{"id":23415,"date":"2025-12-15T16:06:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:06:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/how-often-change-air-filter\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T21:30:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T21:30:21","slug":"how-often-change-air-filter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/how-often-change-air-filter\/","title":{"rendered":"How Often Should You Change the Air Filter in Your House?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.chariot-article {\n  max-width: 800px;\n  margin: 0 auto;\n  padding: 40px;\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, sans-serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  line-height: 1.8;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h1 {\n  font-size: 2.5em;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  margin: 0 0 30px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article h2 {\n  font-size: 1.8em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n  margin: 50px 0 20px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n  border-bottom: 2px solid #f7931e;\n  padding-bottom: 10px;\n}\n.chariot-article h3 {\n  font-size: 1.4em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.4;\n  margin: 40px 0 15px 0;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h4 {\n  font-size: 1.2em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  margin: 30px 0 10px 0;\n  color: #444;\n}\n.chariot-article p {\n  margin: 0 0 20px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article img {\n  max-width: 100%;\n  height: auto;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  display: block;\n}\n.chariot-article figure {\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article figcaption {\n  font-size: 0.9em;\n  color: #666;\n  text-align: center;\n  margin-top: 10px;\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article ul, .chariot-article ol {\n  margin: 20px 0 20px 30px;\n  padding: 0;\n}\n.chariot-article li {\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n}\n.chariot-article a {\n  color: #f7931e;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;\n  transition: border-color 0.2s;\n}\n.chariot-article a:hover {\n  border-bottom-color: #f7931e;\n}\n.chariot-article blockquote {\n  border-left: 4px solid #f7931e;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  padding: 20px 30px;\n  background: #f9f9f9;\n  font-style: italic;\n  color: #555;\n}\n.chariot-article strong {\n  font-weight: 600;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article em {\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article hr {\n  border: none;\n  border-top: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n  margin: 40px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article th, .chariot-article td {\n  padding: 12px 15px;\n  text-align: left;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n}\n.chariot-article th {\n  background: #f5f5f5;\n  font-weight: 600;\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .chariot-article {\n    padding: 20px;\n    font-size: 16px;\n  }\n  .chariot-article h1 { font-size: 2em; }\n  .chariot-article h2 { font-size: 1.5em; }\n  .chariot-article h3 { font-size: 1.25em; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"chariot-article\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2102\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/woman-sitting-on-couch-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Determining the best time to <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/energy-saving-tips\/\">change<br \/>\nthe air filter<\/a> in one\u2019s home is one of the more common questions people ask<br \/>\ntheir electricity company and favorite home improvement experts. It\u2019s also one<br \/>\nof the most important factors in the size of your electricity bill and the<br \/>\nhealth of your home\u2019s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we will discuss the following topics:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Our recommendation for the best time to change the air filter in your home<\/li>\n<li>The most common exceptions to our recommendation<\/li>\n<li>The top benefits you\u2019ll enjoy by following our recommendation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our goal is to help you keep your HVAC system in excellent working<br \/>\ncondition for as long as possible \u2014 and to save you some money by <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/ways-to-conserve-energy-home\/\">becoming<br \/>\nmore energy-efficient<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Standard Time Frame for an Air Filter Change?<\/h2>\n<p>The answer is simple:<\/p>\n<p>You should change your filter once a month, every month, and optimally on the same day every month.<\/p>\n<p>This \u201cevery 30 days\u201d rule of thumb applies to basic fiberglass<br \/>\nfilters on the market. It\u2019s especially true if you or a family member has<br \/>\nallergies, you have a pet, or your home is located in an area with<br \/>\nabove-average pollution.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Luckily, it\u2019s easy to set reminders on your phone to both order<br \/>\nnew filters and replace old ones. In fact, many online retailers offer you the<br \/>\nchance to set up a recurring shipment so that you always get a filter when you<br \/>\nneed it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In short, a clean air filter is essential for the free and clean flow of air, not only for the people breathing it, but also the HVAC unit creating it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 Exceptions to How Often You Should Change Your Air Filter <\/h2>\n<p>As with most things in life, there are exceptions to any general rule, including our suggestion of when you should change the air filter in your home. The three we mention below factor in your living situation, the type of filter you use, and more. Let\u2019s examine them now.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limited Air Conditioner Use<\/h3>\n<p>This includes folks who live in an area with mild winters and<br \/>\nsummers or people who own multiple homes that get used infrequently for<br \/>\nvacation purposes or as an Airbnb. In essence, if you aren\u2019t using your air<br \/>\nconditioners often, then you probably need to change the filter once every 6<br \/>\nmonths.