Changing your furnace filter when necessary can not only improve the quality of air that you breathe, but can also help keep your furnace running properly. You will need to measure your old filter to know the proper size to replace it with. There are varying opinions on how often the filter should be changed, but most heat and air conditioning experts advise that you replace the old filter with a new one once a month.
If you don't change the filter you should at least check it that often to see how dirty it is. If it appears dirty or clogged by pet hair, etc., you should change it as often as needed. This is also true for those who smoke inside. This will also depend on what type of filter your furnace uses and whether you buy an expensive one or a cheaper made version.
The general rule of thumb is to buy filters that you can't see through. If they are too thin they won't filter the air properly, although purchasing one that is ultra-thick may block some of the air flow you need for your furnace to work properly.The right filter in your furnace can help prevent some health problems such as asthma attacks or allergy symptoms.
Physicians that care for people with these types of illnesses recommend using a higher efficiency pleated type of filter that will trap more of the allergens in the air. When tested, these types of furnace filters were shown to remove many of the pollutants and air allergens. They also help remove pet dander from the air which is a cause for many people's allergy symptoms.
If you use the older less expensive type of furnace filter you may not have to change it as often, but you have to keep in mind that the thinner types don't trap as many allergens as the better brands. Investing in good furnace filters will keep your air much cleaner in your home.