How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

If you think of your furnace filter as just another piece of your HVAC system, you're missing the bigger picture. This small, often overlooked component determines your home’s air quality, energy efficiency, and even the lifespan of your entire heating system. And yet, most homeowners forget to change it—until they notice the consequences.

At Eco Pro, we believe that small, proactive steps make a massive difference in your home’s comfort and efficiency. So, let’s answer the big question: how often should you change your furnace filter?

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Why Your Furnace Filter Matters More Than You Think

Most people believe a furnace filter's job is to clean indoor air. While it does contribute to better air quality, its primary purpose is to protect your furnace. It traps dust, pet dander, and debris before they can infiltrate the system and cause damage. When clogged, airflow is restricted, making your furnace work harder, driving up energy costs, and shortening its lifespan.

Think of it like your car’s air filter. Would you drive 50,000 km without replacing it? Probably not. Your furnace filter deserves the same level of attention.

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The Real Answer: It Depends on Your Home

You’ve probably seen the generic rule: change your furnace filter every 90 days. But if you rely on that blanket advice, you might be costing yourself in repairs or lost efficiency. The truth is, several factors dictate how often you should replace it.

Furnace Filter Replacement Guide by Size:

• 1- to 2-inch filters: Every 1 to 3 months
• 3- to 4-inch filters: Every 6 to 9 months
• 5- to 6-inch filters: Every 9 to 12 months

Larger filters hold more debris, so they last longer. But size alone doesn’t determine longevity.

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Key Factors That Affect Filter Life

1. Pets: Each furry friend in your home shortens filter life by 30 days. If you have multiple pets, you should check your filter monthly.
2. Allergies & Air Quality Sensitivity: If you or a family member has asthma or allergies, change your filter more often to keep contaminants at bay.
3. Home Location: Living in a high-pollen area or near construction? Dust and debris build up faster.
4. HVAC Usage: If you run your furnace or air conditioner year-round, the filter works overtime.
5. Indoor Air Quality: Homes without additional air purifiers rely solely on the furnace filter, so it clogs more quickly.

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Warning Signs Your Furnace Filter Needs Changing

Don’t rely on a calendar alone—watch for these signs that your filter needs to be replaced:

• Rising Energy Bills – A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, spiking utility costs.
• Uneven Heating or Weak Airflow – Struggling to keep rooms warm? Your filter may be suffocating your furnace.
• Excessive Dust in the Home – If you’re dusting more often, your filter isn’t doing its job.
• Frequent System Cycling – If your furnace turns on and off constantly, it may be overheating due to poor airflow.
• Strange Odors – A musty or burning smell could indicate a clogged filter restricting airflow.

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The Eco Pro Difference: We Make Furnace Maintenance Simple

At Eco Pro, we don’t just install and repair HVAC systems—we help homeowners maximize efficiency and comfort year-round. Our licensed and FortisBC-certified technicians ensure your system runs at peak performance with expert filter replacements, maintenance services, and energy-efficient upgrades.

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Why Choose Eco Pro?

✔ Over 42,000 homes serviced – We know what it takes to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

✔ 24/7 Emergency Service – We’re there when you need us most.

✔ HPCN Certified – Access to exclusive rebate programs and top-tier workmanship.

✔ 100% Right or 100% Free Guarantee – If we don’t get it right, your service is on us.

✔ Free Extended Warranty – We offer an additional 3-year warranty on parts and labor for all our services.

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Get Your HVAC System in Top Shape—Starting with Your Filter

Most furnace failures start with something simple—like a dirty filter. Don’t wait until your system struggles to perform. Check your filter today. If it’s overdue for a change, we can help.

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📞 Call us: (604) 725-4485 (North Vancouver) | (778) 995-2562 (Sechelt)
📧 Email us: contact@ecoproheating.ca
📍 Visit us: 4 - 342 E Esplanade, Entrance in Front, North Vancouver, BC | 5477 Wharf Ave #2-5, Sechelt
🌐 Website: www.ecoproheating.ca

Take action now and extend the life of your HVAC system with something as simple as a fresh furnace filter. It’s a small change that makes a world of difference.