How Often Should You Replace Your MERV 8 Filter?

The general recommendation for replacing furnace filters is every 3-4 months for MERV 8, every 6 months for MERV 10 and 11, and every year for MERV 16. It is often suggested to replace MERV 8 filters every 90 days. However, if the air filter is made of fiberglass, it should be changed every 30 days due to its relatively poor quality. On the other hand, more expensive pleated filters can work well if replaced once every three to six months. When it is not possible to replace the air filter for an extended period, going beyond 90 days won't cause irreparable damage to your air conditioning system.

However, it will put unwanted pressure on your air conditioning system, resulting in poor air quality and poor air circulation. During peak summer and winter months, the filters must be changed every 30 days. It is important to check the HVAC unit's owner's manual or consult a local Carrier representative to determine which MERV rating is right for your home. The time you should go without changing the air filter depends on the type of material and the efficiency of the filter you select.

If you live in a mild climate and your air conditioner works a few hours a day, a filter could last several months. For pleated air filters, such as those made by FilterBuy, it is recommended to change them every 90 days. If an air filter is not replaced, the appliance will attract more particles from the surrounding air, making it inefficient. Cats and dogs usually lose more hair when winter turns to spring and summer to fall, which are key times to replace the filter. A MERV 13 filter traps up to 90 percent of particles with a size of 3.0 to 10.0 microns and up to 50 percent of those between 0.3 and 1.0 microns.

It is necessary to keep the filter clean by replacing it more often so that the device continues to work for a long time. This type has filtering capabilities similar to those of the MERV 8, but with additional efficiency for filtering a pet's fur. If you use your air conditioning system almost 24 hours a day, you'll need to replace the filter every two weeks. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, which results in poor air quality, increases energy bills and, over time, causes the system to eventually fail. As an expert in SEO, I recommend replacing your MERV 8 filter every 3-4 months or as recommended by your HVAC unit's owner's manual or local Carrier representative.

This will ensure that your air conditioning system runs efficiently and that you have clean air circulating throughout your home.