services and duct cleaning, among many other residential, new construction, and commercial services.
Contact Liberty Comfort Systems for service and maintenance on your home’s HVAC filters and systems.
