Last week I finally changed my HVAC filter and it made so much difference that I had to tell you about this.

Just to be clear, an HVAC filter removes dust and other particles from the air. It has nothing to do with removing toxic gasses (for toxic gasses you need something like the EnviroKlenz HVAC filter. The purpose of the particle filter is to remove particles so they don’t clog up the HVAC.

HVAC particle filters are designed to last for three months, and then you need to change them. I was one month overdue because I can’t climb up there and change it myself. I need to get someone else to do it.

When we took the filter out, it had a lot of dust buildup all over it.

What was amazing to me was how much BETTER the air conditioning worked after the filter was changed!

I leave my A/C on 72 degrees. With the new filter, it was way too cold. I now have my A/C set to 74 degrees and am entirely comfortable. A new filter made that much difference.

I’ll save more than the cost of the filter this month on my power bill, and create fewer air pollution emissions from the generation of electricity to keep the air cool.

Now I want to give you a tip too about choosing a dust filter for your HVAC.

I chose a Honeywell Allergy Plus Air Filter, which I purchased at my local Home Depot.

All HVAC filters have a rating that tells you how much they will filer from the air.

Here is the rating from the filter I purchased. I like this label because it clearly shows that as you move up the ratings the filter removes more volume of particles and more different types of particles.

I bought a 7 because it removes more than 4, and they didn’t have any 9 or 10s on the shelf.

What you want to look for is a MERV rating or an FPR. The difference is:

• MERV is a universal industry rating
• FPR is a made up rating by the manufacturer.
• MERV 8 is considered the best choice to protect your HVAC without spending more money than you need to. FPR 7-9 is equivalent to MERV 8.

If you think ahead, you can order a box of four filters online and save money. And you’ll be good for a year.

Filters are supposed to last 90 days, but not every day is the same. If you’re not running your HVAC, you don’t need to change the filter. Check it every 90 days. If it’s grey, change it. If it’s still white, let it go a little longer.

But changing your filter at the right time DOES make a difference in your power bill and pollution. So pay attention and change your filter when it needs to be changed.

Add Comment