Heating and cooling systems can be the most expensive in-home products to repair and replace. That’s why maintaining and upgrading your equipment on a regular basis is important when looking for smart ways to save money. Probably the simplest preventative maintenance task, and the most neglected, is to check your air filter.  This quick, do it yourself inspection can keep your heating and cooling systems running more efficiently for many years.

How an Air Filter Works:

An air filter is a panel that fits over the intake of your home’s furnace or air vent. Its main purpose is to allow the passage of air while also trapping indoor air pollution. This pollution can be a result of pet dander, human flesh, molds, pollen, cleaning chemicals, solvents from clothes, and many more. In other words, 100% of households have indoor air pollution! A dirty filter can block the system’s air flow, wasting energy and drastically lowering efficiency.

When to Check Your Air Filter:

Check your air filter every month and more often during heavy uses (summer and winter). A build-up of dirt and dust will be easy to see once the filter has been removed.

Types of Filters:

There are 3 types of air filters available for home heating and cooling systems: reusable filters, pleated filters, and thin disposable filters.

Reusable air filters are easy to clean with warm water and a mild detergent, but you actually have to clean them once a month to get the best results. They must also be 100% dry before replacing the filter, or you risk the spread of mold and mildew throughout your home.

Pleated air filters are better for families with allergies because the pleats help block more particles caused by air pollution.

The thin fiberglass or polyfil air filters are recommended my most HVAC specialists. They are inexpensive, work with all homes’ HVAC systems, and provide good filtration.

Mark Your Calendar:

Remembering to clean or change your air filter is the key. Many people use an air filter change indicator, which does just that (indicates when it’s time to change the air filter)! Whether you change it on the same day every month, or set a reminder via your phone or email, remembering the importance of a clean air filter will help you save energy and money for many years to come.