When it comes to air filters, there are two main types: paper and washable. While paper filters are disposable and cheaper, washable filters are reusable, more efficient, and last longer. But which one is the best option?The primary distinction between washable and disposable air filters is the initial cost. Washable filters may be more expensive, but they have a long lifespan of up to 5-6 years.
This means that you'll save money in the long run if you decide to purchase a washable air filter. Additionally, this type of filter requires less maintenance, as it only needs to be cleaned a couple of times a year. Disposable filters are more effective at trapping smaller particles, such as pet dander, bacteria, viruses, or smoke. However, washable ones are only good for capturing large particles such as dust. Some HVAC companies are not in favor of washable filters, as they believe that they are the worst type of filter you can choose. A climate control air filter is designed to remove dust, dirt, pollen, and pet hair from the air that enters a home from a central air conditioning system or oven.
To prevent mold and mildew from forming, the filter must dry completely before replacing it. You should discard a fiberglass filter that is more than 30 days old and buy a new one from your local hardware store. Because a washable air conditioner filter includes several layers of electrostatic fibers, it can take a long time to remove dirt and dust from each layer. In addition, as stated in this recent Washington Post article, washable filters also reach the end of their useful life. You'll need to replace them on a similar schedule as disposable filters, but these filters take longer to maintain. These ratings are placed on a scale of 1 to 20, where 1 is the worst at efficiently eliminating microscopic contaminants present in the air and 20 is the most effective.
While the initial cost of washable filters is much higher, keep in mind that the total cost is likely to balance out in the long run. The starting price of a disposable pleated air filter may be lower than that of a washable one, but this type of filter will need to be replaced every 3 months. HVAC filters may seem relatively simple, but they can do some of the most important tasks in your home. These filters can capture up to 95 percent of the largest particles circulating around your home, which can maintain a high quality of your home's indoor air while helping your HVAC system operate as efficiently as possible.
