This $50 HVAC move could save you $500 a year on energy bills
When your energy bill spikes, it’s easy to blame the thermostat, the weather or the utility company.That said, sometimes the issue is much smaller — your HVAC system may not be getting enough airflow.Simply replacing dirty air filters can help your system work better, and the best part? It’s a $50 solution.It sounds simple, but poor airflow can force your HVAC system to run longer, work harder and use more energy than it needs to.According to American Residential Services (ARS/Rescue Rooter), a national residential HVAC and home services company, poor HVAC airflow can make rooms feel uncomfortable, cause heating and cooling cycles to run longer and increase energy use.The fix really can be as simple as a new filter.The U.S.Department of Energy reports that routinely replacing or cleaning air filters can lower an air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
That does not mean every homeowner will save $500 a year.But if your AC runs often, your energy costs are high and your old filter was badly restricting airflow, the savings can add up.Here’s why airflow matters, how a dirty filter can cost you and when a simple filter replacement is not enough.Your system does more than just cool or heat.
It moves air through ductwork and then back through any return vents you have.When something blocks that circulation, your system may have to run longer to reach the temperature on the thermostat.That can lead to:Your home may still feel cool, but it is working harder than it should to keep it that way.The easiest place to start is the air filter.A dirty filter makes it harder for air to pass through the system.Over time, that restricted airflow can make your HVAC work harder, lowering efficiency and reducing comfort.That does not mean you should ignore the filter.
It means you should check it regularly and replace it when it is dirty or clogged.“There are even systems now that can help tell you if a filter is actually dirty versus replacing it just because ...