If you ask five different people how often to change your air filter, you’ll probably get five different answers. The packaging says one thing, your neighbor says another, and you might not remember the last time you actually did it.
At Arellano Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we see the results of neglected filters every day. We see everything from frozen AC coils in July to furnaces that short-cycle in the dead of winter.
While the standard advice is “every 90 days,” living here in Lyon and Churchill counties means our HVAC systems face unique challenges. Between the high-desert dust, cottonwood season, and occasional wildfire smoke, the “standard” rules often don’t apply.
Here is the honest breakdown of how often you should really be swapping out that filter.
The General Rule of Thumb
For a typical suburban home with no pets, average air quality, and a standard 1-inch to 3-inch filter, every 90 days (3 months) is the manufacturer’s standard.
However, very few homes in Fernley or Yerington fit the “typical” mold perfectly. You likely need to change it more often if you fall into one of the categories below.
1. You Have Pets (Change every 60 Days)
We love our furry friends, but they are tough on HVAC systems. Dog and cat hair can clog a filter surprisingly fast, but it’s the dander (microscopic skin flakes) that really packs into the material, blocking airflow.
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One pet: Check every 60 days.
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Multiple pets: You should probably change it every 30–45 days.
2. You Suffer from Allergies (Change every 30–45 Days)
If anyone in your home suffers from seasonal allergies, your filter is your first line of defense. Once a filter is clogged with pollen and dust, it can’t trap new allergens effectively. For the best indoor air quality, swap it out monthly during peak allergy seasons.
3. The Northern Nevada “Dust & Smoke” Factor
This is the big one for our area. We live in a windy, high-desert environment.
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Windy Season: When the winds kick up in Lyon County, fine dust enters your home through doors, windows, and even tiny attic vents. This dust coats the filters quickly.
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Wildfire Smoke: If we are experiencing a summer with wildfire smoke, your filter is working overtime to trap dangerous particulates. During heavy smoke events, you may need to change your filter every 2 weeks to keep your indoor air breathable and your system from choking.
Why Does It Matter?
You might think, “What’s the big deal if I stretch it a few extra weeks?”
Actually, a dirty filter is the #1 cause of HVAC system failure.
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Higher Energy Bills: A clogged filter restricts airflow. Your blower fan has to work twice as hard to push air through the grime, driving up your electric or gas bill.
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Overheating & Freezing: In winter, low airflow can cause your furnace heat exchanger to overheat and shut down (safety trip). In summer, it causes your AC coils to freeze into a block of ice because warm air isn’t passing over them to keep them thawed.
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Shortened Equipment Life: That extra strain wears out motors and compressors years before their time.
The “Hold It Up to the Light” Test
Don’t just rely on the calendar. To know for sure if your filter is done, pull it out and hold it up to a light bulb or the sun.
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If you can see light coming through the mesh: You are good for a little longer.
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If it blocks the light completely: It’s clogged. Toss it and replace it immediately.
Need Help or a System Check-Up?
If you’ve been changing your filters religiously but your system still isn’t keeping up, or if your energy bills are higher than normal, you might need a professional maintenance tune-up.
Arellano Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Yerington, Fernley, and the surrounding rural communities for over 20 years. We can help you check your system’s pressure, clean the internal components, and ensure you’re using the right MERV rating for your specific unit.
Call us to schedule your seasonal maintenance:
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Fernley: 775-575-2108
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Yerington: 775-463-9520
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Emergency Service: 775-881-8118
Don’t let a $10 filter cost you a $5,000 system replacement!
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