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. Air filters with a MERV 11 rating or higher can typically take three to six months before they are replaced. Specifically, for high MERV ratings and greater thickness, these filters easily require only two filter changes per year. Filter types are determined by their MERV rating.
A MERV rating, the minimum value of efficiency reports, measures the effectiveness of filtration. The higher the MERV ratings, the more effective the filter will be at not allowing particles in the air to pass through it. We offer MERV 8, 10, 11 and 16 filters for sale in our office and can also place special orders for unique sizes. The MERV rating also generally determines how often the oven filter needs to be changed. You should have a clean filter, MERV 8 filters should be changed every 3-4 months, MERV 10 and 11 filters every 6 months and it's a good idea to change MERV 16 filters every year.
In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days or 3 months. That may change depending on the location of your home (e.g. dry and dusty climates), if you have pets and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets in the house, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and for households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing the filter every 20-45 days. Usually, vacation homes or vacant homes that don't have much use can expect to change filters every 9-12 months.
The general consensus is that the more you use your home, the more you need to change the air filter. And then there's the question of the type of filter. If you've been following this blog for the past year, you know that I'm a fan of high MERV filters that are thicker (at least two inches) because they do a much better job cleaning the air. If you want good indoor air quality (IAQ), you need better filtration and that means a MERV-13 filter. But high-MERV filters are also more expensive, so changing them every 30 days isn't as good for your pocket.
If you use the air filter for less than five hours a day, you can extend the life of the filter to a few more months. If your air filter typically lasts 90 days, you should change it every 30 days during peak summer and winter months, when the system works the hardest. No matter what HVAC system you have, each unit needs a properly tuned quality filter to keep indoor air quality clean and your unit running at peak efficiency. Check the surfaces farthest from the ventilation grilles, if they are not as dusty, then the problem is the air filter. So, make sure you have the right type of air filter for your air handler, and if you've recently done work around your home or own a pet, follow these simple steps to improve your oven's air filter performance. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use.
A larger home generally requires more frequent filter changes because ovens and air conditioners must release more air for temperature fluctuations. Similarly, a 1-inch pleated filter will need a more frequent change compared to a 4-inch pleated filter that can last up to six months before needing to be replaced because it has more area for particles to accumulate. Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will operate. To ensure your family is safe from germs and other potentially harmful air particles, you should replace the filter more often. Also, as a test, hang a white sheet several inches from the vent and watch if the sheet turns gray, which again shows that it's time to change the air filter in the house.
You will no longer be able to filter the air properly, allowing dust and contaminants to enter the HVAC system. In conclusion, it is important to understand how often Merv filters should be changed in order to maintain optimal indoor air quality (IAQ). Your oven owner's manual will specify what type of Merv rating is best for your oven; however in general filters with a Merv rating of 6-9 should be changed every 90 days while those with a Merv rating of 10-12 should be changed every 60 days. Air filters with a Merv 11 rating or higher can typically take three to six months before they are replaced. If you have pets in your home or suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions it is recommended that you change your Merv filters every 20-45 days.
