For your own comfort and safety, you want your home to have the highest-quality air possible. Start by taking a look at the filters in your furnace. If you don’t replace the filter or clean it out regularly, dirt and dust can build up and make your HVAC unit less effective. With that in mind, here are the pros and cons of washable furnace filters.
Benefits of Washable Furnace Filters
One of the most significant advantages of using a washable furnace filter is that, although it requires more money upfront, the amount you save in the long run will be worthwhile. Disposable filters might be more appealing due to their cheaper price, but you can expect a washable furnace filter to last at least five years. Imagine how many disposable filters you would go through in that time for the price of just one washable filter.
HVAC technicians recommend changing your filter every three months at a minimum, but many people forget or cannot afford to do this. When you use a washable furnace filter, you don’t have to stock up on disposable filters every few months. This isn’t just more convenient; it also reduces the effects of disposable filter waste on the environment. Filters aren’t recyclable, so if you want to be eco friendlier, custom furnace filters are the way to go.
Disadvantages of Washable Furnace Filters
There are also some disadvantages to using washable furnace filters. The first is that disposable filters can reach a MERV rating as high as 16, while washable ones only have ratings of between 1 and 4. This means that washable furnace filters are less efficient at sifting through allergens and pathogens than disposable filters. Plus, since you have to wash them repeatedly, these filters require more work than disposable filters. Finally, if you don’t properly clean and dry your washable filter, mold and mildew can form.
Deciding Which Type Suits Your Preferences
Overall, deciding which type of filter is best for your needs depends on what you’re looking to get out of your filter. If you want a cheap, low-maintenance solution for air filtration, a disposable filter might be best. However, if you want a dedicated solution with long-term financial benefits, a washable furnace filter is hard to beat.
Now that you know the pros and cons of washable furnace filters, you can make the most informed decision possible.
