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You should plan to change your AC unit's filter every one to three months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also clean the coils at least once per year, but if you have pets or someone in your household has allergies, you might need to clean them more often. Fortunately, many pros will clean the coils and change the filter for you during an inspection, which you should schedule once or twice per year.

Sometimes, you can clean an HVAC filter rather than replace it. If you have a washable filter, also known as a permanent or semi-permanent HVAC filter, wash the filter once per month. However, if you have filters that are not labeled as washable, do not attempt to clean them and reuse them. Many HVAC filters are disposable, and you’ll need to buy a whole new filter to replace dirty disposable filters.

Air filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher need to be changed every three to six months. If your filters are incredibly strained because of environmental factors, such as living in a smoggy, pollen-rich area with a large household, you may need to change your filters every two months regardless of the MERV rating.

The lifespan of a whole-house air purifier or filtration system depends on several factors, but with proper maintenance, they are built to last. A whole-house system that integrates with your home's ductwork can last 10 to 15 years, or even for the entire lifetime of your existing HVAC system. To maximize the unit's lifespan, perform regular cleanings, change filters as recommended, and schedule an annual inspection to catch potential issues early. The system's longevity also depends on its frequency of use and how hard it must work to maintain your desired air quality. For comparison, smaller, portable air filter systems typically last between five and ten years.