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Air Filters with a High MERV Rating<\/h3>\n<p>By \u201cMERV,\u201d we don\u2019t mean Merv Griffin, the iconic talk show host<br \/>\nand game show creator. We\u2019re talking about MERV, \u201cMinimum Efficiency Reporting<br \/>\nValue\u201d or rating of how good an air filter is at stopping particulate matter from<br \/>\nspreading around your home by your HVAC unit. The higher the MERV rating of<br \/>\nyour air filter, the less often you need to change it \u2014 often only every three<br \/>\nmonths (or 90 days).<\/p>\n<p>Be forewarned: higher quality air filters are more expensive, and<br \/>\nthe ductwork and return vents in older homes aren\u2019t set up to use such filters.<br \/>\nSo, if you think the tradeoff between a better air filter and a higher price<br \/>\npoint is worth it to you, there\u2019s still a chance you can use one with a high<br \/>\nMERV rating.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fewer Pollutants<\/h3>\n<p>This simply means you live alone without a pet in a small home or<br \/>\napartment that doesn\u2019t experience above-average pollution or pollen counts. In<br \/>\nother words, your home doesn\u2019t have lots of dust and allergens floating around,<br \/>\nso you only need to change your filter every three months.<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:71px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 Benefits of Regularly Changing the Air Filter in Your House<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2101\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AdobeStock_260994615-scaled-1.jpeg\" width=\"2560\" title=\"\"><figcaption>Pro Tip: Indoor plants can also help improve air quality!<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Whatever schedule works best for you, your home, and your situation, it\u2019s important you still change your air filter regularly. The reasons for this basic form of home maintenance are rather straightforward and don\u2019t require years of education at \u201cBob Vila University.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lowers the Stress on Your HVAC Unity<\/h3>\n<p>A dirty air filter means your HVAC unit is working extra-hard to<br \/>\npump air in your home at what should be normal levels. The harder it works, the<br \/>\nfaster it will need repairs and replacing. A clean air filter means the air is<br \/>\nflowing freely through your home without any obstructions because your HVAC<br \/>\nunit is operating at peak efficiency, which leads to a unit with longer<br \/>\nlife.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lowers Your Energy Usage and Bills<\/h3>\n<p>Additionally, when your HVAC unit starts working overtime to pump<br \/>\nair through your home, that increases your electricity usage and bills. And as<br \/>\nwe\u2019ve said before, <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/what-uses-most-electricity-your-home\/\">your<br \/>\nheating and cooling systems account for the largest percentage of your energy<br \/>\nbills<\/a>. By taking the simple step of replacing your air filter on a<br \/>\nregular basis, your heater and air conditioner will work efficiently, which<br \/>\ntranslates to more affordable energy bills. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improves Your Indoor Air Quality<\/h3>\n<p>This one seems obvious, but we often forget it. A clean filter<br \/>\nmeans your home has clean air. It\u2019s the reason we recommend that families with<br \/>\nchildren, pets, and allergy sufferers change the air filter in their home every<br \/>\nsingle month. People need to breathe, and they deserve to breathe air that\u2019s<br \/>\ngood for them. Replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one accomplishes this.<\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:73px\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Schedule Your Air Filter Change<\/h2>\n<p>Lucky for you, we live in an era of unprecedented technological<br \/>\nadvances. So, whether it\u2019s on your phone, your work calendar, your family\u2019s<br \/>\nshared digital calendar, or the old-school paper calendar stuck with a magnet<br \/>\nto your refrigerator door, it\u2019s essential you set clear reminders for yourself<br \/>\nto change your air filter. Taking this one step could be what separates you<br \/>\nfrom a large repair or medical bill in the future.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n<p><strong>Sources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/maintaining-your-air-conditioner\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/maintaining-your-air-conditioner<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/how-to\/how-often-you-should-change-your-ac-filter\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/how-to\/how-often-you-should-change-your-ac-filter\/ <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/home.howstuffworks.com\/home-improvement\/heating-and-cooling\/air-filters-clean.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> https:\/\/home.howstuffworks.com\/home-improvement\/heating-and-cooling\/air-filters-clean.htm <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.angieslist.com\/articles\/how-often-should-you-replace-your-home-air-filter.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> https:\/\/www.angieslist.com\/articles\/how-often-should-you-replace-your-home-air-filter.htm <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/c\/ab\/how-often-you-should-change-your-air-filter\/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90cf4eb97a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/c\/ab\/how-often-you-should-change-your-air-filter\/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90cf4eb97a <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how often you should change your air filter so you can protect your HVAC system, control your energy costs, and be more energy-efficient.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":23490,"parent":627,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23415","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23415"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23415\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}