With the constantly rising cost of energy, we all try to save energy in any way we can. Since heating and cooling make up about half of our energy bills, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that changing your HVAC filter can improve the efficiency of your HVAC equipment by 5% to 15%.

Imagine that savings in dollars:

Say your average utility bills total $200 a month – that could mean a savings of $10-$30 a month and up to $360 a year!

The air filter is responsible for removing particles of dust and debris so that your A/C system remains clean and functioning. Filter changes are necessary to keep your household running smoothly.

Here are five reasons to change your home air filter:

  1. Filter Clogging: When too many particles of dust and debris get caught inside your filter, it stops efficient air flow. Ignoring it will only make it worse. A filter change solves this quickly.
  2. Your Health: Imagine if you didn’t change that clogged air filter. What would happen? Bits of dust and dirt would slowly fly into your house, creating an open range for allergy and disease. Filter changes nip this threat before it can even happen.
  3. Save Money: Replacing your entire A/C system will cost you more money, when a simple filter change might be the solution.
  4. Save Energy: When your air filter has to work more due to clogging or other issues, it will use more energy. Changing your air filter is an efficient solution for saving energy and keeping your utility bill low.
  5. Easy and Fast: It is not difficult to change your filter. Remove the old one. Find out what kind of filter you have and buy a replacement at the store in the same size. It is easy to install in your A/C system.

When to Change the Filter

According to Energystar.gov, the filters on your home system likely need to be changed either once a month or once every three months, depending on the type you’re using.

Most people will change their filters at the start of a new season, when they know the equipment is going to be working its hardest. Some people, on the other hand, change it once a month – just to be on the safe side. What are the factors that determine how often the air filter should be changed?

  • What type of air filter do you have? Since each type has a different life span, use that to help determine how often to change it.
  • What is the air quality like in the house? If the air does not seem as clear or fresh as it used to, or you are having issues with allergies or frequent colds, you may need to replace your filter more often or choose a different type.
  • Are there pets in the house? If you have pets in the home, you may want to consider changing filters more frequently or choosing a type that helps with dander.
  • How many people are in the home? The more people in the home, the more dust and dirt flies around – consider changing your filters more often.

To remind yourself, make it something you do on the 1st day of the month or on a day that you normally take care of other monthly household tasks such as paying your rent or mortgage payment. Making this part of your regular routine will not only improve the quality of your home’s air, it will go a long way towards keeping your air conditioner functioning optimally for many years and saving you money!