Pros And Cons Of Washable Air Filters

Poor air quality inside your house creates an uncomfortable environment. Air quality is a critical concern for many homeowners. As a result, many people want to invest in high-quality air filters. Numerous types of air filters are available on the market for your HVAC system. For those who don’t know, HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, which helps control the temperature of your home or office. Choosing a filter for your home can be tricky, and if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, what should you do?

Many filters require regular replacement. Now you might be wondering: Is there a filter available on the market that doesn’t need to be replaced? The simple answer is yes. These filters are known as washable filters because they can be cleaned, do not require replacement, and are very cost-effective. In this blog, you will learn about washable filters in detail, understand their benefits, discover how they differ from disposable filters, and find out how to maintain them properly. So, read carefully!

What Are Washable Air Filters?

Washable air filters, also known as reusable or electrostatic filters, are designed for long-term use and can be cleaned and reused instead of being discarded after a single use. These filters are typically made from durable materials, such as woven polypropylene media, and are charged electrostatically to enhance their performance. This design enables them to effectively capture airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens.

Unlike traditional air filters that depend solely on suction from the HVAC system to trap contaminants, washable filters utilize static electricity to attract and hold dust, dirt, and other airborne pollutants. This unique mechanism allows them to achieve a higher efficiency in capturing smaller particles.

Using washable air filters provides several advantages that can benefit both your HVAC system and your budget. They are cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for frequent replacements, and they are eco-friendly, reducing the amount of waste generated from disposable filters. Additionally, washable filters help maintain better indoor air quality, promoting a healthier living environment.

Overall, washable air filters are an economical and sustainable solution for enhancing indoor air quality while supporting the efficiency of your HVAC system.

How To Maintain A Washable Filter

Regular maintenance of washable air filters is crucial. Neglecting to clean them can lead to dust accumulation, decreased airflow, and increased energy consumption. It is recommended to clean and maintain your reusable air filter at least once every three months. Here are the steps to clean your washable air filter:

1. Turn Off Your HVAC System: It is a must to turn off the power of your system because safety comes first, and it also helps you prevent circulating dust inside your house while cleaning the filter.

2. Locate The Filter: To locate the air filter, you can check the manual of your HVAC system because most of the time the location of your filter is mentioned in the manual. After this, open the metal panel of the return air duct and remove your filter carefully.

3. Inspect the Filter: Examine the filter for any dust buildup or damage. If it's damaged, replace it; otherwise, proceed to the next step.

4. Choose a Cleaning Method: Decide on a cleaning method. You can either blow dust off with compressed air and use a brush to remove sticky dirt or wash it with warm water to eliminate airborne particles.

5. Reinstall the Filter: Once clean and completely dry, reinstall the filter and restore power to your HVAC system.

Pros And Cons Of Washable Air Filters

Benefits Of Washable Filters

Washable air filters offer a range of benefits that make them a smart choice for homeowners and businesses looking to enhance their indoor air quality while also saving money and reducing environmental impact.

• Environment-Friendly: Most conventional air filters, like disposable ones, are usually made of cardboard frames, metal mesh, and fiberglass. The process of recycling these materials is very challenging, and it will take a lot of time to separate them for the local recycling center. When you change your HVAC filters regularly, they create a huge mess for the environment, but this doesn’t happen in the case of washable filters. Reusable air filters are eco-friendly, lasting five years or more. Their reusability significantly reduces waste compared to conventional filters, which often need replacement every three months and are typically made from non-biodegradable fiberglass.
• Money Saving: The main problem with the other filters is that you need to change them almost every 6 weeks or 90 days; this will make you spend money on new filters more frequently. One of the main advantages of reusable filters is cost savings. Their long lifespan means fewer frequent replacements, leading to lower overall expenses. Washable air filters generally have a MERV rating of 1-4, effectively capturing large particles over 10 microns, such as dirt and dust mites. This efficiency helps consume less energy, contributing to lower energy bills.
• Time-Saving: when your disposable filters expire and you need to buy a new one, it takes your precious time, and you will do this every 3 to 6 months. Purchasing a new filter can be challenging because you will spend a lot of time trying to find a perfect-size filter that can properly fit into your HVAC system. With washable air filters, you make a one-time investment, eliminating the hassle of constantly searching for a properly fitting filter until it’s time to replace your HVAC unit.
• Improved Air Quality: The washable or reusable air filters improve indoor air quality by capturing airborne particles like dirt and dust. These filters are effective in removing large particles of size more than 10 microns. Many of the reusable filters are electrostatic, which means they attract smaller particles with the help of static electricity. So washable filters will help you to purify your home air from large particles and some small particles.
• Customizable Options: Reusable or washable filters come with many customizable options. You can order or buy a size-customized filter; some manufacturers also offer filtration customizations, which means you can improve your filter’s filtration ability according to your needs. These features help users get the perfect washable air filter that suits their wants.

