5 Ways to Go Green Without Spending All Your Green

No one can single-handedly save the environment, but if everyone made a few changes, the results would be staggering. Going green means turning lights out when leaving a room, turning computers off when they are not in use, using Energy Star-related fixtures and compact fluorescent bulbs, using cloth grocery bags, carpooling, and telecommuting when feasible. Recycling all newspapers printed in the U.S. would save almost 300 million mature trees each year; enough wood and paper is disposed of yearly to heat one billion homes. Changing or upgrading your AC and furnace filters on a regular basis, saves money on your electric bill.

FLANDERS EZ FLOW DISPOSABLE FILTERS

The Flanders EZ Flow Flat Panel Filter is a standard grade AC or furnace filter of the same type that has been protecting furnaces and central air conditioners around the world for over 50 years. The filtering medium is continuous filament spun glass. The frame is made with one continuous piece of chipboard to guard against corner separation and is strengthened by a metal retainer wall on the downstream. For peak equipment protection and energy efficiency, these filters should be changed monthly in periods of high use.

Benefits of high MERV AC & Furnace Filters

It is important for consumers to remember that not all furnace filters are designed equal. Most will opt for the cheapest filter available, but this is not always the smartest choice. This may save you money now, but over a period of time may cost much more
1- Better indoor air quality - Indoor air pollution is dangerous to overall health. Dust, dirt, harmful micro-organisms, bacteria, mold, allergens, dust mites, pollen, dander, etc. can cause damage to your health. In extreme weather conditions, people stay indoors as much as possible. With high MERV filters you can be sure the air quality in your home is safe to breath. You have to remember to change them every month so they do not restrict your air flow.
2 - Lower maintenance costs - A great benefit of high MERV filters is they keep your coil clean which keeps your monthly heating or air conditioning bills lower.
3 - HVAC repair costs - Because high MERV filters keeps your coil clean, repair costs generally are much lower. The system does not have to work as hard when the filters are clean. The higher rated filters keep smaller particles out of your system and ensure fewer breakdowns. Nobody wants a broken HVAC system in extreme weather conditions.
Overall high MERV rated AC and furnace filters are the smarter choice to keep your home or office healthy and safe.

Neglecting Your AC Filters & Furnace Filters Can Cost Money!

Basic home maintenance is commonly ignored by many renters and homeowners. In the long-run, these minor tasks can cost you big. House upkeep, such as changing furnace filters or AC filters, cleaning the gutters, and even landscaping can add up to a big expenses and repairs. Just as everyone knows to change the oil in your car regularly, the same goes for your AC or furnace filters. It can build up too much dust, dirt and debris, which can clog your filters completely and weaken your HVAC system. Play it smart and buy AC filters or furnace filters in bulk so they are always on hand, making this home maintenance task a cinch!

How do I find my A/C Filters or Furnace Filter Dimensions?

Every brand of filters has a different exact size. Most a/c filters and furnace filters have two sizes: Standard and Actual. If your a/c filter or furnace filter actually measures 15-½ x 19-½ x ¾ then the standard size would be 16x20x1. When determining the size of your a/c filter or furnace filter, it is best to measure your existing filter. You do not want your a/c filter or furnace filter to fit too tight, having to force it into place could damage the filter. If the filter is too small, it can get sucked up into the return and will not filter the air properly.

Changing Your A/C Filters And Furnace Filters On A Regular Basis

When dirty A/C filters and Furnace Filters are left in a system they begin to restrict airflow, restricted air flow means your system is going to work harder to push the same amount of air. This can cause damage to your system and also raise your utility bills. The harder your HVAC unit has to work, the more energy it eats away. Filters should really be changed out monthly, especially during the summer and winter months when the HVAC unit has a heavy workload.

Can I Wash or Vacuum My AC Furnace Filter?

Many people try to wash or vacuum their furnace filters to extend the life. Washing your furnace filter is generally a bad idea. Many filtering materials do not hold up well when wet. Washing your furnace filter significantly increases the risk for mold or microbiological growth on the filter itself (which will release those mold spores into the air that is circulating throughout your home). Also, you can never get the filter clean enough, which puts a strain on your unit and restricts your air flow so your furnace has to run a lot longer to reach the desired temperature.

 Vacuuming your furnace filter is a healthier alternative to washing your furnace filter, but is still not recommended. Although you may slightly prolong the life of your furnace filter, you will probably make a mess doing it, and a vacuumed filter will release a lot of dust and particles into the ductwork when you first re-install it. Additionally, most furnace filters are made from a delicate filtering material and are prone to ripping or tearing, which will render the filter useless.

 A/C Filters 4 Less recommends our permanent frame and disposable media filter pads. The Three Channel Extended Aluminum Design Keeps the Media Filter Pads Firmly In Place. You Only Have to Buy The Frame Once and Replace The Media Filter Pads Every 6-8 Weeks Or As Needed. The Frame and Media Filter Pads Are Custom Made To Your Exact Size. The Media Filter Pads Are The Best For Eliminating Airborne Particles and is Also One of The BEST FILTERS FOR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES. The Frame Has a Lifetime Warranty. Available in 1” and 2” Sizes.

Tips For Improving Your Indoor Air Quality From A/C Filters 4 Less

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
 Check your 1" furnace filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 2 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.
 Most families are on a budget, so following these tips will help keep your bills down and maintenance to a minimum.

How Is Your Indoor Air Quality Affected By Your A/C Filters or Furnace Filters?

How can your air filter possibly be this terrible? Simple. If you have neglected to change it in the past 60 to 90 days, it is costing you money and could be damaging your system and your health. A dirty, clogged air filter will devour money faster than rising gas prices. Every time your air conditioner or heater kicks on, your dirty filter is causing your air handler or furnace to burn more energy. A simple thing such as not changing your filter on a regular schedule can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars a year!
 Yes, it can be a hassle to find the right filter size, drive down to the hardware store, purchase a new filter for 8-15 dollars, and drive back home to install it. The trouble is that you forget and as you procrastinate your home comfort system just keeps on sucking dirt and devouring your money. Changing your filter is an irritating household chore that you must consistently do, but this 5 minute chore has a much greater affect on the condition of your family’s finances than any other chore on your to-do list.
 Money aside, a dirty air filter is extremely serious. So serious that the United States Environmental Protection Agency released information warning that indoor air pollution may be 2 to 5 times higher, and occasionally more than 100 times higher, than outdoor levels. As a result, the EPA has ranked poor indoor air quality as one of the top five risks to public health. Considering that many of us spend 90% of our time indoors, that is alarming news. Apart from the inherent health risks of not changing your air filters/furnace filters, there is also a monetary risk at hand.
 It is almost impossible to determine the exact cost of a dirty air filter because every home design and every comfort system is unique. However, you can roughly estimate the dollar value cost of dirty filters by performing a simple visual inspection of your filter and compare it to you monthly cooling bills. In today's fast paced world it's easy to overlook changing your filters. Operating your equipment with clogged filters can raise your utility bills and even make your family sick.

Energy Star Tips For Keeping Your HVAC System Efficient

Did you know that heating and cooling your home accounts for up to half of your energy costs? That amounts to a big chunk of change and you certainly want to do all that you can to keep those costs to a minimum. Keeping your home comfortable year-round is important, but we all want to maximize our energy savings at the same time. I’ve got some tips to keep your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system running at maximum efficiently.