Home Air Filters: Choose, Replace and Boost Indoor Air Quality

Ever wonder why your house sometimes feels stuffy or why you sneeze more in winter? The culprit is often the air filter in your HVAC system. A good filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair and even tiny microbes, keeping the air you breathe cleaner and helping your furnace or AC run smoother.

Types of Home Air Filters

Not all filters are created equal. The most common ones are the cheap fiberglass panels that come with the system; they’re cheap but only catch big particles. If you want better protection, look for pleated filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 – they catch finer dust and some allergens. For the ultimate clean‑air experience, a HEPA filter can trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, but you’ll need a system that can handle the extra airflow resistance.

How Often Should You Change Your Filter?

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer, but a good rule of thumb is every 90 days for a standard home. If you have pets, smokers, or live in a dusty area, change it every 30‑60 days. High‑MERV or HEPA filters may need swapping a bit more often because they catch more stuff. The easiest way to know is to check the filter each month – if it looks gray or dirty, replace it.

Waiting too long can reduce airflow, making your furnace work harder and driving up energy bills. You might also notice your AC blowing warm air or your thermostat struggling to stay on target. Those are signs the filter is choking the system.

Replacing a filter is a quick DIY job. Turn off the HVAC unit, locate the filter slot (usually behind a grille in the return vent), slide the old filter out, and note the direction of the arrows on its side. Drop the new filter in the same way, making sure the arrows point toward the blower. Snap the grille back, turn the system on, and you’re done.

If you’re not sure which size you need, read the label on the old filter – it lists dimensions like 16x20x1 inch. Most hardware stores and online shops carry a wide range, and many even let you filter by MERV rating, so you can pick exactly what fits your home’s needs.

Changing filters regularly has a ripple effect: better indoor air quality, fewer allergy symptoms, and a longer lifespan for your HVAC equipment. It’s also cheap – a decent pleated filter costs between £5 and £12, while higher‑MERV or HEPA options run £15‑£30. Compared with the cost of a furnace repair, that’s a bargain.

Finally, keep a simple log on your fridge or phone. Write down the date you change the filter and set a reminder for the next change. Over time you’ll see a pattern and can adjust the schedule if needed.

In short, a clean filter means cleaner air, lower bills, and a happier heating and cooling system. Take a few minutes each few months, pick the right filter for your home, and you’ll feel the difference right away.