Are you wondering how long washable HVAC filters last? After all, HVAC professionals recommend replacing the furnace filter every one to three months. This means that a single washable HVAC filter replaces 20 to 60 disposable filters. Many people have had these washable filters for more than ten years. The only reason you'll have 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 you should be fine if you plan accordingly and gently care for the washable filter when you wash it. Most washable electrostatic oven filters come with a lifetime warranty against defects. It can be difficult for homeowners to decide which oven filter option is best for their needs and budget.
So, let's compare the two options based on cost, environmental impact, performance, and maintenance requirements to help you choose the best HVAC filter. See the advantages and disadvantages of washable HVAC filters and how they compare to disposable filters. Green homeowners tend to prefer reusable filters. Replacing disposable filters regularly (every three months, as recommended) can result in a lot of waste.
Once you remove the old filter, recycling and disposal options will be limited in most areas. By comparison, washable filters are a more environmentally friendly option, since they can be reused over and over for an average of 5 to 10 years. They are a greener option than disposable filters. The cost you save by using washable HVAC filters still translates into big savings. A washable air conditioning filter includes a metal frame designed to hold woven electrostatic fibers. The fibers of this type of air filter are capable of removing dust and dirt from the air in your home.
Washable air filters are a convenient option, as they only need to be cleaned a couple of times a year. In theory, an air filter that is simply rinsed and placed back in the oven can save you time and money. There is no need to go to the store and buy disposable air filters and oven filters. A washable filter, due to its plastic-like material, can last up to five years, while a household can use 60 or more non-washable filters in the same period of time. You'll need to replace washable filters at a similar time, but maintaining these filters requires more time.
You'll have to clean less dust and vacuum because your oven filter works hard to filter those things out of the oven before they reach the inside. While the starting price of a disposable pleated air filter may be lower, this type of filter will need to be replaced every 3 months. It's easy to find high-efficiency disposable HVAC filters with MERV ratings between 9 and 12 that are capable of removing microscopic particles such as dust, emissions, and even bacteria from your home's air supply. Because using a wet filter can promote biological growth and problems related to indoor air quality, you don't want to skip any of these steps. If you compare the differences between washable air filters and disposable options, an important variable to consider before buying a filter is maintenance. Fiberglass air filters are only designed with an average lifespan of 30 days, they require a great deal of maintenance.
These filters can capture up to 95 percent of the largest particles circulating in your home, which can keep your home's indoor air quality high and, at the same time, help your air conditioning system work as efficiently as possible. To keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible, you'll need to replace the disposable air filter every one to three months. You won't need to buy washable filters very often, so the long-term cost of washable filters is likely to be equal or lower than the cost of disposable filters. As air enters the vents and return ducts, it flows through the air filter to remove dust, dirt, and any other particles suspended in the air before the HVAC system conditions the air. This action helps filter contaminants and clean the air before it is recirculated back to your home. To ensure the best possible air quality when the heater or air conditioner is working, reusable filters should be cleaned regularly.
There are a variety of eco-friendly air filters on the market, and many are made from recycled and recyclable materials. In addition, while reusable filters are good for protecting your home from large particles such as dust, they are sometimes not as effective at filtering bacteria, viruses, smoke and pet dander.
