What is the recommended frequency for changing air filters in mechanical ventilation systems?

Changing air filters in mechanical ventilation systems every three months is recommended because it strikes a balance between maintaining good air quality and managing costs and maintenance effort. Air filters are essential for trapping dust, allergens, and other particulates, ensuring the air circulating within buildings remains clean and healthy.

Over time, filters can become clogged with debris, which can reduce airflow and strain the ventilation system, leading to decreased efficiency and potential mechanical issues. By changing the filters every three months, systems can operate optimally, providing effective air purification and maintaining energy efficiency. This timing also aligns well with seasonal changes that may affect indoor air quality, as more pollutants can enter buildings during certain times of the year.

Other frequencies, such as monthly or yearly changes, may not provide the same balance. Monthly changes can be overly burdensome and unnecessary for most systems, while yearly changes may lead to poor air quality due to the accumulation of particulates in the filters. Therefore, changing filters every three months is a practical recommendation for maintaining effective air quality and system performance.