Living in our part of Indiana means experiencing all four seasons and plenty of pollen in between. With your HVAC system working year-round, one of the most important maintenance tasks you can stay on top of is changing your HVAC system’s filter.
Many homeowners aren’t sure how often should you change your air conditioner filter, and it can be easy to forget. However, neglecting this simple step can lead to higher energy bills, poor air quality, and even system breakdowns. As the leader in expert AC services in Lawrence, Indiana, we’d like to cover the essentials of AC filter replacement frequency.
What’s the Right Filter Change Schedule for Lawrence Homes?
The most important thing to consider is the type of filter you use. How often should you change your air conditioner filter? Here are our recommended filter change intervals based on filter type:
Fiberglass Filters (1-Inch) — Replace Every 30 Days
These thin, disposable filters are common in older HVAC setups. They’re affordable and easy to find but offer minimal filtration. They mostly protect your equipment much more than your air. These entry-level filters should be used by households without pets or allergy concerns.
Pleated Filters (1–3 Inch) — Replace Every 60 to 90 Days
These filters are popular in suburban homes across the Indianapolis area. They are prevalent in Lawrence and are well-suited for homes with average usage. They catch more particles than fiberglass, including dust, pet hair, and pollen.
High-Efficiency Media Filters (4–5 Inch) — Replace Every 6 to 12 Months
Some modern HVAC systems use thick filters for superior allergen and dust control. They’re often used in newer HVAC systems or by families with respiratory concerns. Make certain your system’s design will accommodate these larger filters.
Washable/Electrostatic Filters — Clean and Inspect Every 30 Days
These reusable filters can last several years with proper cleaning. However, they require careful maintenance and thorough drying between uses. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines carefully.
How often should you change your air conditioner filter? Remember, these are just guidelines. Your actual home AC filter upkeep may need to be more frequent. If you have pets, hair and dander clog filters quickly. If your area has air quality issues caused by construction or industrial activities, your filters absorb more debris.
If anyone in your home has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory difficulties, you should check your filter no less than every 30 days in all cases.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Filter?
We’ve seen firsthand what happens when homeowners in Lawrence skip regular HVAC filter maintenance, and those unnecessary problems can lead to some expensive repairs. Over time, clogged and dirty filters lead to:
- Reduced cooling performance: Dirty filters make it harder for your system to keep your home comfortable, especially on humid Indiana days.
- Increased energy bills: Airflow restriction forces your air conditioner to use more power to compensate.
- System wear and tear: You could burn out the blower motor or freeze the evaporator coil, both costly repairs.
- Worsened indoor air quality: A dirty filter stops trapping allergens, allowing dust, pollen, and even mold to circulate freely.
- Shortened system lifespan: Long-term neglect shortens the life of your HVAC system, potentially forcing you to replace it years earlier than necessary.
How to Stay on Schedule
How often should you change your air conditioner filter? There’s no need to complicate keeping up with your air conditioner filter lifespan. A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Set a recurring calendar reminder for the first of each month to check the filter.
- Write the installation date on the filter frame so you always know how old it is.
- During high pollen months in the spring or extreme heat in August, inspect the filter more frequently.