Are you looking for an environmentally friendly way to improve your home's air quality? Washable or reusable air filters are a great option for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint. These filters are made of woven polypropylene media and are electrostatically charged to capture more particles. They can be rinsed with water or vacuumed to remove any buildup of particles, and typically have a MERV rating between one and four. AirThreads is a type of washable air filter that eliminates unpleasant odors and captures airborne allergens, dust, pet dander, chemicals and mold spores with greater than 90% efficiency.
It's important to note that while washable air filters are more environmentally friendly than disposable fiberglass filters, they are also more expensive. Indoor air quality has a significant effect on the physical health of the occupants of the home. HVAC filters can help improve your IAQ if you have the right one and if they are installed and used correctly. There are two types you can use, namely disposable and reusable filters.
Disposable HVAC filters need to be replaced monthly or quarterly, depending on several factors. As the name suggests, a washable HVAC air filter can be cleaned and reused several times. The number one reason most homeowners opt for reusable air filters is that they are concerned about the environment. But is it really beneficial to switch to a washable air filter? Smaller particles, such as pet dander, smoke, bacteria, and some viruses, will pass through the filter and stay in the air.
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. 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. While washing the filter takes longer than replacing a disposable filter, washable filters are easy to clean in a bath or shower. In general, 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.
Disposable air filters are much more efficient at trapping the smallest particles, and their MERV ratings can be as high as 16. To keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible, you'll need to replace your disposable air filter every one to three months. HEPA filters are commonly used in environments such as medical clinics, hospitals and laboratories, where extremely pure air is especially important. If you're considering switching from disposable to reusable air filters, contact your trusted local HVAC technician to help you find the best option for your home and system. Disposable air filters are less expensive, but it is recommended to replace them at least twice a year.