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If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “How often should I really be changing my furnace filter?” you’re not alone. It’s one of those home maintenance tasks that’s easy to forget, and the advice can be confusing. Some say every month, others say every three. So, what’s the right answer for you and your home?
The truth is, there isn’t a single, perfect furnace filter replacement schedule. The best frequency depends on your home, lifestyle, and the type of filter you use. For most homes, a good rule of thumb is to change your furnace filters every one to three months. A great starting point is a 90-day baseline, which you can then adjust based on factors like pets, allergies, household dust, and how often your system runs. Learn more about furnace filter replacement in this post.
While there's no universal furnace filter replacement schedule, there is a simple framework you can use to find the right timing for your home. It all starts with a general guideline and a few specific factors.
Our core recommendation at Filterbuy is to start with a 90-day (3-month) replacement schedule for most pleated furnace filters. From there, inspect your filter monthly to see how quickly it gets dirty and adjust as needed.
Standard 1- and 2-inch pleated filters typically fall into the 30- to 90-day range. If you use thicker 4- or 5-inch pleated filters, they can last longer, but you should still check them regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Your home environment is the biggest factor in determining how often to change your furnace filter. Here are some common scenarios:
Remember, these are starting points. If your filter looks dark and clogged when you check it, it’s time for a new one, and you should shorten your replacement interval.
Not sure if your filter is ready for a change? Your home and your HVAC system will give you clues. Here are a few signs it's time for a replacement:
If you’re seeing any of these signs, it's time for a new filter. This is also a perfect opportunity to upgrade to a high-quality pleated MERV 8–13 filter from Filterbuy.
With so many filter options, it can be easy to overthink your choice. However, for most homes, pleated filters in the MERV 8 to 13 range offer the best combination of performance and protection.
Pleated filters are designed with folded material that dramatically increases the surface area for capturing particles. This design allows them to trap more dust, dander, and pollen without significantly blocking airflow. Contrary to some myths, when a pleated MERV 8–13 filter is correctly sized and installed in a standard residential furnace, it is perfectly safe and highly effective at improving indoor air quality.
The MERV rating tells you how effective a filter is at capturing different sizes of airborne particles. Here’s a quick breakdown:
While you should always check your furnace manual before making a big jump in MERV rating, most modern systems can safely handle the MERV 8–13 range offered by Filterbuy.
At Filterbuy, we make it simple to get the right filter. We offer a wide range of standard and custom sizes to fit nearly any furnace. You can choose from our high-quality, American-made MERV 8, 11, and 13 pleated filters. Best of all, our subscription service ensures you never forget to change your filter again. Automatic deliveries mean a fresh filter arrives at your door right when you need it.
Changing your furnace filter is a quick and easy DIY task. If you can change a roll of paper towels, you can do this!
Before you start, turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat or the main power switch. This prevents the fan from turning on while you’re working.
The filter is usually in one of two places: inside the furnace/air handler cabinet or in a slot in the return air duct, often near the unit. You may also find it in a wall or ceiling return grille. Look for the current filter's frame.
Carefully slide the old filter out to avoid shaking dust and debris into the air. Take a look at how dirty it is—this will help you fine-tune your furnace filter replacement schedule.
The filter size (e.g., 16x25x1) is printed on the side of the frame. Make a note of it. Now is a great time to choose the MERV 8, 11, or 13 pleated filter that best fits your home's air quality needs. If you have an odd size you can't find in stores, you can order an exact-fit filter from Filterbuy online.
Find the airflow arrow on the new filter’s frame. This arrow must point toward the furnace/air handler and away from the return duct. Slide the new filter in, ensuring a snug fit with no gaps around the edges.
Turn your system back on. To help you remember your next change, write the installation date on the new filter’s frame with a marker. Better yet, use a calendar reminder on your phone or rely on Filterbuy’s automatic deliveries to know exactly when it's time.
Place the used filter in a trash bag to contain the dust, then dispose of it with your regular household trash. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands afterward.
This simple task does more than just keep your air clean. It has a major impact on your home’s health and your finances.
A clean filter allows air to flow freely, which helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. This can lead to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.
When a filter is clogged, it forces your system’s blower motor to work harder. Over time, this strain can lead to premature wear and tear, costly repairs, and a shorter lifespan for your HVAC unit.
For those with allergies or asthma, a clean filter is essential. Pleated MERV 8–13 filters are excellent at capturing common household irritants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, helping everyone in your home breathe a little easier.
Combining the right MERV-rated pleated filter with a consistent replacement schedule is one of the easiest ways to protect both your air and your HVAC investment.
Changing your furnace filter is a simple, inexpensive task with a huge impact. By following a regular schedule and using the right filter, you can improve your home's air quality, lower your energy bills, and extend the life of your HVAC system. Pleated MERV 8–13 filters offer a safe and powerful solution for most homes.
Ready to put your furnace filter on autopilot? Choose your size, pick your MERV level (8, 11, or 13), and let Filterbuy handle the rest.
Most homes need a furnace filter replacement every 1–3 months. A good starting point is every 90 days, but adjust to every 30 days if you have pets, allergies, or notice heavy dust.
Because pleated filters (especially MERV 8–13) capture more particles, they may load up faster in homes with pets or dust. Check them monthly and plan to replace them every 30–90 days based on your home's conditions.
No. When properly sized for your furnace, pleated MERV 8–13 filters are safe and highly recommended for improving filtration without restricting airflow in most residential systems.
The size is printed on the frame of your current filter (e.g., 16x25x1). If you have an unusual size, you can order custom-fit pleated filters from Filterbuy.
Use MERV 8 for general-purpose filtration, MERV 11 for homes with pets or mild allergies, and MERV 13 for households with asthma, significant allergies, or smoke concerns.
A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can increase energy bills, stress your HVAC system, and worsen indoor air quality by failing to trap airborne particles.
Most pleated furnace filters are disposable and should not be washed or reused. Cleaning can damage the filter material, making it less effective. It is safer and more effective to replace it with a new one.
Yes! Write the date on the new filter, set a phone reminder, or sign up for Filterbuy’s subscription service to have new filters delivered right when you need them.
