Replacing an air filter is an important part of maintaining your heating and cooling system. Skipping this step can cause serious problems with system performance, and can even shorten the lifespan of your oven. The cost of replacing an air filter varies widely depending on the type of filter, the size of your HVAC system, and other factors. Manufacturers often recommend that the cabin air filter be replaced alternately with the engine air filter.
How often you need to replace your air filter depends on many factors, such as how many people and pets live in your home, the type of filter, how often your HVAC system works, and other air quality problems present in your home. A standard disposable air filter replacement costs as little as a few dollars at your local home improvement store and lasts about a month. Air filter manufacturers offer recommendations on how often an air filter should be replaced. While some HVAC systems have reusable filters that can be washed, dried, and reinserted, many systems use disposable filters that need to be replaced at regular intervals.
To change the HVAC filter, simply open the filter area, take out the old filter, and then replace it with the new one. The frequency of filter change will depend on the filter manufacturer's recommendations, its efficiency, the use of the HVAC system, and the characteristics of the household. There are many replacement sizes of air filters available; the size you need depends on your HVAC system. The equipment owner's manual should provide information about the filter size, but often the quickest and easiest way to determine the correct replacement air filter size is to look at the existing filter.
If left for too long, bacteria that remain even after replacing the filter will still leave a noticeable odor. There are many different air filter replacements available for purchase, through HVAC contractors or at your local hardware store. You should check your filter packaging to see how often the manufacturer recommends replacing it with a new one.
