There’s a dust denominator in every home that could be at the root of your problems, but there’s a way to prevent expensive fixes by keeping up with the cleaning.

Dust is everywhere, but excessive amounts can cause not only appliance issues, but health issues, too. Even if you’re wiping down areas daily, dust accumulates. It’s a buildup of dirt, clothing fibers, dead skin cells, hair, and pet dander, among other materials.

As dust collects, it gets into various areas of the home, including air ducts and filters. The more dust that gets into these places, the more strain it puts on your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.

One of the easiest fixes is changing your filters. Dirty filters add up to unnecessary dollars spent.

Replacing dirty filters can reduce your energy intake by up to 15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Combine that and the fact that your heating and cooling system is responsible for nearly half your energy usage, and you could potentially save 7.5% each month, according to U.S Home Filter. It put the cost into perspective: If your energy bill is $100 a month, you can save $7.50 every month. The higher your energy bill, the more you’ll save.

What’s a dust collector filter

The air filters are found in your ventilation system. They’re made to trap dust and other particles so that they’re not released back into the air.

The filters are made from various materials like cotton, polyester, and fiberglass. Clean filters help the overall performance of your HVAC system.

AdvantaClean recommends changing air filters every one to three months, though different manufacturers might suggest otherwise. Air filters range from $10 to $100 or more, depending on size and brand.

Factors that affect when to change filters

There are several factors that go into when to change your filters. The type of dust, the environment of your home, and how long the filters have been in your system all play a role.

If you have fine dust in your home or you live in a humid environment, it might mean you’ll need to change your filters more often.

It’s important to take a look at your filters. Ineffective filters will lead to a decrease in suction and an increase in dust going back into the air

Listen to your system, too. If you hear your system is struggling, it can be a sign your filter is clogged and needs replacing.

Air ducts

Aside from maintaining clean filters, homeowners might want to consider having the air ducts cleaned.

Air duct cleaning refers to the various HVAC parts of air systems. This includes the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, as well as heat exchanger coils for heating and cooling, condensate drain pans, fan motor and fan housing, and the air-handling unit housing.

The average cost to clean an entire air duct system in an average-sized home ranges from $450 to $1,000, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It depends on the service, such as the size of the system to be cleaned, the system accessibility, the climatic region, and the level of contamination.

When you decide to have your HVAC serviced, you want to do your homework. Not all providers offer the same services. The EPA suggests talking to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When an HVAC specialist comes to your home, ask the pro to show you the contamination that will justify spending the money to have the ducts cleaned.

It’s best to check references. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints against the company.