As any eco-friendly homeowner will tell you, you’re always looking for ways to keep your environmental footprint low. While recycling and turning the water on and off when not in use can go a long way, your HVAC system can also help you make a difference.
You may not think about it as a source of nature conscious choices, but by simply upgrading your air filter you could be keeping harmful materials out of landfills. Read on to learn more about reusable air filters and how they can benefit your home and health.
Did You Know Some AC Filters Can’t be Recycled?
Although air filters often have a cardboard type housing and seem to be made mainly using paper, they are often a blend of materials all of which may not be recyclable.
Some examples include fiberglass, wire mesh, plastics, and even certain blends on non-eco-friendly papers.
When thrown in with your garbage, these filters can contaminate other recyclables and often create issues in recycling centers.
Unless your AC filter has explicit recyclable markings on the exterior, they’re often not what they seem. A good rule of thumb is to check with the manufacturer or your HVAC contractor to determine how you should dispose of your filter.
Washable Air Filters - The Eco-Friendly Choice
A great way to cut down on your impact in the environment is with a washable air filter. These filters are often made from a plastic frame with a mesh filter that’s washable and still offers the same usage as a traditional filter. Some other perks include:
- Washable Convenience: If you have pets in the home or are prone to allergies, you should be changing your filter more often. With a washable filter, you can do exactly that a lot more easily. Set a schedule to inspect your filter more often. If you see that it’s dirty, give it a wash and your good to go.
- Money Savings: While many homeowners buy AC filters in bulk - specifically to regularly replace them - with a reusable air filter you can buy it once and reuse it as needed. This helps you save on costs - which you can use to make other environmentally friendly choices.
- Quality Performance: Just because you can reuse it doesn’t mean it isn't good. Washable filters offer the same performance as your traditional filters and still give you quality air purification and AC performance.
As you can see, the benefits of reusable air filters go beyond their environmental footprint. Be sure to check with your AC contractor to find out what filter is best for your home.
Protect Your Health, Don’t Reuse Air Filters
Not all air filters can be reused - and just like you wouldn’t opt for used dishes in your home, you wouldn’t want a used air filter either. Not only is it bad for your health as it lets more impurities make their way into the air you breathe, but also it could be bad for your air conditioner.
At Burnside Air Conditioning, Heating & Indoor Air Quality we are your expert McKinney air conditioning specialists. Not only can we replace your current air filter, but also we can help you find your next eco-friendly one.
With years of localized experience, we understand that all homes are different. To that end, we work diligently to ensure your personal choices are met even when it comes to your heating and cooling needs.