When Should You Change Your MERV and FPR Rated Filters?

Your oven owner's manual will specify the best MERV rating for your oven, and in general, filters with a MERV rating of 6 to 9 should be changed every 90 days, while those with a MERV rating of 10 to 12 should be changed every 60 days. However, experts recommend changing it once every 30 days if the air filter is made of fiberglass filters, which are of relatively poor quality. On the other hand, expensive pleated filters can work well if replaced once every three to six months. It's important to understand why you should change your air filter regularly. The MERV rating is the primary classification system used for air filtration.

A higher MERV rating may mean slightly more restricted airflow; however, most current HVAC systems are capable of handling a MERV 11 air filter without overloading the system. In addition to filtering particulates filtered by MERV 8 and 11, MERV 13 can filter kitchen smoke, smog, and virus carriers. Newer units shouldn't have airflow problems with higher MERV ratings, although older models can work harder with a MERV 13 filter installed than when they originally had a MERV 6 filter in the air intake.

When Should You Change Your Air Filter?

The general consensus is that you should replace your home air filter every 3 months, or 90 days. But what happens if you let that time go by for a while? Most residential areas can remove contaminants from MERV 8 to MERV 13, while most hospitals use MERV 14 to MERV 20.

Filters with higher MERV indices trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV indices. A MERV 11 air filter can provide additional benefits and capture a wider range of particles that would pass through a MERV 8 filter. MERV 13 air filters provide even greater filtering power against fine particles compared to MERV 11 filters.

Conclusion: How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

To ensure your home is properly filtered and free from contaminants, it's important to change your air filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter you have and the level of filtration you need, you should replace your air filter every 30-90 days.

Fiberglass filters should be changed every 30 days, while pleated filters can last up to six months. For maximum filtration, consider using a high-efficiency filter with a MERV rating of 11 or higher.
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