The Homeowner’s Guide to Every Filter That Matters in Your House

Furnace Air Filters

The most important filter to maintain in your home is the air filter in your HVAC system. When clogged, it won’t properly catch dust and allergens. A neglected filter also restricts airflow to the furnace, causing it to work harder, which can raise your energy bill and lead to broken parts and overheating.

“We see hundreds of service calls every year that could have been prevented with regular filter changes,” says HVAC and plumbing specialist Aaron Adams. A good rule of thumb is to check your furnace filter every month or two, and replace it every three to six months.

Whole Home Humidifiers

If your HVAC system includes a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier, remember to address those filters, too. “They usually only need to be replaced once a year, right before the heating season for humidifiers and right before the cooling season for dehumidifiers,” says HVAC and vent cleaning specialist Ryan Osterkamp.

Air Conditioners

Regardless of whether you have central air, a ductless mini split or a window unit, check and clean your AC filters every four to six weeks. For central air and mini splits, Greenwood also recommends an annual professional clean-and-check. “Proper maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, maintains indoor air quality and ensures consistent comfort,” she says. Also, don’t forget to remove debris from the outdoor portion of AC systems.

Air Purifiers

Standalone air purifiers rely on clean filters to trap allergens, airborne particulates and harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Most models will alert you when its time to change or clean the filter, but you can also check filters visually every few months to see if they look dirty. Also, Greenwood recommends replacing them once a year, even if the warning light hasn’t yet illuminated.

Water Filters

Your home likely has a couple of water filters, including those in whole-home or under-sink filtration systems, as well as refrigerators with automatic ice-makers and water dispensers. For whole-home systems, “If the water from your main water supply can’t pass through the filter, you may find that the pressure in your showers and faucets drops off,” says Adams. Most water filters are DIY-able, but occasionally more complicated systems require the help of a professional plumber.

Faucets

If you notice uneven water flow or poor water pressure coming from your faucet, it’s likely that the small screen in your aerator is clogged. “An aerator’s main purpose is to control water flow, but they also catch debris and larger particles,” says Osterkamp.

To check and clean them, simply unscrew the cap on the end of the faucet and use a toothbrush or towel with vinegar to scrub away debris.

Clothes Dryers

Cleaning the dryer lint filter after every load ensures clothes dry quickly. It also keeps the machine from working too hard, which otherwise reduces its lifespan and introduces a fire risk. Unless you have a heat-pump model, you also need to clean the filter where the hot air gets released, which is either through a vent on the outside wall or into an indoor dryer vent box. Heat-pump dryers also usually have a secondary lint filter, which isn’t always obvious.

Washing Machines

If you have a front-load washing machine, chances are it has a drain pump filter. Look for it near the bottom front, behind a panel. Some older top-load washers also have filters along the top rim or inside the agitator.

“If your washing machine is regularly tackling dirty sportswear or pet fur, you’ll maximize its performance by cleaning the filter monthly,” says Adams. “For lighter use, you can probably get away with once a quarter.”

Dishwashers

Cleaning food and debris from the filter in your dishwasher is usually a quick and simple task. “If you’re running it more than once a day, you’ll keep bad smells away and have your dishes the cleanest with monthly filter cleanings,” says Adams. Otherwise, every month or two is ample. Look for the filter under the bottom rack, and clean it in the kitchen sink, using a soft brush and dish soap.

Septic Systems

Cleaning septic system filters is an unenviable task. Luckily, it’s one the pros can do during their routine maintenance checks (which you should schedule every three to five years). “Many people with septic systems don’t even realize this system has a filter, too,” says Adams. But, “A clogged septic filter can lead to a back up in the home that can cause thousands of dollars in damage.”

Exhaust Fans

The exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens don’t necessarily have filters, but it’s important to routinely clean them. Built up grease, dust and debris make them less effective at moving air, which can lead to humidity and mold issues, especially in the bathroom. It also makes them work harder, which can create a fire hazard.

Vacuum Cleaners

Not cleaning a vacuum filter is a sure way to overheat the motor and break the machine. But before that happens, you’ll be harming your home’s air quality, since clogged vacuums spread dust and allergens through the air. Many vacuums have at least a couple of filters, for larger particles and fine dust. Don’t forget to also check the hoses for blockages and the belts for strings and hair.

About the Experts

• Brooke Greenwood is director of product management for Carrier’s Residential Business, leading strategy and development for residential heating and air conditioning products.
• Ryan Osterkamp is owner of Quality Comfort Home Services, which offers HVAC, plumbing and vent cleaning services in southern Ohio and eastern Indiana.
• Aaron Adams is CEO of Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling in Georgia, where he loves to educate the public about all things plumbing and HVAC.

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