I've got a small 1200 sqft house with a heating and cooling system that's running 24/7. I usually swap out my MERV 8 air filters every 2 months, but I'm wondering if that's sufficient. My filters tend to look pretty dirty after that period. Should I stick with this schedule, or maybe try changing them every 10-12 weeks instead? Here's a link to a photo comparison between a new filter and one that's been in use for two months: https://imgur.com/a/83le18i
3 Answers
Your filters look pretty average for a 2-month use period. If that's how they look after two months, I’d say keep up with your current schedule; it seems to be working well for you without causing any issues.
If you have allergies, it might be worth considering a better filter, like a MERV 11, but just be cautious! Some folks recommend high MERV filters for allergens, but they can put extra strain on your HVAC system. I’d suggest starting to monitor your filters more closely if you make that switch, but definitely don’t go a whole year without replacing them—every 6-12 months is a good timeline here.
Totally agree! Those higher MERV ratings can be tough on the system. It’s better to use a specialized air filter for allergens instead of cranking up the MERV on your HVAC.
I think changing your filters every 2 months is fine, especially with your system running constantly. I usually go for the cheapest filters and change them more often, but it sounds like you're doing well. Just keep an eye on them!
Just a heads up! Using MERV 11+ filters for too long can actually damage your HVAC. They filter too much and make the system work harder, which might cause failures down the line.