You may be looking at your monthly bills and wondering how you can tighten your budget. But sometimes you need to spend money to save money. One smart solution is to make an investment in your HVAC system. New energy-efficient air filters cost more than traditional air filters. However, they help homeowners save on their monthly energy bills and avoid problems in their homes that can cost more later. This smart investment can benefit your budget.
The Problem With a Clogged Air Filter
An air filter works best when it is clean and clear so that air can flow through easily. The filter catches contaminants, helping to create a comfortable, unpolluted home environment. Once dust and other contaminants clog the filter, the HVAC system must work harder to heat or cool spaces. It consumes more energy to achieve the same temperature. The system strains to do what it’s meant to do and can break down faster. Traditional filters clog quickly and need replacement more often. The result is higher costs sneaking into your budget in the form of:
- Higher energy bills
- The cost of HVAC maintenance and repair
- Paying over and over again for traditional filters
The Cost of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Clean air filters are important because they improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air especially in areas impacted by smog and fires. Filters trap contaminants and help improve the air quality in your home.
When clogged air filters fail to protect the indoor air quality, you can become sick. Polluted indoor air can cause allergy flare-ups, asthma attacks, headaches, and poor sleep. These symptoms can impact your life outside the home and even send you to the hospital.
The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Air Filters
One of the benefits of energy-efficient air filters is their higher capacity to trap small particles in the air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommend filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of at least 13 for home use. These will capture small particles, odors, dust, dander and gases and offer savings on energy costs.
However, the experts caution that MERV 13 or higher can reduce air flow through the HVAC system and increase energy use in some residential systems. You need to know the highest-rated filters your system will accommodate. Our professionals can advise you on what will work best for your home.
If you are tired of the expense and inconvenience of clogged air filters, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. To experience the budget benefits of energy-efficient air filters in Denver, CO, contact our team at Absolute Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air.