Replacing an HVAC filter costs $20 on average, with costs ranging between $10 and $50.
On average, you can expect to pay $20 to replace your HVAC filter, with costs commonly ranging from $10 to $50 or even more. Replacing your HVAC filter is the simplest yet most effective way to keep your HVAC system healthy and working properly. Doing so can potentially save you thousands, so let’s dive into the cost details of this important maintenance task.
The cost to replace an HVAC filter will vary based on several factors including size, thickness, MERV rating, and more. Let’s take a closer look at how each one will affect your final price.
There are several types of HVAC filters you can choose from, each varying in price. Disposable, flat, and pleated filters, the most common types, typically cost anywhere from $10 to $50. Flat filters are the lowest in price, which only cost around $5 for a pack of two. For higher quality filters, such as washable and HEPA filters, expect to pay more.
| Filter Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Flat | $5–$10 |
| Pleated | $20–$50 |
| Washable | $30–$50 |
| HEPA | $20–$100 |
HVAC filter thickness ranges from one to five inches. The thickness of a filter also affects how much you pay for it. The standard disposable filter is 1-inch and usually the cheapest option. The thicker the filter, the better job it does at filtering out debris and other contaminants. While thicker filters tend to cost more, they also don’t need to be replaced as often.
The reason thicker filters generally cost more than thinner ones is because they have greater efficiency, also known as a MERV rating. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, reflect a filter’s ability to catch particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with higher values indicating that the filter is better at capturing specific types of particles.
Simply put, the higher the MERV rating for an air filter, the more you’ll pay. Filters with a MERV rating of 1 to 7 typically cost between $5 and $20. Filters with ratings of 8 to 13 can cost anywhere from $20 to $150. HVAC systems in residential homes usually don’t need (and often cannot handle) filters with a MERV rating of more than 13. It’s important to make sure that your home’s system can handle the MERV rating you choose.
Filters come in several different lengths and widths to match the size of your HVAC system. Larger systems will require larger filters, which also will cost more. Here are the cost ranges for some common filter sizes.
| Filter Size | Cost Per Filter |
|---|---|
| 20-by-20-by-1 in. | $5–$20 |
| 14-by-18-by-1 in. | $5–$20 |
| 20-by-25-by-2 in. | $10–$30 |
| 16-by-25-by-4 in. | $20–$60 |
| 16-by-25-by-5 in. | $20–$60 |
In most cases, replacing an HVAC filter won’t come with a long list of expenses. It’s usually as simple as buying a replacement filter, removing your old one, and installing the new one. However, if you discover that your HVAC system isn’t working properly, this may result in unexpected costs. Here are some additional costs to be prepared for.
In the process of replacing your HVAC filter, you may find out that your HVAC system is in need of some repairs. Maybe there’s an issue with your ignitor, thermostat, or another part. Whatever the issue, you can usually expect HVAC repairs to cost between $130 to $2,000, with the average cost being $350.
In the worst case scenario, your entire HVAC system could need to be replaced. This can be quite costly, as HVAC replacement costs anywhere between $5,000 and $12,500. While this can seem like a significant amount, replacement may be the cost-effective choice if your old system is nearing the end of its lifespan or repair costs are more than 50% of the cost to replace.
Changing an HVAC filter is a simple task that most homeowners can do on their own, and with virtually no cost. The only thing you’ll need is your replacement filter, which costs between $10 and $50 on average. It should only take 10 to 15 minutes to replace. If you’re unsure how to install an HVAC filter, use the instruction manual provided for your specific unit and filter.
With that being said, if you run into trouble doing a DIY replacement, you can always hire a local HVAC repair company. HVAC professionals typically charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour in addition to the cost of parts.
Regularly changing your HVAC filter is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to save money in the long run. Taking good care of your HVAC system keeps it clean and maximizes its lifespan, which can help you avoid costly repairs or having to replace your system altogether.
Even still, there are ways to save on HVAC filter replacement costs. One way is to consider investing in a reusable filter rather than disposable ones that need to be replaced every few months. While a reusable filter costs more upfront, you’ll likely save money on a long-term basis by not having to change the filter so often.
In general, an HVAC filter should be replaced every 90 days. However, depending on the quality of your filter and the environment of your home, you may need to change it more or less often. It’s best to use the recommendation from your manufacturer as a general guideline. You can also occasionally check the condition of your filter (every month or so) to determine if it needs to be replaced.
If you don’t regularly change your HVAC filter, your system will get clogged up with contaminants, and as a result have to work harder to function properly. Eventually, this can cause a multitude of problems for your HVAC system and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, failure to replace your filter can lead to higher energy bills, poor temperature regulation, and even health problems.
Inexpensive filters do an effective job at keeping your HVAC system clean and running properly. However, they usually aren’t the best at filtering out allergens and other pollutants. So, if you have pets, several people in your household, or allergies and asthma, you’ll want to invest in a higher quality filter.
