I promote regularly scheduled maintenance of building systems to my clients. Homes and building structures (facilities) require check-ups just like our cars, trucks, and SUVs. Sometimes we procrastinate, get busy, or delay the service call. I have several examples of not following what I tell my clients to do. After 15 years, I finally had the trim on our house painted.
Earlier this year I remembered the air filter on the A/C unit was overdue for replacement. I installed a high efficiency filter system with 4” MERV 13 filters that recommends a filter change every 12 months (max.). Well I skipped my annual A/C check-up last spring, so the filter had been in the unit for 19 months.
I cut a piece out of the old media to see how much dirt had accumulated between the folds.
The filter was definitely doing it's job. I expected to see more dirt, but we don't have an active home; no big pets and the kids are grown and out of the house. So I would not extend your filter replacement beyond the manufacturer's recommended schedule.
Just like your car; take care of your home by scheduling periodic maintenance. Like my Dad used to tell me; Do as I as say, not as I do.