Filter change reminders
Choose your filters and how often each needs attention. Download one calendar file, and every reminder repeats on its own.
Coming up
HVAC filter (furnace, AC or heat pump)
Every month
- and so on
Water filter (under-sink or whole-house)
Every 6 months
- and so on
Range hood filter
Every 3 months
- and so on
Fridge water filter
Every 6 months
- and so on
Adding the reminders to your calendar
Download the .ics file and open it. Apple Calendar and Outlook offer to add the events straight away; in Google Calendar, use Settings, then Import, and pick the file. Each filter becomes one all-day event that repeats every few weeks or months for as long as you keep it, with an alert if you chose one. To change an interval later, delete that series in your calendar and import a new file.
The starting intervals are only suggestions, so use the one in each filter's manual or on its packaging. ENERGY STAR suggests inspecting heating and cooling filters every month and changing them when dirty, which is why that one starts monthly. Fridge and under-sink cartridges usually state a number of months or litres; range hood mesh filters need degreasing rather than replacing.
Monthly reminders must start on the 1st to the 28th. Calendars follow the iCalendar standard, which skips any month that lacks the start day, so a reminder set for the 31st would silently miss five months a year.
Your filters and settings are saved in this browser; the file is made on your device and nothing is sent anywhere.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR, Maintenance checklist: inspect, clean or change heating and cooling air filters monthly.
- IETF, RFC 5545: Internet Calendaring and Scheduling (iCalendar): the .ics format, RRULE repeats and invalid dates in monthly rules.
Questions
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Check it every month and change it when it looks dirty, more often with pets or building work. Your filter's packaging gives the longest interval it is rated for.
Will the reminders sync to my phone?
Yes, if you import the file into a calendar account your phone uses, such as Google, iCloud or Outlook.
Can I add a filter that is not listed?
Yes. Use Add another filter for a dehumidifier, air purifier or pool filter, give it a label and an interval, and it goes into the same file.