Washable air filters are a great option for people looking to save money. They are more expensive than disposable air filters, but they don't need to be replaced as often. However, this type of filter is only capable of removing large particles from the air in your home. It is not capable of removing dander or pet smoke from the air, so if your spouse or children have allergies or asthma, a washable air filter isn't the right choice for your home.
Disposable filters are more effective at trapping smaller particles. They don't filter pet dander, bacteria, viruses, or smoke, especially when they're not changed often enough. It is recommended to replace disposable filters at least twice a year. Unless you have a washable filter, you should never wash or vacuum a disposable air filter as it can damage the material or bend the frame, rendering the filter ineffective and putting your HVAC system at risk.
Whole house filters, air filters, and oven filters are designed to capture debris found in most homes, but no matter how clean your washable filter looks, there's no guarantee that it's completely free of debris. The real job of air conditioning filters is to protect the life of your HVAC system, not improve air quality. Since the production and disposal of pleated filters can be detrimental to the environment, you may want to consider purchasing a washable oven or air conditioning filter. On the other hand, hospitals and emergency centers should invest in air filters that have a MERV rating of 16 or lower. Washable air filters are generally made of woven polypropylene media and are electrostatically charged to capture more particles.
They are more convenient than disposable filters as they only need to be cleaned a couple of times a year. Some people who use washable filters have a second filter on hand to insert immediately while the other is being cleaned and dried. This action helps filter out contaminants and clean the air before it recirculates to your home. Fiberglass disposable HVAC filters are the most common and affordable type of oven filter, but they must be replaced regularly to maintain HVAC efficiency and air quality. If you buy air filters frequently, they can recoup that initial investment in a few months.
Considering the additional time it will take to keep the washable filter clean, if the washable filter is not cleaned regularly, its effectiveness will be further reduced. This type of washable air filter can also be sprayed with a mild household cleaner to remove any grease or smoke residue. How washable air filters compare to their conventional counterparts depends on how you look at the price. Let's face it, it's annoying to have to go to the hardware store every month or two and search through a variety of air filters until you find the right size.
