Reusable Furnace Filters Yes Or No?

Things To Know Before Buying A Washable Air Filter For Your HVAC Arrangement

August 13, 2021

Things to Know About Washable Air Filters

The air filter yous choose has a direct touch on the performance of your HVAC organisation, since it's responsible for trapping all kinds of airborne particles that can cause harm to your wellness and your costly arrangement components.

While some HVAC systems accept been modified to use electrostatic filters, near accept mechanical filters that are available in both washable and dispensable versions. If y'all're one of the many homeowners who uses dispensable filters, yous might be wondering if information technology's beneficial to switch to a washable air filter. In club to improve empathize the best HVAC air filter type for your dwelling, yous'll demand to understand the different types of air filter technology, as well every bit the benefits and drawbacks of each type.

Different HVAC Air Filter Types

Disposable Fiberglass HVAC Air Filters

Traditional flat-panel filters feature fiberglass mesh stretched over a cardboard framework. The fiberglass mesh catches debris as the air passes through. In general, disposable fiberglass HVAC filters are the most common and most affordable type of furnace filter, but they must be regularly replaced in order to maintain HVAC efficiency and air quality.

Washable Mechanical HVAC Air Filters

Washable or reusable filters can exist rinsed with water or vacuumed to remove whatever particle buildup. Washable air filters are typically made out of woven polypropylene media and are electrostatically charged in lodge to capture more particles. Because they can be reused, washable air filters are more than eco-friendly than disposable fiberglass filters, only they are also more expensive.

Dispensable Pleated HVAC Air Filters

Dispensable pleated HVAC air filters are single-utilize air filters, similar their fiberglass counterparts, simply they are constructed differently. Pleated filters are made from dense layers of cotton or plastic fibers. These layers are pleated, which provides more expanse to catch particles. Disposable pleated air filters cannot exist washed and reused like washable air filters.

HEPA HVAC Air Filters

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are highly effective at removing particles from the air. In fact, an HVAC filter cannot be considered a HEPA filter unless it consistently filters out at least 99.97 per centum of all particles 0.iii microns or larger. HEPA is an official efficiency designation endorsed past the Department of Energy.

HEPA filters are commonly used in settings such as medical clinics, hospitals and laboratories, where extremely pure air is especially important. Not all HVAC systems tin handle high-density HEPA filters, and they can exist expensive. HEPA filters are available in washable or disposable options.

UV HVAC Air Filters

UV HVAC air filters do not use fiberglass, cotton wool, plastic or whatsoever other blazon of cobweb to filter particles out of the air. Instead, UV filters use the disinfecting power of ultraviolet calorie-free to eliminate airborne particles, including pathogens and microorganisms similar viruses, bacteria and mold. UV air filters are oftentimes used to supplement another type of air filtration arrangement. Because in that location is no concrete filter, UV HVAC filters are neither washable or disposable.

Characteristics Of Washable Air Filters

One time nosotros have a bones agreement of the dissimilar types of HVAC air filters, we can see how washable air filters stack upwards confronting the other options.

Energy Efficiency

Washable air filters have a MERV rating of 1-4. A rating of 1-4 means the filter simply captures particles larger than 10 microns. Pollen, dust mites and lint are all 10 or more microns in size, so a washable filter could prevent those types of debris from circulating in your HVAC system.

What Is A MERV Rating & What Does It Mean?

MERV ratings are a standardized style to measure out a filter'due south ability to remove particles from the air. The MERV scale goes from one to 16, with lower numbers beingness less filtering power and higher numbers being very dense, top-of-the-line air filters.

Although information technology seems like a higher MERV rating would always exist amend, that is not necessarily the instance. A filter with a very high MERV rating will be very dense, and a dumbo air filter means your HVAC equipment will work harder to pull air through the filter. We recommend talking to a professional about which MERV rating is the best pick for both your home comfort and your HVAC system's capabilities.

Maintenance

Some maintenance is involved no matter which type of HVAC air filter you cull, but special maintenance considerations are involved with washable air filters.

Washable filters demand to be cleaned in one case a calendar month, and they demand to dry completely before being reinserted. If y'all put a wet filter dorsum into the HVAC system, information technology provides an ideal surroundings for mold and bacteria growth. Disposable filters don't need any routine care because you tin just throw them abroad and put in a make clean filter when they become dirty.

Performance

Even if you lot make clean a washable filter every month, information technology'due south going to get-go clogging up with debris over time. The particles that stay lodged in the filter can ho-hum essential HVAC arrangement airflow over time, which can cause costly problems. Another thing to consider with washable air filters is that the electrostatic charge tin diminish over time. You can repeatedly wash and reuse a washable air filter, but you will eventually need to replace it with a fresh, fully charged one.

That being said, a well-maintained washable HVAC air filter tin can last 5-10 years earlier needing to exist replaced.

Cost

Washable air filters are more expensive than disposable air filters, but they do non need to be replaced as often. Disposable air filters are less expensive, just information technology'south recommended to replace them at to the lowest degree twice per year.

Performance also factors into the cost assay. Washable air filters tend to have a lower MERV rating and are less efficient, whereas a high-quality disposable filter could practice a better chore at filtering your air. There are many variables at play when cost is considered, so exist sure to keep these factors in listen when choosing the best HVAC filter for your home.

Interested In Learning More than Well-nigh Washable Air Filters? Talk To Lozier!

If you have more questions most washable air filters, or if y'all're interested in a abode free energy audit, attain out to the HVAC professionals at Lozier! Contact us today or give us a call at 515-267-yard.