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A correctly installed air filter will fit snugly in its compartment. One that’s too thick or big won’t lie smoothly, and it can block the airflow, sometimes resulting in strange noises. A filter that’s too small or improperly fitted may move around in the compartment, resulting in strange humming or vibration noises. Poor fitting can eventually cause a buildup of dirt in the HVAC ductwork, and reduced indoor air quality can lead to sneezing or excess dust on your surfaces.

For washable or electrostatic air conditioner filters, you can soak and rinse them with water. If you rinse the filter with water, make sure to use a faucet, shower head, or garden hose with a gentle water pressure setting, as strong water pressure could damage the filter.

But for disposable filters, water could ruin the filter, even allowing mold to grow in the filter. Instead, these filters should be replaced.

There are several reasons why your furnace filter might get dirty quickly. For example, if you run your furnace often, more air—and therefore, more contaminants—will flow through the system and clog your filter. Having pets is another reason that your filter accumulates dirt quickly. Also, thinner filters will get dirty faster than thicker ones.

If you don't regularly change your HVAC air filter, it will become clogged with dust, dirt, and other contaminants. This blockage forces the system to work harder to circulate air, leading to several negative consequences. You may experience higher energy bills, poor temperature regulation, reduced air quality, and slower system performance. Over time, this added strain can cause parts to break more frequently, lead to system failure, and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your entire HVAC unit. In some cases, it can also contribute to health problems. It's recommended to change the filter at least every three months.