What MERV rating should I use?

MERV 8–11 for most homes. Higher restricts airflow on residential blowers and can cost more in efficiency than it saves in dust.

How do I tell if it's time?

Hold the filter to a light. If you can't see light through the pleats, you're already past due.

Smart living1 min read

Quarterly is a lazy default. Your real cadence depends on pets, MERV rating, and how hard the system runs.

By Houex Editorial · May 23, 2026

Situation	Replace every
1-inch filter, no pets	60–90 days
1-inch filter, one pet	45–60 days
1-inch filter, multiple pets	30 days
4–5 inch media filter	6–12 months
Recently renovated / drywall dust	30 days for first 6 mo

Set the reminder in the Maintenance Scheduler — it adapts the cadence based on your inputs.

Frequently asked

What MERV rating should I use?: MERV 8–11 for most homes. Higher restricts airflow on residential blowers and can cost more in efficiency than it saves in dust.
How do I tell if it's time?: Hold the filter to a light. If you can't see light through the pleats, you're already past due.

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