How often should you change a ducted aircon filter?

How often you replace a ducted air-conditioning filter depends on the filter type, the instructions for your system and the conditions in your home. There is no single replacement interval that suits every filter.

A starting point for replacement timing

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that manufacturers commonly recommend replacing home heating and cooling filters every 60 to 90 days. It advises following the manufacturer’s recommendations and considering more frequent replacement if filters are heavily soiled when changed.

This is general guidance, not a tested service-life claim for RenAir filters. Follow the instructions for your filter and system; conditions in your home affect how quickly a filter becomes dirty.

Check the filter safely

Follow your system’s instructions before accessing the filter. If you cannot reach the grille safely or are unsure how it opens, ask an air-conditioning technician. Our size guide explains the fit measurements to check before choosing a replacement.

A visible build-up of dust is a reason to check the filter against its maintenance instructions. Colour alone does not establish how much service life remains. If you are unsure whether your filter needs replacing, ask your technician.

Disposable and washable filters need different care

Some filters are designed to be washed and reused. RenAir stepped pleated filters are disposable: replace them rather than washing them. Use the care instructions for the filter type installed in your grille.

What Samsung and Midea say about maintenance

Samsung Australia’s maintenance guidance lists air-filter cleaning at least once a month under normal conditions. It says the cleaning interval varies with usage and the environment, and directs owners to their model’s user manual. This is cleaning advice for filters designed to be cleaned, not a replacement interval for RenAir disposable filters.

Midea Australia’s ducted-system service guide describes filter cleaning or replacement as part of a professional service. It suggests annual servicing for most households, with more frequent servicing for heavy use or demanding conditions. A system-service interval is different from a filter-replacement interval: check your filter between services and follow its care instructions.

Keep a replacement record

Record the replacement date and your filter reference, such as “RenAir #39 / 10 mm slot”. This gives you a record of past changes and helps you find the same replacement.

For a Polyaire EC-HF grille, use our grille-code compatibility table. You can also browse the filter catalogue or ask RenAir about the fit.