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Clean HVAC filters help your system keep steady airflow, reduce dust in ducts, and support healthier indoor air. Use this simple HVAC filter checklist to choose the right filter, set a change schedule, and avoid common mistakes.
Find the size printed on the filter frame or in your system manual. If there is no label, measure the opening and order by the nominal size. If the fit is loose or you see dust streaks around the frame, order a custom size so air cannot bypass the media.
Most homes place the filter at a return grille on a wall or ceiling or in a slot beside the indoor unit in a closet, attic, basement, or garage. Some homes use more than one return. Check every location so no filter gets missed.
Most homes use one main return, but some systems have multiple returns or separate filters for different floors or zones. Check each return grille and the filter slot at the indoor unit so you do not leave a dirty filter in place by accident.
Pleated filters use folded media with more surface area. They capture smaller particles and usually hold more dust between changes. Basic fiberglass pads mainly catch larger debris and often need more frequent replacement. For most homes, a pleated filter is the better choice if the system maintains normal airflow with the selected MERV. If odors are a concern, choose a pleated filter with activated carbon.
MERV describes how effectively a filter captures particles. Match the rating to your home while keeping airflow normal. MERV 8 works for everyday dust and lint. MERV 11 helps with pets and many allergy concerns. Consider MERV 13 only if your equipment and ducts can maintain proper airflow. If a higher MERV causes weak airflow or noise, step down one level.
Start with a change every 90 days. Move to every 60 days for busy households. Use every 30 days if you have multiple pets, frequent cooking, smoke exposure, or ongoing renovations. Vacation or part-time homes may stretch longer but still check monthly.
Turn the system off, open the grille or filter door, and slide the filter out carefully. Replace it if the media looks gray, dusty, or matted, or if you see dust trails around the frame. Install the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the unit and close the grille fully. Write the date on the frame and set a reminder.
A filter should sit square with no gaps. If the slot is slightly larger than the filter, use a gasketed frame or order a custom size. Bypass air does not get cleaned and can coat the blower and coil with dust.
Vacuum return grilles and supply registers and wipe nearby surfaces where dust collects. Keep furniture and drapes clear of returns. Schedule routine service so coils are clean, drains are clear, and airflow stays in the target range. Filters work best inside a clean system.
Watch for more dust on surfaces, worsening allergy symptoms, stale or musty odors, rising energy bills, weak airflow, or longer run times. These often point to a dirty filter, a poor fit, or a MERV level that is too high for your system.
Smoke events, heavy pollen seasons, pet shedding, drywall sanding, and floor refinishing load filters quickly. Check during and after these events and replace early if needed.
Store spare filters flat in a dry place away from solvents and moisture. Used pleated filters go in household trash unless your local program says otherwise. Bag them before disposal to keep dust contained.
Get snug-fitting pleated filters in MERV 8, 11, and 13 in one-, two-, and four-inch thicknesses. Choose from hundreds of standard sizes or order a custom size for a perfect seal. Filters are made in the USA and ship fast with free delivery. Auto Delivery keeps changes on schedule, so you do not have to track dates. If you are unsure which size or MERV to choose, we can match your current filter and set a schedule that fits your home.
Use the checklist above, keep spares on hand, and stay consistent. High-quality, exact-fit pleated filters in MERV 8, 11, and 13 are available in standard and custom sizes, made in the USA, and ship free. Turning on Auto Delivery means you always have the next filter ready when you open the grille.
Check the size printed on the filter frame. If there is no label, measure the opening and order by the nominal size. Nominal is the rounded number used for ordering.
Start with every 90 days. Change every 60 days for busy households. Change every 30 days with pets, allergies, smoke, or heavy use. Check monthly and adjust.
MERV 8 works for everyday dust. MERV 11 is a good choice for homes with pets or many allergy concerns. Use MERV 13 only if your system can maintain normal airflow.
Higher MERV captures finer particles, but it can reduce airflow on some systems. If airflow drops or noise increases, step down one level.
Yes for most ducted systems. The same return filter serves both heating and cooling.
Yes if the fit is loose or you see dust streaks around the frame. A snug seal prevents bypass air and protects the blower and coil.
Point the arrow toward the indoor unit so air flows through the media correctly.
Thicker filters have more media area, which can last longer and hold more dust. Only use thicknesses your return or cabinet was built to accept.
Pleated filters usually capture more and hold their shape longer. Basic fiberglass pads mostly catch large debris and often need more frequent changes.
Most residential air handlers are not designed for true HEPA in the return. Choose the highest MERV your system supports and consider a portable HEPA purifier for rooms that need more filtration.
No. Stacking can restrict airflow and cause performance problems.
No. Supply vents should deliver air that is already filtered at the return. Adding filters at supplies can restrict airflow and create dust traps.
Change every return filter on the same schedule. Missing one reduces overall performance.
Look for gray or matted media, dust trails around the frame, weaker airflow, longer run times, more dust on surfaces, or rising energy bills.
Yes. A pleated filter with activated carbon helps reduce many household odors. Replace on time because carbon saturates with use.
Write the date on the filter frame and set a phone reminder. Auto Delivery is an easy way to have replacements arrive on schedule.
Pleated filters in MERV 8, 11, and 13 in one, two, and four inch thicknesses, with hundreds of standard sizes and custom sizes for a tight seal. Filters are made in the USA and ship fast with free delivery. Auto Delivery keeps changes on track.
