For basic air filters (1 to 3), brands typically suggest changing them every 30 to 90 days. If someone in your family has mild to moderate allergies, you may want to invest in a better air filter or switch it more often. The only way to be sure how often your air filter should be changed is to visually inspect it each month. After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty and if you need to re-evaluate if you have a new pet or if the outdoor air quality has been poor.
A general rule of thumb for pleated air filters (such as those made by FilterBuy) is to change them every 90 days. As the filter captures more dirt, dust, and allergens from the air, the efficiency of the filter decreases. Next, find out if you should replace the filter more often. Not only will this help ensure that the engine receives sufficient airflow, but it can also help improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. It's recommended to change your car's air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the type of environment you live in.
Check the air filter every 12,000 miles or every time you change the oil. Lightly tap the air filter against the floor to shake off any remaining dust or dirt. Then take the old-school “light” test. If you can see the brightness of a flashlight or a light that emits problems from the back, there should be no problem. As the system makes more efforts to compensate for a clogged filter, the unit itself may become hot.
The outside of the air conditioner can be warm to the touch, or hot air can even come out the back. Increased wear and overheating can cause major repairs and total air conditioner breakdowns. The bottom line is, if you feel like the air conditioner is hot, check to see if the filter is dirty; replacing it should correct the problem. However, if it's impossible to replace the air filter for an extended period of time, spending more than 90 days won't cause irreparable damage to your air conditioning system. In addition to cleaning your filters regularly, you should consider the most common signs that an air conditioner filter needs to be replaced; here are five of the most common: after a period of smoky days and poor outdoor air quality, inspect the air filter to see if it needs to be changed; increased wear and overheating; poor air quality and poor air circulation; fiberglass air filters are less efficient at capturing dust and particles from the air; and an inability for the engine to receive sufficient airflow. An air filter is essential for keeping air quality clean by preventing pollutants from entering the car's engine. In addition, if you drive a lot off-road or drive frequently on muddy roads or water crossings, make sure to check and replace the air filter more often, as these conditions can significantly increase its wear and tear.
If you want a dog or cat that is hypoallergenic or that doesn't lose hair, you may not have to change the air filter so much. If you have an asthmatic or allergic person at home, change the filter every 6 weeks to ensure optimal indoor air quality. In addition to reducing energy efficiency and causing indoor air quality problems, a clogged filter can restrict airflow. There is no strict guideline, but if the filter shows only a subtle layer of dirt below which the filter material is still visible, it means that it is working properly. The engine air filter, which is different from the cabin air filter, traps solid contaminants so that they do not enter the engine. To ensure optimal performance of your vehicle's engine and climate system as well as clean indoor air quality in your home or office space, it's important to check your 16x25x1 air filters regularly for signs of wear and tear.
