Clean Energy Insight - Moving Energy Forward

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Energy Is Our Future–Don’t Waste It!

This Friday blog series will aim to raise awareness concerning the importance of energy efficiency. Throughout this series we will discuss issues linked to energy consumption and energy savings.

Clean Energy Insight realizes that the cleanest energy is energy that you don’t waste. Conserving energy is more than just about saving money…it helps to reduce adverse environmental and social impacts related to the creation and consumption of energy.

So while we are talking about reducing CO2 emissions, energy costs, clean energy and the how much energy is consumed, let’s talk about ways that we can save, conserve and maintain this energy for our future generations.

Cleaning or Replacing Air Filters on your Air Conditioning Unit

Check your 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 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool…wasting energy. A clogged or dirty air filter can increase operating costs of an air conditioning unit by at least 10%.  A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure. (www.energystar.gov)

How to Change or Clean your Air Conditioning Filter:

Effort: Low
Time Required: 5-10 minutes
Materials Needed:

1. Broom or vacuum
2. Water hose/spigot access
3. Replacement filter (if needed)

Instructions

1. Locate your filter. They can usually be found in the wall behind a metal grating.

2.  If the filter is near a very dusty or dirty area, sweep or vacuum the floor.

3.  Make sure that the system is turned off before you touch any part of the filter.

4.  Pop or slide open the panel door.

5.  Slide the filter out.

6.  If it’s a disposable filter, carefully measure the length and width of the filter.

7.  Go to the hardware store and buy filters that are the same size. (Go to step 10.)

8.  If it’s a replaceable filter, take the filter out to a solid, clean surface outside and spray it down thoroughly with water. Do not use detergents, since this can actually make the dirt stick to the filters.

9.  Let the filter air-dry outside.

10.  Put the filter back in, making sure to line up any guide arrows correctly.

Helpful Reminder:

Each month when you go to pay your electric bill, replace or clean your air conditioner’s filter.