Home air filters delivered when it's time to change them

Changing your air filters on-time is similar to getting an oil change for your car. The longer you wait between changes, the more damage you can do. It's a mandatory maintenance item to keep your heating and cooling unit working smoothly.  Replacing your HVAC air filters every few months is a small price to pay rather than replacing your HVAC for thousands of dollars! Read more about how dirty air filters can impact your HVAC system. Regular A/C filter changes also keep your indoor air clean by filtering out particles such a dust, dander, pollen, and even virus carriers.

For more, read our Complete Guide to Air Filters.

The higher the MERV rating, the higher the air filtration capabilities. The MERV rating you choose can be dependent on multiple factors such as number of people and pets in your household, your family's needs, and your location. For example, if someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, our MERV 13 Health Shield air filter is perfect for you. Live alone and away from areas of smog or smoke pollution? Our MERV 8 Essential air filter covers all the basics. Have a pet or two? Our MERV 10 Essential+ air filter does a great job of covering the basics and catching loads of pet dander too.  

Still not sure what to pick? See our full guide on which MERV rating to choose.

First, locate all of the air filters in your home. Look for vents, air registers, and air return grilles in your walls, ceilings, or floor. Air filters can also be located directly in your system, air handler, or furnace. See more about air filter locations in our blog post.

The easiest way to gather your air filter sizes is to look at your existing filters. On the outer frame of your current air filters, you will see at least one set of numbers. You may see two sets of numbers such as: 19 3/4 x 19 3/4 x 3/4 and 20x20x1. When buying your size, select the air filter size that is rounded up.

Don't have existing airfilters? You will need to measure your air return vents with a measuring tape. For more information, read our full blog post about how air filter sizing works.

NO! This is a myth. The only way a pleated air filter can cause trouble is if you fail to change the air filter on-time. (That's what makes our subscription so great!) Pleated HVAC filters capture small particles that can be harmful to you and your HVAC system. Fiberglass filters allow these pollutants to easily pass through and cycle back through the system into your home so that you breathe them in. Along the way, some particles can attach to the refrigerant coils. This buildup can lower system efficiencies, drive up power bills, or even worse—cause a catastrophic breakdown. Learn more about pleated air filters vs. fiberglass air filters.

HVAC technicians recommend you change your air filter(s) at least every 3 months. However, this is also dependent on your needs and lifestyle. Those with allergies or asthma might experience more relief from changing HVAC air filters more often. Live near areas prone to smoke pollution and smog? Again, change the HVAC filters more often.

A common myth is that your A/C filters should be filthy when it's time to change them. FALSE. If your home air filter is dark grey/black or covered in fuzz, it's way past time to change them. With Second Nature, you can always skip a delivery or modify your delivery frequency anytime!