Changing the air filter should be a recurrent item on your to-do list. As long as you’re running either the furnace or the A/C, the filter needs periodic replacement. However, should the frequency of air filter changes vary according to the season? Let’s begin with the baseline maintenance minimum: Every month the filter should at least be inspected. If it’s visibly dirty, dusty or damaged, change it now whether it’s winter or summer. Select a quality pleated air filter with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating around 8 for the best balance of filtration efficiency and maximum airflow.
What if the filter’s looking good at the monthly checkup? Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to change it now or defer until next month’s inspection:
- Here in Indiana, seasonal changes are very distinct. Most people run their air conditioner more hours per day during summer than the daily operating hours of the furnace in winter. This means more air circulates through the filter and filtration efficiency thus declines faster in the hot months. While you might opt to delay winter filter changes to every other month, changing the filter monthly is best practice during summer.
- Consider also the volume and nature of airborne particulates according to the seasons. Air conditioning months incorporate both the heavy pollen season of late spring and summer, as well as the ragweed season that occurs in late summer and fall. Protection against seasonal airborne allergy triggers also makes a strong case for changing the filter every month when running the A/C.
- Increased daily hours of A/C operation also incurs more wear and tear on moving parts like the blower fan, as well as increased accumulation of dust and dirt on the indoor evaporator coils. A clean filter helps reduce the effects of wear on expensive components as well as dust accumulation that reduces coil efficiency.
Wondering how — and how often — to change the air filter? Ask the professionals at Paitson Bros., your Terre Haute source of HVAC advice, sales and service since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Steve Heap/Shutterstock”
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922