One of your responsibilities as a homeowner is to keep your home cool during the summer months. One of the easiest ways to do that is to change your air conditioner filter regularly. According to Southern Living, you should change the filter every one to three months. If you have an unusual filter shape, you can use a cut-to-fit AC filter, which can be found at a DIY store.
In addition to changing your filter, you should keep the air conditioner unit covered with an air conditioner filter screen. According to The Appliance Teacher, the air conditioner filter cover is an essential precaution for protecting your AC unit from debris and harsh weather during the months when it’s not in use. The same website suggests that the air filter cover will help your system work more efficiently by containing the air flow directly inside the unit.
You might wonder about the average HVAC filter replacement cost. According to Angi, you can usually replace your filter for as little as $20. If you have any problems while trying to change or check your AC filter, contact your local air conditioner repair service.
In order to maintain comfortable and healthy indoor air, it’s important to understand the role that air filters play. Air filters work to clean the air we breathe by removing pollutants, leaving clean air for us to breathe. Whether you are using an AC screen filter or other types of air filtration units, regularly maintaining and replacing these filters can significantly improve your HVAC system’s ability to remove pollutants from the air. However, because air filters are often out of sight, many homeowners overlook the need to change them, which can result in reduced air quality and increased energy costs.
In this article, we will discuss how frequently you should change your air filters and provide money-saving tips to help you maximize your personal air filtration system. Understanding when to buy filters and the different types available can help you make informed decisions that benefit both your health and your wallet. We will also explain the various air filtration units on the market to assist you in selecting the right one for your needs. By prioritizing air filter maintenance, you can ensure that your home remains a clean-air sanctuary, ultimately contributing to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.
We all like to save money. If we can help the environment while doing so, it’s an awesome bonus. Usually, when you save energy though, you’re saving money; a win-win! With the influx of the do it yourself and going green movements, minor home improvement has gone from a contractor’s job to an internet savvy layman’s job. Below are some easy tips that can save you money and reduce your carbon foot print.
Your HVAC System
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — basically, it’s your home’s AC. By making a few air conditioning modifications, you’ll be saving money in no time. Be sure to change those air filters every 2 months at a minimum. If you have allergies or live in a highly polluted area (big cities), you’ll want to either upgrade to allergen reducing air filters or change them more often. Do you have pets or an abundance of dust bunnies in your home? Changing your HVAC air filters every month not only removes the unwanted dust or pet dander, but will keep your system running smoothly. Not cleaning your air conditioning coil causes a build-up of dirt, mold, and debris, which causes your system to work even harder. If you’re unfamiliar with cleaning it, you’ll want to look into hiring an air conditioning repair specialist. He can get you running at top efficiency quickly by checking your ducts and repairing any problems you may not see.
Small Changes to Save You Money
Your HVAC system isn’t the only way to cool and worm your house quickly. To disperse more air during the summer you should keep your ceiling fans spinning counter-clockwise, but during winter you should flip the switch to spin clockwise. The breeze from a ceiling fan can actually make the room feel 4 degrees cooler. During winter, instead of running small space heaters constantly which eat up energy, try covering your bare floors and opening curtains to let in the sunlight. Only use space heaters for a short time when you feel you absolutely need them.
Use Your Appliances Wisely
You may think your appliances are just there to suck up energy, but you can actually use them to your advantage to save you money. Is your refrigerator pretty old? Replacing it with a newer model will actually cost you less to run than your older fridge. Keeping your freezer and fridge stocked full will save you money each time you open the door. How? The more items you have in your fridge, the less air movement there is, so each time you open the door, less cool air is sucked out. This will only work if the seals on your fridge work so check them often! Consider air drying your lighter clothing and combining multiple washed loads of clothes into one drying load to save even more. Don’t forget to vent your dryer outside to avoid cooling down that hot air!
With just a few changes it’s very easy to get the most out of your home and save money while doing so. What are you waiting for? Start saving now!
