What Industry Experts Say

Don't take our word for it. These independent agencies all recommend replacing filters at least quarterly and most recommend monthly. Here at FTYD, we believe that under certain circumstances such as during remodeling, or in areas where there is a lot of construction nearby, it may be justified to change filters monthly but in most cases quarterly is sufficient. The easiest way to tell is to judge the amount of dirt accumulation after 3 months. When you remove the filter, if lots of dirt falls off (signaling that the filter is fully saturated and can't hold any more), you may consider changing it every 2 months.

All the sources below offer slightly different estimates of the amount of energy saved by routinely changing your filters. But, they all agree that there is energy to be saved.

Legal Stuff: Please note that the quotes below are in no way intended to imply an endorsement of Filters-To-Your-Door by any of the organizations cited. And in some cases, these quotes are taken from lists of energy saving tips of which, changing your filters regularly is only one. However, because people often look at us like we have ten heads when we suggest that a filter should be changed four times as opposed to once per year, we presented these third-party citations to prove we're not making this stuff up!

Our ultimate point is that changing your filter regularly is a good thing for many reasons including cleaner air, energy usage and system longevity. Just like changing the batteries in your smoke alarm, it's easily overlooked because its “out-of-sight and out-of-mind”. Our service provides you a high quality filter from a manufacturer you can trust, and delivers it on your doorstep when you need it. Period!

Here's What They Say:

U.S. Department of Energy

A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Air Conditioner Filters
“The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. With normal air flow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5%–15%.”

". . . Clean or replace your air conditioning system's filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.”
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12390

Energy Star®

A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
“Heating and cooling accounts for as much as half of a home's energy use. . .” (page 2)

Maintaining Your Equipment (page 6) – “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure. One of the most important steps you can take to prevent future problems and unwanted costs is proper maintenance. Keep your heating and cooling systems at peak performance by 1, cleaning or replacing the air filters about once a month, . . .”

“. . . A dirty filter causes energy costs to be greater than they should be and can damage your equipment, leading to early failures.”
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/heat_cool/GUIDE_2COLOR.pdf

Heat & Cool Efficiently
"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."

Change your air filters regularly
"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 clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system – leading to expensive and/or early system failure."
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac

California Energy Commission

Consumer Energy Center
Summertime Energy-Saving Tips:
”Replace air conditioner filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. (Save: 1-2 percent)”
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/summer.html

Winter Time Energy-Saving Tips
Five Action Steps to Cut Natural Gas and Propane Use:
” . . . Replace or clean furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Now is also the time for a furnace "tune-up." Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.”
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/winter.html

Flex Your Power.Org

Energy Saving Tips:
”Home heating can account for more than half your energy bill. Follow these simple tips to save money, energy and the environment this winter. Replace or clean furnace filters regularly and get a furnace tune-up. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted can save up to 5% on heating costs. . .”
http://www.fypower.org/pdf/TipsCards_Winter08.pdf

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

Stay warm, save energy and money
“. . . Get the heating system professionally checked once a year and change filters regularly to keep the unit running efficiently.”
http://smud.org/residential/conservation-tips/index.html

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

Home Heating Fact Sheet
The Furnace
"The first place to look for potential energy savings is the furnace itself. Just taking care of the following routine maintenance items could save 10% or more on your heating bills."

Keep it Running Correctly
Clean or Replace Furnace Filters Regularly: "Most furnace filters are disposable. Some filters are washable and can be cleaned when clogged or dirty. Checking the filters in your system once a month during times of high use will help insure proper airflow. . . “
http://www.pge.com/includes/docs/pdfs/mybusiness/energysavingsrebates/rebatesincentives/heating2.pdf

Home Cooling Fact Sheet
“. . .A poorly maintained air conditioner uses 10-30% more energy than necessary. But if you follow these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to cutting your energy bills. . .
3. Replace or clean dirty air filters. Dirty air filters are the #1 cause of air conditioning service calls. But filters are easy to replace and you can do it yourself. Put in a new one every month during the summer. . .”
http://www.pge.com/includes/docs/pdfs/mybusiness/energysavingsrebates/rebatesincentives/cooling2.pdf

Roseville Electric, Roseville CA

Save Energy:
”Replace or clean your home's air filters each month.”
http://www.roseville.ca.us/electric/climate_change.asp

Energy Saving & Efficiency Tips:
Winter Energy Tips
”Replace or clean air filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use.”
http://www.roseville.ca.us/electric/residential_customers/energy_efficiency_n_energy_saving_tips.asp

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology

Spring cleaning: It's time to clean up indoor allergens
”. . .Change and clean cooling and heating system filters once a month. . .”
http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/2008/02/020508.asp