As someone who lives in New Jersey, you know how essential your HVAC system is for staying comfortable through hot summers and cold winters.
But here’s the catch: Your air filter plays a big role in keeping your air clean and your HVAC running smoothly. And you need to change it regularly to maintain good air quality and avoid higher energy bills or system damage.
But how often should you change your air filter?
This is one question I am often asked as an HVAC cleaning professional.
Now, although the exact frequency depends on things like the season, pets, and air quality in your area, you should change filters at-lease every 60-90 days.
In this blog, I will help you figure out exactly when and how often to change your filter based on your home’s needs.
So, let’s get started.
Key takeaways
- Check your air filter every month.
- Change the filter every 60-90 days on an average.
- Replace sooner (every 20-45 days) if you have pets, allergies, asthma, or heavy HVAC use.
- If you use higher-efficiency filters (MERV 11-13), check more frequently, as they clog faster.
- During dusty seasons, construction nearby, or heavy pollen (spring/fall), you might need to change it more often.
- If your air feels dusty, your HVAC is running longer than usual, or energy bills spike, replace the filter immediately.
How often should you change your air filter exactly?
For starters, most experts, including us at Clean Air Technologies, suggest changing your filter every 30 to 90 days.
But the exact AC air filter replacement frequency depends on a few things like the type of filter you use, how often your HVAC runs, and your home itself.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Replace filter every 30-60 days if you use basic fiberglass or disposable filters
Fiberglass or disposable filters are the most affordable filters. But they also fill up with dust quickly.
So, you’ll likely need to replace them every 30-60 days, especially if you have pets, dust, or if your HVAC runs a lot.
Also, if you start to notice weak airflow or more dust in the air, it’s time to swap it out.
2. Replace filter every 60-90 days if you use pleated or mid-grade filters (MERV 8-11)
Pleated or mid-grade filters with MERV 8-11 rating last a bit longer and trap more particles like dust, pollen, and pet hair.
You can usually go 60-90 days between changes, but keep an eye on them.
But, if you notice your home getting dustier or the air feels stuffy, it might be time to replace it.
3. Replace filter every 45-60 days if you use high-efficiency filters (MERV 12-16 or HEPA)
MERV 12-16 or HEPA filters are great for homes with allergies, asthma, or lots of pollution. They trap tiny particles like mold spores and smoke.
But they also clog up faster. So, if you have one of these filters, plan to replace it every 45-60 days, or more often if you have heavy dust or pet dander.
Pro tip: Check your filter every month
No matter which type of filter you have, it’s a good idea to check it every month.
To do this, simply remove it and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time for a change.
Even if it looks okay, if your HVAC system is running longer than usual or the air feels stuffy, it might be worth replacing the filter early.
In short:
| Filter Type | What It Means | Replacement Frequency |
| Fiberglass / Disposable | Basic, cheap filters that catch large dust | Every 30-60 days |
| Pleated / Mid-Grade (MERV 8-11) | Better at catching dust, pollen, and pet hair | Every 60-90 days |
| High-Efficiency (MERV 12-16 / HEPA) | Best for allergies, asthma, tiny particles | Every 45-60 days (sometimes sooner) |
| Any Filter Type | — | Check monthly using the light test |
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What factors decide how often to replace AC filter in New Jersey?
There are several factors that speed up the process of your air filter clogging. Meaning you’ll need to replace it more often than the standard 60-90 days.
Let’s have a look at these key factors that determine how quickly your filter gets dirty:
1. Pets hair and dander
If you’re a pet owner, your filter is working overtime.
How?
Pets shed fur and dander, and they bring in dirt and dust from outside, all of which get trapped in your air filter.
This means the filter can clog up much faster.
So, for pet owners, it’s generally recommended to change the filter every 45-60 days. Also, in some cases, you might need to replace it as often as every 30-45 days to keep things clean and allergy-free.
2. Household size and activity
The more people in your home, the more dust, skin flakes, and other airborne particles your HVAC system has to deal with.
For instance, larger households, or homes with active kids and lots of cooking or movement, tend to accumulate more dirt.
So, if you have a busy household, you might want to plan on changing your filter more frequently, likely every 45-60 days.
Also, if you’ve got a household full of kids or frequent gatherings, you might need a quicker change to maintain clean air.
3. Air quality and outdoor conditions
New Jersey’s air can be challenging, especially during certain seasons. Plus, construction dust, pollen, and pollution can all impact your filter’s life.
Now, if your home is near a construction zone or major roads, or you’re dealing with pollen-heavy seasons, your filter may get clogged quicker than usual.
In these cases, you’ll likely need to change your filter more often, around every 30-60 days.
Also, if you live in a particularly polluted or dusty area, it’s a good idea to check the filter more regularly, especially in the spring and fall.
4. Allergies, asthma, or health sensitivities
If anyone in your household has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, maintaining clean air becomes even more important.
Why?
A clogged filter won’t be able to trap allergens. Meaning dust, pollen, and other irritants will recirculate through your home.
In these cases, changing your air filter every 20-45 days is a good practice to help reduce the buildup of allergens and maintain better air quality.
5. Heavy HVAC use
In New Jersey, your HVAC system likely gets a lot of use during both the summer and winter months.
