Reusable air filters are an excellent choice for the environment. They are a great way to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and can last up to ten years or more. Disposable air filters need to be changed every one to three months, while low-cost fiberglass filters need to be changed every 30 days. Pleated filters can last up to 6 months.
A good rule of thumb is to replace pleated filters every 90 days. If you have electrostatic or washable filters, you should wash, dry and reinstall them once a month. Washable filters are more environmentally friendly and, if properly cleaned and reused, can last 5 to 10 years or even longer. 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. 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.
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. 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. You can hear it: Your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter.
How many days was it again? 30? 100? — The general consensus is that you should replace your home's air filter every 3 months or 90 days. But what happens if you let that time go by a little? Before we talk about WHEN the air filter should be changed, let's start with the WHY. 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. With electrostatic filters, air passing through the filter passes through multiple layers of filter media, usually woven polypropylene, that have an electrostatic charge. When you decide what type of air filters to buy, there are several options to choose from. Air filters are a critical piece of equipment used to protect your HVAC system, keep it running smoothly, and help clean the airflow in your home.
You can order disposable air filters for your home that only require you to periodically change the old ones. As air enters the vents and return ducts, it flows through the air cleaner to remove dust, debris, and any other particles in the air before the air is conditioned by the HVAC system. When you have washable filters, you don't need to go out and buy a replacement every time you have a dirty filter. As air moves through a building's HVAC system, air filters trap and pick up large and small particles such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. Permanent home air filters are best maintained in the 4-12 MERV range where protection and affordability are balanced. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same as attic insulation) or & pleated paper framed with cardboard for added stability and rigidity. Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will operate. The higher the MERV rating of the air filter, the smaller the particles it can capture but the greater effect it will have on airflow. Washable air and oven filters consist of a mesh fabric; the tightness of which determines its MERV rating.
To ensure the best possible air quality when heating or cooling is in operation; reusable filters should be cleaned regularly. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the manufacturer of your oven or AC unit could cause damage or reduce efficiency.