Disadvantages Of Washable Filters

While washable air filters have numerous advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider before purchasing:

• Regular Maintenance: Other conventional filters require replacement every 3 to 6 months, but they do not require any maintenance until their life is over. In the case of washable filters, maintenance is a crucial part and one of its drawbacks. Although these filters can last over five years, they require regular cleaning every three months. Failure to do so can lead to dust accumulation, reducing air quality, and increasing indoor pollution.
• Less Effective Over Time: The efficiency of a disposable filter like a pleated filter never decreases over time; they just get old and hit the time for a new replacement. When the matter comes in terms of effectiveness, over time the reusable filter doesn’t stand quite well. Washable filters typically have low MERV ratings of 1-4, which means they capture mainly larger particles. They may not effectively filter smaller particles like mold spores, allergens, and bacteria, which can be problematic for those with respiratory issues and individuals who want a sterile environment in their homes.
• Risk of Mold: Air filters that require new replacement from time to time don’t put your HVAC unit at any risk until they need to be, but in the case of washable filters, there is a chance that it can damage your system if you become careless about one thing after maintenance, and that is drying your filter after a wash. Improper cleaning and not letting your filter dry properly after cleaning can lead to mold formation inside your HVAC system, and it can permanently affect the unit. As a result, you will need to change the entire unit, and that will cost you a lot of money.
• Initial Cost: The cost of disposable filters is quite less in comparison to reusable filters. You will get a new filter every 3 to 6 months, and after the spending, you can earn it back within a month. The initial cost of a reusable filter is around 35 dollars or more, which is quite expensive for a single investment. Washable filters can help you save money in the long run. If you are able to spend a little money from time to time but don’t want to spend a huge amount of your income for one time, then reusable filters are not for you.
• Drying Time: When you wash a reusable filter, it takes time for it to dry completely, and if you don’t let it dry properly and install it inside the HVAC system, then it will put the unit at risk. Conventional filters don’t need any drying time; you just have to buy and replace them.

Other Types Of Air Filters

The market offers various filters for HVAC systems, each designed for specific needs. Here are some common types:

• HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters: HEPA filters are top-rated for their high air purification capability, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles, including those as small as 0.3 microns. They are particularly effective against allergens and pathogens.
• Activated Carbon Filters: These filters use activated charcoal to remove air pollutants and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). They operate through adsorption, trapping contaminants in the carbon’s pores.
• UV Light Filters: Utilizing short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C), these filters effectively capture microorganisms and airborne pathogens. Exposure to UV light destroys these pathogens, creating a sterile environment.
• Media Filters: Media filters provide effective filtration similar to higher MERV rating filters without significant airflow resistance. They capture small airborne particles efficiently but need replacement once or twice a year. However, they are less effective at odor reduction.
• Spun Glass Filters: Constructed from spun fiberglass strands, spun glass filters are affordable but less effective at capturing small pollutants due to their limited surface area.

Difference Between Washable Filters And Disposable Filters

Conclusion

Filtering your indoor air is important, so selecting the right air filter and maintaining it over time is crucial. Washable air filters free you from the hassle of buying a new filter regularly; you just need to invest in them once, and they will improve indoor air quality. However, you must clean them every three months to ensure effective dust removal. Compared to disposable filters, washable filters have drawbacks, such as lower air filtration efficiency and the need for regular maintenance.

Washable air filters offer a mix of advantages and disadvantages, making them a suitable option for some homeowners but not others. The cost savings, environmental benefits, and potential for improved air quality are compelling reasons to consider them. However, the maintenance requirements and initial investment may not be ideal for everyone.

Ultimately, the choice between washable and disposable filters should depend on your specific needs, lifestyle, and commitment to regular upkeep. By weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that best suits your home and air quality requirements.

Buying a filter for your HVAC system can be tricky, but you don’t have to worry anymore because Custom Filters Direct is here. We provide high-quality air filters that are the solution to the dust in your home. So, without any further delay, improve your home’s air quality with customizable filters. For more information, contact us at (877) 749-1748. It will be our pleasure to help you achieve the perfect home environment.

MERV 8 Air Filters

MERV 11 Air Filters

MERV 13 Air Filters

Frequently Asked Questions