The most expensive dirt in the world may lurk in your home’s heating and cooling system. If neglected, dust collecting in the equipment’s air filter could increase your energy bills by hundreds of dollars every year and result in expensive repair or replacement costs.
Dirty filters cause a system to work harder and break down faster. That’s because unfiltered dust and grime work into critical parts, creating friction that causes unnecessary wear and, eventually, failure.
As you move around your home, you drive dust into the air from carpets, drapes and furniture. Pets generate dust particles by shedding, grooming and tracking in dirt from outside.
Regardless of where it comes from, dust trapped in heating and cooling system air filters leads to several problems, including:
- Reduced airflow in the home and up to 15% higher operating costs.
- Costly duct cleaning or replacement.
- Decreased system efficiency.
Every time a system with a dirty filter kicks on, the day of reckoning—total replacement—draws closer. To avoid this expense, change filters monthly when a system is in regular use, like this summer. Discuss cleaning the unit and ductwork with your heating and cooling service professional.
Filters are available in a variety of types and efficiencies, rated by a minimum efficiency reporting value. The higher the MERV number, the more effective the filter will be at keeping dust out of your system.
