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How often do YOU change furnace filters?
QUESTION:I just got through putting in new 3M Filtrete furnace filters. My wife
has allergies, and we got tired of all the dust in the house from the
furnace.
When I put them in, I noticed they're only rated to last for 3 months.
They
also slip in a casual warning that leaving them in for more than that
can
"restrict airflow or cause the system to malfunction".
I've never changed filters more often than once/year. Is every 3 months
a
reasonable timeframe, or is this just to get me to buy more $15 filters?
It's a new (5yo) relatively high-efficiency furnace.
ANSWER: With all due respect, and no malice intended, it's no wonder you're
experiencing problems with dust and allergies if you've been used to
changing the furnace filters only once a year. Unless you're using an
electrostatic filter or something that is specifically rated for once a
year changing, then all that's happening is that huge amounts of dust
particles are building up, reducing the air flow, and then allowing all
the rest of the dust in the house to roam free without being filtered
properly.
The 3M filter you just bought is designed to filter out all but the
smallest of particles. The only way those filters can maintain
efficiency is to be changed when they're "full" (i.e., when they've
filtered about all the dust they can, which usually happens in about 3
months of *normal* use). They may get full before the 3 months is up.
In our case, we have two dogs who live with us, and our filter gets
maxed out after about 8 weeks. Yes, it gets a bit pricey, but not
having to take my daughter to the pediatrician because her allergies are
causing her ears to explode, saves some cash (not to mention the more
important heart ache). And my wife doesn't have to take her allergy
medicine quiet so often (usually only after she's been at somebody
else's house where there is a cat). Good for the body and the
pocketbook there too.
I understand your cost concern...$15 for filters *is* a lot to plunk
down every 3 months. But 3 months is a reasonable timeframe for those
filters. An alternative may be to find a
less-expensive-yet-just-as-good brand. There is a point of diminishing
returns on those things. And you may be able to spend $8 for one that
is only marginally less effective as the 3M. Also, ask about a cost
reduction from your store manager if you buy them by the case.
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