How Often Should You Change Merv 13 Filters?

MERV 13 filters are among your best options if you want to upgrade your HVAC system and ensure higher indoor air quality for you and your loved ones. These types of filters can take care of up to 90% of micron-sized contaminants.

However, when you have such an advanced filter in your home, how often should you change it to keep it functioning at its peak? Turns out, you can change your MERV 13 filters once every three to six months to ensure their effectiveness. Yet, according to Filterking, the replacement frequency of your MERV 13 filters also depends on some outside factors. Here is what you should consider!

Do You Have Pets?

If you have pets in your home, especially those that shed hair or dander, such as cats or dogs, then you may need to replace your MERV 13 filters more frequently. This is because pet dander can trigger allergies, and their hair can also clog your filters more quickly. When these filters are clogged, they won’t work as efficiently and might even consume more energy.

What Does the Manufacturer Say?

Regardless if you have pets or not, you should always check your manufacturer’s recommendations. The manufacturer should proved specific instructions regarding the lifespan and replacement interval for the filters, which may also refer to situations regarding the presence of pets or other factors that can affect the filters.

Does Someone Smoke Inside the House?

Smoking isn’t good for your health. However, if you or someone else smokes inside, then you should replace your air filters more frequently to ensure good indoor air quality. Although air filters are designed to keep contaminants at bay, they will wear off more easily if they need to fight against additional particles, such as those present in tobacco smoke. 

Is There a Renovation or Construction Going On?

During construction or renovation projects, dust, debris, and particles in the air greatly increase. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do in this situation. Using air filters is beneficial to maintain good quality indoor air. However, even if you use MERV 13 filters in these scenarios, you will need to replace them more frequently due to the increased particle presence in the air.

How Many People Are In the Household?

High occupancy is another factor that influences the replacement frequency of MERV 13—or any other type of air filter for that matter. If there are more individuals in your home, especially if they have respiratory conditions or allergies, then you will need to replace the air filters more frequently to ensure the indoor air is clean.

Do You Live in a Clean Area?

Lastly, the area where you live also dictates how often you should replace your air filters. Some areas have higher levels of air pollutants, allergens, and other air contaminants than others. Depending on those levels, you may need to replace your MERV 13 filters more frequently.