You might even be thinking to yourself, “All air filters do the same thing.”. Overall, it takes less time … Here’s what you need to know about washable air filters, so you can decide for yourself! So which is better, disposable air filters or washable air filters? Disposable air filters are more efficient than disposable air filters, but only if you replace them on a regular basis. schedule for either replacing or cleaning your filters. This means they can’t trap small particles such as bacteria, viruses, or pet dander. K&N Filter Cleaner (x1): $11.00. Washable electrostatic air filters can be constructed differently with a variety of filter media, and may not allow for as much free air flow as standard disposable filters do which may cause your furnace to work harder. That’s $79 (or so) for an air filter and enough cleaning agent for one cleaning. However, fiberglass filters are less effective than other types of filters and don’t do the best job of keeping your indoor air clean. Sign up for our Polar Bear Club to receive the hottest deals on air conditioning, heating, pool heaters, ice machines and more. As people become more enthusiastic about green options, they’re looking for goods which they can wash and reuse rather than contribute to the landfill. The washable filters are reusable for the lifetime of your HVAC system, which is upwards up 15 years in most cases. Price points on filters can vary due to material and style, but disposable filters are generally much cheaper than washable filters. How Regular Filters Work. What Does an Air Filter Do? Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians are always here to help you find the air filter for your AC system and home. A former coworker has decided to manufacture and sell his own filters now. They are durable and sturdy, which helps them to last so long. Washable air filters have lower MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, ratings than disposable filters, so they’re not as effective. They trap dust and other particles as air passes through them, filtering out all the gunk. These aren’t the type of filter that you use, replace and throw away. However, for long-term savings, a washable air filter can be more cost efficient and save time as well. While washable filters may be more expensive, they feature an extensive lifespan between 5 to 6 years. If you or someone in your home has allergies, pleated filters might be the way to go. The cleaning process is easy and quick but requires a consistent schedule. Disposable Air Filters. However, consumers are faced with a number of options for selecting which to use. Washable air filters can be good or bad convenience-wise, depending on your lifestyle. These are simple to change out or clean and should be done an absolute minimum of once every six months. Let’s take a moment and compare the washable air filter and the disposable air filter. Washable Furnace Filters vs. If someone in your home suffers from asthma or severe allergies then the answer will likely change. Overall, it takes less time and energy to deal with when it comes to AC maintenance. We are often asked the question, do electrostatic air filters work?? Washable air filters are more expensive than disposable air filters. You have disposable fiberglass filters, disposable pleated filters and disposable electrostatic filters. Whatever the case, it’s important to keep in mind what it takes to get a washable air filter truly clean. Let’s explore that concept. Another factor to keep in mind is that most washable air filters only have a MERV rating between one and four, which is not great for homes with multiple people, pets, or in an environment where someone has a compromised immune system. Because you need to take into consideration the MERV rating of your disposable filters and compare that to the MERV rating of a washable filter—which is typically lower. However, a washable air filter, though more expensive, can last for years, so saving costs is obvious in the long-term perspective. AvantGarde. FAQs Schedule Service Online Disposable filters 02-14-2009, 08:09 PM #8. Washable filters also come in a variety of both standard and custom sizes. Replace about every 5 years. It requires less effort to deal with disposable air filters. On average, disposable filters cost about $15 each, but you’ll find countless opportunities to save. Total: $79.00. A quality air filter will do a great job when it’s clean. K&N E-3750 Filter Element (x1): $62.00. Darville is the Higher Standard! DISPOSABLE: $75 average. So a potential use of 100,000 miles. Air filters are important for your HVAC unit to work efficiently. Maintenance. The purpose of an air filter is to filter out and help reduce particles such as dust, pet dander, pollen and to help your system not work overtime. Heating maintenance Air Conditioning Maintenance. Before the battle of electrostatic air filter vs. disposable filter, let's take a close look at the role of filters in general, how they are rated, and the differences between the them. They often have a low MERV rating; typically a MERV 5 or even lower. Disposable air filters are more efficient than disposable air filters, but only if you replace them on a regular basis. This is why some people who use washable filters keep a second filter on hand to insert immediately while the other is being cleaned and dried. Washable filters require regular visits to the furnace room to remove and clean thoroughly. After all, air filters help to stop dander, dirt, dust and other icky debris from infiltrating the rooms within your home. Disposable fiberglass. Although it will depend on the size and MERV rating, a disposable air filter will typically cost you between $10 and $20. Standard HVAC filters are made from metal mesh, a fiberglass filter material and a cardboard frame. Although it will depend on the size and MERV rating, a disposable air filter will typically cost you between $10 and $20. For the cleanest air, we recommend changing your air … A filter with a very high MERV rating could stop air from getting inside, increasing energy costs. Electrostatic Air Filter vs. Washable Air Filter vs. Reusable Air Filter. Washable vs. You’ll have to take the time (up to 15 minutes) to properly wash them in lieu of swapping out disposable air filters. While you won’t have to make a trip to your local hardware store as often, you will need to wash and wait for the air filter to dry completely before putting it back in your AC. Plus, Polar Bear Club members never miss out because we deliver these select discounts straight to your inbox. Simply pull out the old air filter, toss in the trash, and slide in a new one. Disposable Furnace Filters. Disposable air filters should be replaced once a month, and doing so is relatively easy. They can effectively catch larger particles like dust and soot. Washable air filters are a much “greener” choice than those disposable ones that end up in the landfill. If you do not wash it, the filter will restrict airflow and make your unit work harder to heat or cool your home. Washable air filters for the home are best kept in the 4-12 MERV range where protection and affordability balances out. The main difference between washable furnace filters vs disposable is the upfront cost. Washable Furnace Filters vs Disposable. Over its lifetime, a single Filti Washable Filter can replace multiple disposable filters AND Filtis are constructed with our own patent-pending Nanofiber filtering technology. Done! At $35 or more, a single reusable filter does cost much more than a disposable one. K&N Filter Cleaner (x1): $11.00. Washable filters actually work better when they’re dirty and only have an average MERV rating between 1 and 4. 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