If you’re like most homeowners in Van Buren, Alma, or Fort Smith, you’ve probably asked yourself: how often to change air filter in your HVAC system? It’s a simple question with a surprisingly big impact.
Dirty or clogged filters can quietly sabotage your comfort, increase your energy bills, and even damage your HVAC system. Fortunately, Riverside Comfort Care is here to help you understand the best filter replacement schedule based on your home, lifestyle, and local conditions—so you can keep your system running smoothly all year long.
How Often to Change Air Filter in Arkansas Homes
Changing your air filter might not seem urgent—until you start feeling the effects of reduced airflow, rising electric bills, or worsening allergies. Let’s break down how often you should replace your filter based on a few key factors.
General Recommendations by Filter Type
1-inch standard fiberglass filters: Every 30–60 days
Pleated 2–3 inch filters: Every 60–90 days
HEPA or 4–5 inch filters: Every 6–12 months
While these are general guidelines, the specific timing may change depending on your environment and how much you use your HVAC system.
Homes with Pets or Allergies Need More Frequent Changes
If you have furry friends or someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, you should change your filter more often. Pet dander and allergens can clog filters faster than usual, affecting both air quality and system efficiency.
Homes with pets may need to change filters every 30–45 days, especially during shedding seasons.
Seasonal Changes in Fort Smith and Van Buren Affect Frequency
Living in Arkansas means experiencing all four seasons—each with its own HVAC demands. In spring and early summer, pollen counts in Fort Smith and Alma can spike, quickly clogging air filters. In winter, furnaces run longer, pulling more air through the system and requiring consistent filter monitoring.
Regular filter replacement during high-usage months keeps your system efficient and your indoor air healthy.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Filter
Even if you’re following a general schedule, it’s still important to watch for signs that your air filter needs replacing. These include:
Weak airflow from vents
Unusual increase in dust buildup
Allergy flare-ups indoors
Musty or stale odors when the system runs
AC or furnace running more than usual
If you’re seeing any of these signs, it may be time to change your filter—no matter how recently you last did it.
Why Changing Air Filters Matters for AC Efficiency
You might be surprised how much a clean air filter affects your system’s performance. Dirty filters force your HVAC system to work harder, leading to:
Higher monthly utility bills
Reduced cooling or heating power
Premature wear and tear on components
Risk of system breakdown
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing dirty filters is the easiest and most cost-effective way to boost HVAC performance.
Better airflow also means healthier indoor air, especially important for households in Van Buren and Alma, where pollen and humidity are common issues. Want to stay on top of routine care? Consider scheduling AC maintenance services with Riverside.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Air Filter Often Enough?
Neglecting your air filter might not seem like a big deal at first—but it can lead to bigger problems fast:
Frozen coils or overheating components
Dust buildup inside ducts and vents
Blower motor strain, reducing equipment lifespan
Declining indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers
Your HVAC system is a major investment—changing the filter is an easy way to protect it. As Energy Star points out, regular maintenance can improve energy efficiency by up to 15%.
Riverside Comfort Care Helps You Stay on Schedule
Don’t want to keep guessing how often to change air filter? At Riverside Comfort Care, we’ve got you covered. We help homeowners in Van Buren, Alma, and Fort Smith stay on top of filter changes with:
AC repair services when filters cause deeper issues
AC installation services for system upgrades
Filter checks included in all routine tune-ups
For tips on how filters impact air quality, check out the EPA’s IAQ guide and ASHRAE’s indoor air resources.
Want to prepare for the colder months too? Don’t miss our blog:
➡️ Furnace Installation Made Easy with Riverside Comfort Care
Call Riverside Comfort Care for Air Filter Help Today
Still wondering how often to change air filter in your home? Let Riverside Comfort Care take the guesswork out of it.
We proudly serve Van Buren, Alma, and Fort Smith with reliable HVAC service, fast response times, and expert filter maintenance.
Call us today at (479) 353-5266
Or contact us online to schedule your service.
