Seasonal HVAC Filter Guide
Different seasons put different demands on your filters. Here’s when and why to adjust your filter strategy.
Spring (March-May)
Challenge: Pollen explosion
Strategy: Higher MERV, more frequent changes
☀️ Summer (June-August)
Challenge: Heavy AC use, humidity
Strategy: Monitor for early clogging
Fall (September-November)
Challenge: Second pollen season
Strategy: Prep for winter, ragweed season
❄️ Winter (December-February)
Challenge: Dry air, more indoor time
Strategy: Focus on dust and pet dander
Spring: Pollen Season Strategy
What You’re Fighting:
- Tree pollen (March-April)
- Grass pollen (April-June)
- Increased outdoor air intake
- Windows opening more often
Spring Filter Strategy:
- Upgrade MERV: Consider MERV 13 if usually using MERV 8-11
- Change More Often: Every 4-6 weeks instead of 8-12
- Stock Up: Buy 3-4 filters in February
- Check Weekly: Spring filters clog faster than expected
Summer: Heavy Usage Period
What You’re Fighting:
- Constant AC operation
- Higher humidity creating more particles
- Dust from construction/yard work
- Pets shedding summer coats
Summer Filter Strategy:
- Monitor Airflow: Reduced cooling might mean clogged filter
- Standard Schedule: Stick to normal MERV and timing
- Check Monthly: Heavy AC use can clog filters early
- Prep for Fall: Order fall filters in August
Fall: Second Pollen Wave
What You’re Fighting:
- Ragweed pollen (August-October)
- Mold spores from fallen leaves
- Dust from heating system startup
- Pet dander from indoor time increase
Fall Filter Strategy:
- Pre-Heating Check: Change filter before first heat
- Ragweed Focus: MERV 11+ for allergy sufferers
- System Inspection: Good time for HVAC maintenance
- Winter Prep: Stock up for heating season
Winter: Indoor Air Quality Focus
What You’re Fighting:
- Sealed house = concentrated particles
- Dry air carrying more dust
- Pet dander from indoor pets
- Cooking particles and household dust
Winter Filter Strategy:
- Consistency is Key: Regular changes every 8-12 weeks
- MERV 11-13: Good balance for sealed homes
- Monitor Static Pressure: High MERV + dry air can reduce airflow
- Plan Ahead: Order spring filters in February
Your Year-Round Filter Calendar
| Month | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | Check filter monthly | Heating season, sealed house |
| February | Order spring filters + change current | Prep for pollen season |
| March | Install higher MERV filter | Tree pollen starts |
| April | Change filter (only 4-6 weeks old) | Peak pollen season |
| May | Check filter weekly | Grass pollen + tree pollen |
| June | Change to summer schedule | AC season starts, pollen drops |
| July | Check monthly | Heavy AC usage |
| August | Order fall filters + change current | Prep for ragweed season |
| September | Monitor for allergies | Ragweed season starts |
| October | Change filter before heating season | System transition period |
| November | Order winter filters | Heating season prep |
| December | Winter schedule begins | Sealed house period |
Pro Tips for Seasonal Success
Buy in Bulk
Order 6-12 months of filters at once. Better prices and you’ll never run out during peak seasons.
Set Phone Reminders
Calendar alerts work better than hoping you’ll remember. Set them for 1 week before change time.
Keep a Log
Note when you change filters and how dirty they are. You’ll learn your home’s specific patterns.
️ Watch Your Bills
Clogged filters make your system work harder. Sudden energy bill spikes often mean filter problems.
Start Your Seasonal Strategy
Ready to set up a year-round filter plan that actually works for your home and schedule?