As you become more concerned with indoor air quality in your home, you may want to upgrade your existing HVAC filter. When you first look at the available options, you’ll notice that you can purchase a disposable filter or a reusable one. We’ll address what reusable filters are and whether or not they’re beneficial for enhancing indoor air quality.

What Does an HVAC Filter Do?

All HVAC systems have a filter responsible for removing airborne particles from the air. If you have a ducted HVAC system, this filter will be positioned in your return ducting just before the blower compartment. As the air gets pulled into your ductwork, it will be forced through the filter before it enters the internal components of your heating or air conditioning system.

Types of Air Filters

There are two main types of air filters. The first and most common is the disposable fiberglass filter. This is a traditional flat panel or pleated filter comprised of fiberglass mesh stretched over a simple cardboard frame. The idea is that particles get pulled into the mesh and trapped. These filters will last anywhere between two and three months before they need to be replaced.

The second type of filter is a reusable filter, also known as a washable HVAC filter. Unlike their disposable counterparts, reusable filters can simply be rinsed off with water and reinstalled repeatedly. They are constructed out of woven polypropylene media and work because they are electrostatically charged.

How Do Reusable HVAC Filters Work?

Unlike disposable filters, electrostatic filters attract unwanted airborne contaminants via opposite charging. Washable air filters will have multiple layers of filtration media. As dust and other airborne particles get pulled through these layers, they’re positively charged. This positive charge attracts them to the layers of the filter, similar to how static electricity builds up as you walk across the floor in your socks.

What MERV Rating Are Washable Filters?

All HVAC filters are given a specific rating on the MERV scale. These numbers run from 1 to 20, with a higher rating translating to a more effective filtering process. In general, homeowners will want to invest in a filter with a MERV rating of 1 to 15. If you purchase a filter with a higher rating, it will drastically reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. Higher-rated filters are designed specifically for more powerful commercial HVAC equipment.

Most reusable filters will have a MERV rating of between one and six. This makes them effective enough to remove contaminants like dust but unable to remove airborne pathogens like bacteria. Disposable filters can have a rating ranging anywhere between 1 and 16. Imagine you’re looking to improve the air quality inside your home because you have allergies, asthma, or a respiratory condition. In that case, HVAC experts recommend getting an air filter with a rating of between 8 and 13. This eliminates the option of washable air filters because they don’t come in these higher ratings.

What Are Some of the Pros and Cons of a Washable Air Filter?

Before you decide on whether or not a washable air filter is right for your HVAC system, it can be helpful to understand some of its benefits and drawbacks. This will allow you to effectively stack it against disposable air filters to determine which is the better choice for your home and goals.

It’s Long-Lasting

One of the most prominent benefits of investing in a reusable HVAC filter is its lifespan. Reusable filters can last anywhere between five and six years before they need to be replaced. On the other hand, disposable air filters will only last you between two and three months before they need to be replaced.

No Need to Stock Extra Filters

One of the more annoying features of disposable air filters is that you typically need an extra one on hand. If you don’t, you can find yourself running a dirty air filter and killing the efficiency of your HVAC system until you remember to get a new one. When you go for the washable air filter, you simply wash it off and reinstall it without worrying about stocking any other filters.

Longer Maintenance Process

One disadvantage of a washable filter is that it takes longer to care for than a disposable one. With a disposable filter, you simply pop the old one out and put the new one in, which takes a couple of seconds. When it comes to a washable filter, you must shut off your entire HVAC system.

You need to thoroughly clean the filter and give it time to dry before you put it back into its filter housing. To clean the reusable filter, you must use a mild soap and gently brush it. Mild soaps are often fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and made with natural ingredients. It’s very important to note that if you put a wet washable filter in your HVAC system, it’s highly likely to produce unwanted mold and mildew growth. This is not only unsightly and emits a foul odor, but it can also be dangerous to your health.

Higher Upfront Cost

There’s a big difference when you compare the cost of purchasing a disposable filter versus a washable filter. Washable filters cost three to five times more than a disposable air filter. This higher upfront price can be off-putting for some homeowners. However, it’s vital to point out that washable filters can last five or six years compared to disposable filters, which only last two to three months. While a disposable filter will be much cheaper, you will go through many more over the same timeframe. Ultimately, a washable filter will be more cost-effective than disposable filters.

Eco-Friendly

One benefit of a washable filter we simply can’t overlook is its eco-friendliness. A washable filter can last multiple years of use, whereas disposable filters only last a short amount of time. All those disposable filters will eventually go into the garbage and end up in landfills.

Lifetime Warranty Coverage

One lesser-known benefit of reusable air filters is that many come with lifetime warranty coverage. This means that if you experience any sort of problem with your filter, you can get a new one without having to spend your own money.

Not Effective Against Smaller Contaminants

In general, washable electrostatic filters are only effective at removing larger airborne particles, such as dust, carpet fibers, and pollen. They’re not effective at attracting smaller airborne particles, such as mold spores or bacteria. Homeowners who are concerned with their indoor air quality and are looking to enhance it as much as possible aren’t going to benefit from this type of HVAC filter.

Helpful HVAC Maintenance Service

My Guy Heating and Air, LLC offers helpful HVAC maintenance service for residents throughout the Mead, CO community. Our technicians can help with all your cooling, heating, and indoor air quality needs. We offer sound repairs, AC maintenance, and installations. Simply give us a buzz today to schedule your next service appointment.

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