On our short list of the highest impact, easiest actions you can take to save money on your monthly utility bills, changing the A/C filter in your house or apartment is near the top.  It’s the number 3 item to be exact.  Filter changes are easy and inexpensive enough that we could have just as easily given them the number one spot, though.

Depending on the type of filter element(s) in your system, the time interval between changes usually runs one month, but can be longer on some types of filters.  All air filter elements need to be changed or cleaned on a recurring basis, though.  In addition, they all have the following attributes in common:

1. Changing or cleaning your AC filter on a regular basis will save you money on your energy bills
2. Keeping clean filters will also save you money and time with lower repairs and related costs
3. When your HVAC system works more efficiently,  you likely be more comfortable indoors
4. In addition to protecting the A-C and heating equipment, filters are available that take out allergens and other contaminants that can adversely affect your health
5. To keep track of changes, and in case multiple people are involved in filter maintenance, it’s a good idea to make and post a simple reminder grid with the following items:

• Change/Clean Frequency
• Dimensions of Filter (length, width, thickness)
• Number of filters in the system
• Location of filters
• Type of filter and, if applicable, brand
• Where to purchase or order filters
• Whether or not the filter is user (owner) serviceable
• Date of last change or cleaning

We hope this reminder helps save you energy and be more comfortable. We look forward to reading your comments and suggestions.

Would any reasonable person wait until the engine of their car seizes up to think about checking or changing the oil? Of course not. In addition to the inconvenience, repairing or replacing a car engine costs a lot more than an oil change. Therefore, most people have their car serviced two or more times each year or at certain mileage intervals.

Why then, do so many people wait until their home or building air conditioner won’t cool or their furnace won’t ignite to call their HVAC service company? Not only do they have to pay more for repair or replacement than they would have for air conditioning or heating system maintenance. On the first really hot or cold day in their area, people who skimp on having their A/C and heating system maintained usually line up behind their neighbors who did the same. They might even have to stay home from work to meet the service company when repair calls get backed up.

Having your HVAC system put on a yearly schedule of having the A/C serviced in the spring and the heater tested in the fall saves money and time. The monetary savings aren’t limited to repairs either. A good example is found in the way air conditioners run. A home A/C system will run and produce cool air, even if the refrigerant (often known as Freon) is somewhat lower than optimum. However, it won’t run or cool nearly as efficiently as it would at optimum levels. The result: you can save on utility bills every month, plus have fewer or lower cost repairs and save time with a well-tuned system.

With the direct cost of oil bumping $110 per barrel (not to mention the indirect costs and concerns) we should save on fossil fuels and electricity every place we can. Since nearly everyone uses heating and cooling daily, scheduled HVAC maintenance is an ideal place to start. Do it now and you will avoid the summer rush.