If you’re the type of homeowner that goes above and beyond to recycle and cut down on your environmental footprint, you may be missing a major opportunity in your home!
You change your air filter generally once a quarter - sometimes more if you have pets or allergies - and each time you do so you’re throwing those filters into a landfill.
While they have cardboard on the outside, the inner filtering section is sometimes made with fiberglass or wire mesh, which cannot be recycled.
With a simple upgrade to a washable, reusable, air filters, you could be making a major difference not only to your indoor air quality but also the environment. Read on to learn more about what you can be doing with your air filter usage.
What You Don’t Know About Traditional Air Filters
A major component of regular AC maintenance is air filter replacement. For most homeowners, the replacement filter used is your traditional cardboard bound filter.
While they look recyclable because of their paper and cardboard exterior, the additional materials are the problem. Many filters include materials like:
- Fiberglass.
- Plastics.
- Wire mesh.
- Polyester.
- Paper blends.
While certain parts of an air filter are biodegradable, when woven with other materials, they’re no longer eco-friendly.
How to Get Eco-Friendly Filters
In order for your air filter to be “green,” you’re either going to have to use one that’s completely bio-degradable, which can be found with the help of an HVAC company or by using a washable air filter.
These filters work the same way as traditional filters in that they help catch impurities and prevent them from entering your home, however, they’re made from a washable mesh, which can be cleaned with your hose.
This helps you cut down on costs, keep your indoor air quality at the highest level possible, and also cuts down on your footprint. These washable air filters can be found at any traditional home store or can be provided by your air conditioning contractor. It’s important to learn how to remove and wash these filters, so you can easily service them as needed.
The Importance of Replacing Used Filters
The air filter inside your air conditioner is your first line of defense for keeping all sorts of impurities out of the air you breath. As such, the last thing you would want to do is reuse an old air filter. Keeping your filter clean gives you plenty of benefits including:
- Improved indoor air quality.
- Longer air conditioner lifespan.
- Fewer AC repairs.
- Better energy performance.
You should be replacing your air conditioner at the very least every quarter. If you have a home with pets, this should be even more frequent.
This is why investing in an eco-friendly washable air filter is the way to go. At Chad’s AC Direct we can help you find the right air filter for your AC unit and get it installed in no time. Best of all, we always give you the knowledge you need to keep your system in tip-top shape.
