Are you tired of constantly having to remember to buy and replace your air filters? Thinking about signing up for an air filter subscription service? Read more to understand the benefits and costs of having air filters delivered to your doorstep.
How Often Should You Change Your Home's Air Filters?
In general, it is recommended to change your air filters every 30 to 90 days depending on various factors such as the type of filter, the level of air pollution in your area, and the number of occupants in your home.
Do you live in an area with high levels of air pollution or have pets in your home? Then, It is advisable to change your air filters more frequently, ideally every 30 days. This is because the filters tend to accumulate pollen, dust, pet dander, allergens, and other pollutants more quickly, reducing their effectiveness in purifying the air. If you are like one in four adults in the US who have pollen-induced respiratory allergies like hay fever, you will probably end up in the doctor's office at least one time this year. According to Debt.org, the average urgent care visit costs between $100 and $150 with insurance and up to $400 or $500 without insurance.
Another factor to consider is the type of filter you are using. Different types of filters have different lifespans and efficiency levels. For example, basic fiberglass filters typically last around 30 days, while high-efficiency pleated filters can last up to 90 days. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific filter type to ensure optimal performance.
Additionally, the number of occupants in your home can influence the frequency of filter changes. If you have a larger family or frequent visitors, there will be more dust, dirt, and other particles circulating in the air, which can lead to quicker filter clogging. In such cases, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and change your filters more frequently.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing your Home's Air Filters Regularly?
Replacing your home's air filters regularly offers several benefits that can greatly improve the quality of the air you breathe. One of the key advantages is that it helps maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment. Over time, air filters accumulate dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles, which can reduce the air quality in your home. By replacing them regularly, you can ensure that these contaminants are effectively removed, preventing them from circulating throughout your living space.
Another benefit of regular air filter replacement is improved energy efficiency. When air filters become clogged and dirty, it forces your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This not only puts a strain on the system but also results in higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. In fact, the Department of Energy advises that replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can reduce your system's energy usage by up to 15%. Based on these numbers, it's possible to save $150 a year (that's $12.50 a month) if you replace your filter at least every three months.
Additionally, regularly replacing your air filters can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. When filters are clogged, it restricts airflow, causing the system to work harder and potentially leading to premature wear and tear. By keeping your filters clean and replacing them as needed, you can help prolong the life of your HVAC equipment, ultimately saving you from costly repairs (basic HVAC repairs range from $100 to $1,200) or replacements down the line.
Furthermore, replacing your air filters regularly can also have a positive impact on your health. Airborne contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and mold spores, can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions. By ensuring clean and fresh air circulation through regular filter replacement, you can reduce the presence of these irritants and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
How Much Does an Air Filter Subscription Cost?
The first time you sign up for a FilterTime subscription, you choose what air filter quality type you want (MERV 8, 11, and 13 are available), the quantity and sizes (custom sizes are also available for only $3 more), and how often you want them delivered to your doorstep. Filters start at just $11.98 and shipping is always FREE. For this example, let's assume you need one MERV 11 filter, size 14" x 20"x 1". Each shipment would be $18.98; if you choose a quarterly delivery schedule, the total for the year would be $75.92.
FilterTime handles the rest; you no longer have to worry about remembering to buy and replace your air filters regularly. They will send you an email before each shipment, allowing you to skip or pause the subscription. If you do nothing, they will bill your credit card and ship your filter(s). When the box arrives, you know it’s time to replace them. This not only saves you time and effort but also eliminates the risk of forgetting to replace your filters and compromising the air quality in your home.
Now, let's compare the cost of subscribing to an air filter service versus the traditional method of purchasing filters from a store.
Assuming the store is two to five miles away from your home, it will take you between 30 minutes and one hour PLUS the cost of gas, which will be approximately $.70 to $2.16 depending on the fuel efficiency of your car and the price per gallon (currently it is $3.46). This also assumes that it only takes one trip to the store. That you remember the size(s) of your filter(s) when you get there and that you actually remember to buy them. (Just ask our co-owner Blake Koch how many times he went to the store and forgot to buy filters before he started FilterTime.)
The cost at a local home improvement store is $22.97 and includes two MERV 11 filters. The total for the year would be $45.94. Add the cost of gas to go to the store twice ($4.32) and the total cost of two hours of your time ($50), you end up at $100.26.
Annual FilterTime subscription (14" x 20" x 1, MERV 11, quarterly shipment) $75.92
Store-bought air filter (14" x 20" x 1, MERV 11, 2 pack) $100.26
Keep in mind this doesn’t include you forgetting to change your filter every three months, which would cause you to pay an additional $12.50 every month you forget. It also doesn’t include the cost of a doctor’s visit due to increased allergens in your home or HVAC maintenance caused by a dirty filter.
In conclusion, it’s easy to see how signing up for an air filter subscription service can provide added convenience and cost savings, ensuring that you never forget to replace your filters and maintain a clean and healthy living environment. So why wait? Start enjoying the benefits of clean air today by considering FilterTime's air filter subscription service. Subscribe today and get 10% off your first shipment with promo code CHECKOUT.
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