If there's one piece of HVAC advice that matters more than any other, it's this: change your air filter regularly. A clean filter is the foundation of an efficient, reliable HVAC system. A dirty filter is the number one cause of AC breakdowns, heating failures, and high energy bills.
But "regularly" means different things for different homes. Here's a practical guide based on your specific situation.
General Guidelines
Factors That Require More Frequent Changes
Pets — If you have dogs or cats, change your filter every 30–45 days. Pet dander and hair clog filters much faster than normal household dust.
Allergies — Household members with allergies or asthma benefit from more frequent filter changes (every 30–45 days) and higher-quality filters (MERV 11–13).
Georgia's Pollen Season — From March through May, pollen counts in West Georgia are among the highest in the nation. During peak pollen season, check your filter every 2–3 weeks.
Construction or Renovation — If you're doing any home improvement work, check your filter weekly. Construction dust can clog a filter in days.
Multiple Occupants — More people means more dust, skin cells, and activity. Larger households should change filters more frequently.
What Happens When You Don't Change Your Filter
A dirty filter doesn't just reduce air quality — it damages your entire HVAC system:
Choosing the Right Filter
For most homes in the Carrollton, GA area, we recommend a pleated filter with a MERV rating of 8–11. This provides a good balance between filtration and airflow. Higher MERV ratings (13+) offer better filtration but can restrict airflow in systems not designed for them.
Pro tip: Write the date on your new filter with a marker when you install it. This makes it easy to know exactly when it was last changed.
Make It Automatic with a Maintenance Plan
Our HVAC maintenance plans include filter checks and replacements at every visit, plus reminders so you never forget. It's the easiest way to keep your system running efficiently.
Questions about the right filter for your system? Call All Seasons at (770) 809-1355. We serve Carrollton, Newnan, Villa Rica, and all surrounding areas.