In fact, whether you’re running the AC in the heat or cranking up the heat during a cold spell, your system is working harder.
The more your HVAC system is running, the more air it cycles, and the quicker the filter can get clogged with dust and particles.
So, during high-use seasons, you might need to change your filter more frequently, around every 30-45 days, or at least check it monthly.
6. Filter type, material and thickness
A basic 1-inch fiberglass filter tends to get clogged much faster than pleated filters, which have more surface area and last longer.
However, even pleated filters need regular checks.
For instance, if you’re using higher-efficiency filters (MERV 11-13), they trap even more particles. But they clog faster and reduce airflow if your HVAC system isn’t designed for them.
So, if you have a higher-MERV filter, be prepared to change it more often to keep the airflow strong and your HVAC system running smoothly.
In short:
| Factor | Why It Matters | How Often to Replace |
| Pets | Pets shed hair and dander that clog filters fast | Every 30-60 days |
| Large or active household | More people = more dust, movement, and cooking particles | Every 45-60 days |
| Air quality outdoors | NJ pollen, road traffic, construction dust clog filters | Every 30-60 days |
| Allergies/Asthma | Need cleaner air and fewer allergens | Every 20-45 days |
| Heavy HVAC use | More heating/cooling cycles = faster clogging | Every 30-45 days |
| Filter type (MERV rating) | Higher-MERV filters trap more particles | Check monthly; replace sooner as needed |
Still not sure when to change air filter? Here’s an air filter replacement schedule you can use:
| Household / Conditions | Filter Type / Notes | Suggested Frequency |
| Single person, no pets, light use | 1″ basic or pleated | Check monthly, replace every 90 days |
| Small family (2-4 people), no pets, moderate use | Pleated or mid-grade | Replace every 60-90 days |
| Household with 1-2 pets, moderate use | Pleated or MERV 8-11 | Replace every 45-60 days |
| Household with pets and people with allergies/asthma | Pleated or MERV 11-13 | Replace every 30-45 days |
| Large, active household / heavy HVAC use | Pleated or high-eff filters | Check monthly, replace every 30-45 days |
| Periods of heavy use (summer heat, winter cold, wildfire smoke) | — | Inspect monthly, expect 30-day replacements |
Pro tip: Mark the date on your filter when you install it. This makes tracking replacements much easier.
Bonus: You can check your air filter through a light test
Want to know if it’s time for a change?
Skip guessing and use the light test.
Here’s how it works:
- Remove the filter from your HVAC system.
- Hold it up to a bright light or sunlight.
- If you can’t see light coming through, it’s time to replace the filter.
You might also want to read: How To Clean Out Your Dryer Vent?
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
Contact us to improve your indoor air
quality with our expert cleaning services in NJ.
Final thoughts
By now, I am sure you know how often should you change your air filter in New Jersey. Also, you know what factors decide the intensity of filter change in your home.
You see, changing your air filter is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to improve both your home’s air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system.
And for New Jersey homeowners dealing with humidity, dust, pets, and extreme seasonal temperatures, it’s even more important.
After all, not only will this ensure cleaner air, but it will also save you money on energy bills and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Got more questions or want a peace of mind with an affordable air filter replacement plan?
You can get in touch with us!
At Clean Air Technologies, we can help you choose the right filter for your home along with recurrent replacement plans.
Simply put, we’ve got your air filter maintenance and upkeep needs covered on a budget.
FAQs about how often to replace AC filter
Is replacing my filter every 90 days enough?
It could be, especially if your home is small, you have few people living there, and no pets.
However, it’s always a good idea to check your filter monthly. If you notice weak airflow, more dust around the house, or your HVAC system is running longer than usual, it’s time to change it sooner.
I have pets. How often should I change the filter?
Pets are wonderful, but they can really fill up your air filter with hair and dander.
If you have pets, aim to replace your filter every 45–60 days.
If you have multiple pets, heavy shedding, or allergy concerns, consider changing it more often, every 30-45 days. It helps keep the air cleaner and your HVAC system working efficiently.
Are high-efficiency (MERV 13+) filters better?
High-efficiency filters rated MERV 13 or more are great for catching tiny particles like dust, pollen, and even bacteria, making them excellent for allergy sufferers.
But, they do clog up faster and can restrict airflow if your HVAC system isn’t built to handle them.
So, while they offer better air quality, you might need to change them more often, like every 45-60 days, depending on your home’s air quality and HVAC usage.
How can I tell when my air filter is really clogged?
If your filter looks dirty and you can’t see light through it when you hold it up to the sun, it’s probably time to change it.
Also, if you notice your HVAC system is running longer than usual or your vents are blowing weak air, those are signs that the filter may be clogged.
Always check it monthly to avoid any surprises!
What happens if I don’t change my air filter?
Neglecting to change your air filter can lead to a few problems.
First, it reduces airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and use more energy, which can drive up your bills.
Over time, it can even cause the system to overheat or break down.
Plus, dirty filters mean dust, allergens, and other particles stay in your air, which can make your indoor air quality worse.
Can I clean and reuse my disposable filter?
It’s best not to clean disposable filters as they’re not designed to be reused. Cleaning them can damage the filter material and reduce its effectiveness.
It’s always better to replace them with a fresh one to ensure your system is working efficiently and your air stays clean.
