Air filters are often only an afterthought for homeowners. If that statement applies to you, you may not realize that switching to a higher-efficiency air filter can both improve the quality of the air they breathe and save you money in the long run. Here’s how:
A Filter’s First Job – Cleaning Your Air
One purpose of an air filter is to clean the air you breathe. As dust, dirt, residues from cleaning sprays, and other pollutants build up in your home, they become airborne. Your home is designed so that all air flows back to your HVAC system, and when it does, the particles pass through the filter and are removed from the air. The efficiency of a filter determines exactly how much is removed, and a more efficient filter creates cleaner air.
A Filter’s Second Job – Protecting Your HVAC System
The particles that get into your air don’t just get you sick; they can also harm your HVAC system. They can build up on the motor and cause it to wear out faster, damage the fan, or clog your ducts and block system airflow. A low-efficiency air filter allows more particles to slip through and build up over time.
So Will I Save Money?
The answer is almost certainly yes. Even though a higher-efficiency air filter may cost more, the cost is outweighed by the other gains. Experts estimate that your HVAC-related expenses can be reduced by as much as 10 percent from lower fuel use and reduced repair and maintenance costs.
Of course, for maximum savings you’ll need to consider your whole home. First, older HVAC systems may not be able to run with a higher-efficiency air filter. If they aren’t, your airflow will be reduced and will actually increase your energy use and wear your system out faster. Second, you don’t want to forget other improvements such as improving your insulation and upgrading your windows.
Are you looking to a buy a higher-efficiency air filter or to upgrade your HVAC system to be able to handle one? If so, please contact us at Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal today. We provide superior HVAC services in northwest Arkansas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Springdale, Arkansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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