Want to create a healthier environment in your home? Start by changing your home’s filters regularly! Many filters need to be changed and/or cleaned regularly and we’re here to help you figure out how often you need to be changing the filters in your home.
1. Furnace Filters
Furnace filters help ensure that the air in your home is healthy for you and your family. Not only do furnace filters help rid your air of harmful airborne contaminants, but they also help your system run more efficiently. Which begs the question: “How often should I change my air filter?” It is recommended that you change your home’s air filter(s) at least every 3 months. However, how often you change your furnace filter is completely up to you.
How often to replace HVAC filter is dependent on a few things:
- If people in your household suffer from allergies
- How many pets you have in your home
- The age of your home
- The location of your home
If you’re not sure how often you should be changing your furnace filter, we recommend checking it every month or so. When you think the filter is too dirty, change it! It’s that simple.
Wishing there was an easier way to remember to change your air filters? Sign up for our Home Filter Club subscription service! For more info click here.
Are washable ac filters ok? How often do reusable filters need to be cleaned? Washable AC filters and electrostatic air filters are growing in popularity. We recommend checking these filters at least every month and cleaning them when needed.
2. Water Filters
Wondering how to fix bad tasting tap water? Invest in a water filter for your home! Here are a few easy ways to remember when to change your filter depending on which system you have:
Refrigerator water filter: It is recommended that you change your refrigerator water filter every 6 months. Typically, the “change filter” light on most refrigerator’s in is on a timer and is not an indication of the quality of your refrigerator filter. If you are starting to notice that your refrigerator’s water dispenser is running a little slower than usual or if your water is starting to taste funny, this could mean it’s time for a new refrigerator filter. Just like with furnace filters, how frequently you change your refrigerator filter is ultimately up to you.
Need help figuring out which refrigerator filter you need? Use our Filter Finder Tool! Just answer a few simple questions about your refrigerator and we’ll help you find exactly what you need.
Whole-Home Water Filter: Your whole house water filter should be changed every 3 to 6 months. A few signs that your whole house filter needs to be changed can be:
- A decrease in water pressure
- Drains and faucets are making odd noises
- Water taste or smell
Order Whole House Water Filter
Reverse Osmosis Water Filter: Reverse Osmosis Systems usually requires at least 3 distinct filters and how often you change them can vary:
- Pre-filters should be changed every 6 to 9 months*
- Carbon filters should be changed every 6 to 9 months*
- RO membranes should be changed every 2-3 years*
*Filter change frequency may vary depending on the type of system of or filter you have. We recommend checking your owner’s manual or asking a filtration professional to be sure.
3. Air Purifier Filters
There are tons of air purifiers out there and many of them use one or more different types of filters. Here’s how often you should change your air purifier filter based on its filter type:
- HEPA Filters: Replace every 12-18 months
- Carbon filters: Replace every 3-6 months
- Pre-filters: Cleaned every 30 days
- Permanent filters should be cleaned every 3 months and replaced when damaged
4. Humidifier Filters
How often should humidifiers filters be changed? Depending on usage and water quality, humidifier filters should be changed every 1-2 months.
If you use your humidifier daily, you’ll want to change the filter every 2 months. If you have hard water, you’ll want to change the filter every month.
Did you know it’s important to clean your humidifier regularly? Check out our blog post on How to Clean Your Humidifier.
5. Range Hood Filters
Do I need to change my range hood filters?
You will typically find range hood filters inside the range hood above your stove or if your microwave is above your stove; you’ll find range hood filters underneath your microwave. Some models have filter maintenance lights that will let you know when it’s time to change them. If your model does not feature a change filter light, you should be checking and cleaning your range hood filters every 1 to 3 months. If you cook a lot on your stove, you’ll want to check them more frequently. Many range hood filters slide out of the range hood and can be easily cleaned. Depending on what type of range hood you have, you can remove them, fill your kitchen sink with hot water and de-greasing soap and let them soak for 10 mins. Once they are dry, you can reinstall. Has your range hood filter(s) seen better days? We carry a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes of range hood filters, so you are sure to find what you need!
6. Vacuum Cleaner Filters
Why are vacuum filters important?
They capture dirt and debris that you’re vacuuming up and make sure they don’t end up back in your air. They also can help increase the lifespan of your vacuum by protecting the mechanical parts of the vacuum from dirt and dust.
Most vacuum manufacturers suggest that you change your vacuum filter every 3-6 months. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, you’ll want to change it more frequently.
Need to order a replacement vacuum cleaner filter? We’ve got you covered. Check out our wide selection today!
Do you have other filters in your home that you change or clean regularly? Let us know in the comments!
EcoBlueLife.com is a replacement water and air filter company located in the United States. The views and opinions contained herein are solely those of the original author and do not represent Eco Blue Life or its affiliates. This article was originally published on FiltersFast.com
