Washable air filters can last for an extended period of time, with some manufacturers claiming that they can outlive your HVAC system. Disposable air filters, on the other hand, are designed to be replaced every one to three months. An air filter that is simply rinsed and put back in the oven can save you time and money, as there is no need to go to the store to buy disposable air filters and oven filters. A washable filter, due to its plastic-like material, can last up to five years, while a household can go through 60 or more non-washable filters in the same period of time. Many people have had washable filters of this type for more than ten years.
The only reason you'll need to replace it is if you find a better one or if you decide to do it. Of course, there is normal wear and tear on anything. Most washable filters last at least ten years, so it should be OK to plan accordingly and gently care for your washable filter when you wash it. Most washable electrostatic oven filters come with a lifetime warranty against defects. The air filter you choose has a direct impact on the performance of your HVAC system, as it is responsible for trapping all kinds of particles in the air that can harm your health and expensive system components. Even if you clean a washable filter every month, it will eventually start to become clogged with debris.
Particles that remain lodged in the filter can slow down the essential airflow of the HVAC system over time, which can cause costly problems. Another thing to keep in mind with washable air filters is that the electrostatic charge can decrease over time. You can repeatedly wash and reuse a washable air filter, but eventually you'll need to replace it with a new, fully charged one. That said, a well-maintained, washable HVAC air filter can last 5 to 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Performance also influences cost analysis.
Washable air filters tend to have a lower MERV rating and are less efficient, while a high-quality disposable filter might do a better job of filtering the air. There are a lot of variables at play when considering cost, so make sure to consider these factors when choosing the best HVAC filter for your home. If you want to be greener, opt for reusable filters, as they can last five years or more. This means that a washable filter is equivalent to about 20 to 60 filters, which lasts one to three months each. Therefore, washing and reusing the same filter is an environmentally friendly measure that you should consider.
Washable filters are a worthy investment; they may be more expensive at first, but they are guaranteed to save you money in the long run. You only need to buy it once every 5 to 10 years instead of monthly. Washable air filters are a great option for people looking to save money. However, this type of filter is only capable of removing large particles from the air in your home. Because this type of filter includes a maximum MERV rating of 4, it cannot remove pet dander or smoke from the air. If your spouse or children have allergies or asthma, a washable air filter isn't the right choice for your home.
Washable filters provide a reusable alternative to disposable filters with their own unique qualities. You can use washable filters until the moment they break; the cleaning process is quick and easy but requires a constant program. Air filters need maintenance every 3 to 5 months to avoid airflow or quality issues. Disposable air filters allow you to skip work and simply have a new air filter in place; you can even have the new filters delivered right to your door. Both types of filters require regular maintenance. When disposable air filters simply need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days, reusable filters require flushing - see care instructions below - in order for them to keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible.
Fresh air that passes into your home cannot pass through dirty air filters and the effects are evidenced by problems in indoor air quality. You can order disposable air filters for your home that only require you to periodically change the old ones. Unfortunately, reusable air filters don't perform better than low-quality products measuring less than four on the MERV scale; contact your trusted local HVAC technician to help you find the best air filter for your home and system. These eco-friendly filters often claim to perform the same or better than disposable filters and many homeowners know that they should look for and trust the Energy Star rating on the package. On the other hand, an air filter with a low MERV rating cannot remove as many pollutants from indoor air. The air is free of harmful microscopic particles but like normal HVAC filters they will eventually need a replacement when an HVAC system tries to avoid blockage caused by a dirty air system; it will increase the functions of the system. As these airborne particles pass through the medium they are positively charged and quickly adhere to the next layers of the electrostatic filter just as static electricity can build up on the feet of socks when walking on a carpet or iron filings would stick to a magnet. The biggest difference between HVAC electrostatic filters and disposable air filters is that they are washable and reusable; finally as the air filters in an HVAC system clean up passing airflow, smaller particles they capture begin clogging up mesh.
