AC Filter Upcycle

As I write this it’s currently a high of 105°F (40°C) in San Antonio. I’ve lived here for 16 years and this is the hottest summer I have experienced.  Living in a hot climate our AC bills are high in summer time. It’s not just a matter of comfort, AC is a necessity when it’s this hot out. 

I try my best to be as eco friendly as possible with AC.  Below are some ideas that can help you save money.

1. I have a nest thermostat which allows you to track your AC use adjusting temperature automatically as needed. Plus they allow you to choose a company to donate clean energy access to, every month – free of charge. 

2.  I am also enrolled in my local energy company’s rush hour. Which means that they tweak my usage at high peak moments of the day. Less usage during peak demands help not tax the grid system as much.  A yearly deposit is added to your account for enrolling in this program as well.

3. Be conservative with your temperatures. I tend to keep mine on the high side from 78-80°

4. Keep blinds closed and running overhead fans

As I mentioned before AC is a necessity in the south. Changing out your air filter helps to keep your system running smoothly as well. That’s what this post is all about – air filters!  (You can also consider getting a reusable filter that you wash. I have a detailed post about my favorite, Cycle Air)

Not all air filters have a cardboard design on them, but mine does.

I kind of always thought of it like a large stencil. If you carefully take the cardboard off you’re left with the fun design. Please be careful if your filter has a mesh wire inside. I tend to keep my hands on the side where the mesh isn’t showing. Slowly roll the filter off the cardboard. This is the trickiest step. Work on one side at a time by pulling the filter off of the glued sections. I would also add that if you have a high sensitivity to dust then please do this step outside and/or wear a mask.

Consider using it as a template to paint to get a fun ‘wallpaper’ effect. If you aren’t too keen on stenciling an entire wall; then consider taping them to the wall. This could make for a fun photo background for a party. Or start somewhere small like me where I stenciled the sides of my drawers.

I did find it easier to cut the ‘stencil’ to fit to the drawers. I simply traced with a basic white chalkboard marker. That way it can easily wipe off if you mess up or want to change it later.

I think it turned out fun. It gives these drawers just a little extra something when you open them.

Just because something is label as ‘single use’ doesn’t mean it can’t serve another purpose!

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