According to Energy Star, the average household spends $2200 per year on energy bills, with heating and cooling costs accounting 50% of this cost. Therefore keeping in mind your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system can have a huge effect on your energy bills. One of the easy ways to impact your energy use is to have your home air filters replaced at a minimum every three months. Do you replace your air filters on a regular basis?
Here's Why We Should...
It is recommended we check our air filters every month especially during heavy use months such as winter and summer or if you have pets. If the filter looks dirty, change it. This is because a dirty filter will slow down air flow making the system work harder to keep your home comfortable. This is a real energy waster. A clean filter also prevents dust and dirt from building up in the system which could leading to expensive maintenance and increased deterioration of the system.
Filters also help keep dust from building up in system ducts, or being blown into other rooms. Given all the increased allergy problems people experience this is important to homeowners. Manufacturers have designed filters that use your heating and air system to remove microscopic particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, plant and mold spores, and even smoke from the air. Another good reason to keep checking them regularly.
Just thought of my air filters this week now that it is getting colder outside. I will be posting other energy saving tips as I come across them. By the way, the filter pictured above is made entirely from recycled materials like soda bottles and is designed to lower air flow resistance in your home saving energy, money and CO2 emissions. Pick up filters made of recycled materials to make more of an impact!
To Learn More:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/air-filters-clean3.htm
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/HeatingCoolingGuide%20FINAL_9-4-09.pdf
http://greenliving.about.com/b/2009/02/13/recycled-soda-bottles-for-a-healthier-home.htm

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