For Just $5 More, This Smart Air Filter Can Improve Your IAQ
Smart home technology continues to make solid inroads everywhere we turn. Though we already look to smart systems for temperature control and indoor air quality monitoring, we'd bet you never thought you'd see it built into your HVAC system's physical air filter. Its integration into traditionally low-tech spaces offer unexpected convenience and utility, ultimately helping to save homeowners time and money while going the extra mile to stay top-of-mind. To better understand the product and how smart air filters are changing the industry, we connected with Kelsey Hei, Filtration and Indoor Air Quality Specialist at 3M.
What is it, and how does it work?
The saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" is true in many respects, and a smart air filter does what it needs to do to stay top-of-mind and keep your home well-maintained. "The Filtrete™ Smart Air Filter is a high-efficiency HVAC filter that tracks the life of your filter based on sensors monitoring filter performance — not just a measurement of time," shares Hei. "The sensor in the yellow puck pairs to your smartphone via Bluetooth® Technology through the Filtrete™ Smart App, and tracks the life of the filter based on airflow and usage, not just time, to let you how much life is left in your filter. [The app] then provides push and email notifications when the filter life is running low so you never miss a filter change."
One more important note, "[The app] also stores your HVAC filter size and type, and is enabled to provide easy ordering and shipping." No more guessing if you're ordering the correct filter size!
How is it better than non-smart filters?
"The Filtrete™ Smart Air Filter helps to optimize filter changes, one key element of routine maintenance," notes Hei. "Different from non-smart filters, the Filtrete™ Smart Air Filter alerts you when to change your filter based on use, not just time."
This is especially poised to help many users. "Most consumers can benefit from this product; however, its particularly great for those who value both a higher level of air quality satisfaction, while maintaining their HVAC system with regularly changing their air filters."
Do they last longer?
We've all heard the tips on how often to change your HVAC filters, but a smart filter makes it easier to track filter life and take action when it really needs to be changed. "Based on factors within someone’s home, users may find the Filtrete™ Smart Air Filters do last longer, particularly at certain parts of the year when the HVAC system may not be running as much," shares Hei. "Conversely, if the system is running most of the time or users have other factors in their home that increase particulates (such as pets, burning candles, or home remodeling that creates dust), the dirty filter may actually need to be changed sooner." Optimal filter cleanings can reduce the presence of mold spores, microscopic particles, household dust, pollen, and more, while also helping to reduce energy bills and deliver optimal performance.
Related: Protect Yourself Against These Air Duct Cleaning Scams
What's the price tag?
This is where it gets interesting. Not only is it an effective filter, but it's economical, too. Unlike expensive smart tech for the home, a filter replacement for the Filtrete Smart Air Filters is only approximately $5 more than a standard Filtrete Brand MPR 1500 Air Filter.
