Air Filter Change Interval Calculator

Estimate how frequently you should replace your HVAC air filter based on filter type, household conditions, and environmental factors.

Formula

Load Factor (LF)

LF = F_size × F_occupant × F_pet × F_smoker × F_allergy × F_dust

  F_size     = homeSize / 2,000
  F_occupant = max(0.80,  1 + (occupants − 2) × 0.10)
  F_pet      = 1 + pets × 0.20
  F_smoker   = 1.50  (smoker present)  |  1.00
  F_allergy  = 0.75  (allergy/asthma)  |  1.00
  F_dust     = 1.30  (dusty/construction) | 1.00
  

Adjusted Filter Life

adjustedHours = baseHours / LF
days          = adjustedHours / dailyRuntime
days          = clamp(days, 7, 365)
  

baseHours is the manufacturer-rated filter life in operating hours: Fiberglass ≈ 1,500 h · Pleated 1″ ≈ 2,160 h · Pleated 4″ ≈ 4,320 h · High-Efficiency ≈ 8,760 h.

Assumptions & References

In the network