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Are Reusable Air Filters Worth It?

Air filters are an integral part of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. By investing in reusable air filters, you can save money on replacement filters and protect the environment. Plus, these filters are an eco-friendly way to protect your HVAC unit from dirt, dust, and other contaminants.

What Are Reusable Air Filters?

These washable air filters are made from a type of woven polypropylene material. They are designed to be electrostatically charged, allowing them to attract more contaminants. Thanks to their design, they can be washed instead of thrown away. While reusable air filters are generally more expensive upfront, they save you money in the long run because you don’t have to keep buying replacements.

However, you can’t simply install a reusable air filter and forget about it. These filters have to be cleaned every month.

How Do I Clean a Reusable Filter?

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to keep your air filter clean. Prior to cleaning, you should check out the manufacturer’s guide to see if there are special warnings or precautions for your air filter.

To begin cleaning your filter, you must start by turning off your HVAC unit. Then, remove the air filter.

Wash the filter in your sink with warm water and soap. You can use a soft-bristled brush if there is any dirt or debris stuck to the filter. Be gentle because you don’t want to accidentally damage the filter.

Rinse the filter. You should allow it to dry out completely so that it doesn’t develop mold and mildew. Once it has dried, you can put it back in your HVAC unit and turn the unit on again.

How Do Air Filters Work?

Whether you get a reusable filter or a regular air filter, these materials work via a similar process. The air filter is placed in the HVAC unit so that air is forced through the filter. It is made of pleated paper, mesh, or other media so that it can capture contaminants.

These filters are important because they prevent contaminants, like dust and pollen, from harming the rest of the HVAC unit. A dirty air filter can prevent proper airflow. Additionally, clogged filters can lead to dirty evaporator coils and frozen air conditioners.

The Benefits of Reusable Air Filters

Whether you want to save money or protect the environment, there are many advantages to getting reusable filters. Read on to learn more.

Enjoy Better Convenience

If you normally have to change your filter every month, it can be quite a hassle. You have to go to the store each time you need a new one to search for a filter that matches the size you use. When you get a reusable air filter, you don’t have to shop for new ones all the time. Instead, you can simply wash the filter and reuse it.

Reduce Your Spending

While a washable air filter costs more money initially, it will save you money in the long run. Other filters have to be replaced every 30 to 90 days, which can quickly add up. By getting a reusable filter instead, you can end up spending significantly less. Often, this investment pays for itself in less than a year.

Be Eco-Friendly

With a reusable filter, you don’t have to throw away your filter every month. Other filters are made of metal mesh, fiberglass, and cardboard frames. Fiberglass is known for being non-biodegradable, so it isn’t going to break down in a landfill. By switching to a reusable filter, you can do your part to protect the environment.

Save Time

Getting a reusable air filter can reduce the amount of time you spend shopping for new air filters. This is especially true if you have a rare size that isn’t available in every store. Once you find the right reusable air filter, you don’t have to search for a new one every month.

How Long Do Reusable Air Filters Last?

Once you get a reusable air filter, you can expect to use it for a long time. In fact, these air filters can last for 5 to 10 years if they are taken care of properly.

The main way to care for your reusable air filter is by washing it each month. Make sure it dries all the way so that mold doesn’t clog the filter and get into your HVAC unit.

Should You Get Reusable Air Filters?

Getting a reusable air filter is often a good investment. It allows you to save money and protect the environment. More importantly, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of getting a new filter each month.

However, this option isn’t for everyone. If you don’t want to deal with washing your air filter every 30 days, you may want to find a different filter option. These filters only work well if they’re properly cleaned, so they require a little more maintenance effort each month.

If you’re uncertain about which air filter you want to get, we can help. At Hoff Heating & AC, we can help you find the right air filter for your home in O’Fallon. We can also help you install air scrubbers, furnaces, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, air conditioners, and ventilation.

How to Care for Your HVAC System

Getting a reusable air filter is just one part of HVAC maintenance. As a homeowner, there are a few key ways that you can take care of your HVAC system.

Schedule a Tune-Up

In general, you should arrange for two HVAC appointments each year. Your furnace should be inspected in the fall before the weather turns cold. Then, you should schedule a tune-up in the spring for your air conditioner.

During the tune-up, our HVAC technicians will inspect each part. They will clean and lubricate your HVAC system as needed. If there’s an issue, they can recommend a repair before the faulty part causes other problems.

Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit

Throughout the growing season, you should weed plants that are close to your outdoor unit. There should be a clear space for 2 to 3 feet around the machine. Otherwise, dirt and plants can clog the outdoor unit. They can also trap moisture near the air conditioner, which can lead to rust and mold.

Vacuum Ducts

Another way to care for your system is by regularly checking your vents and moving anything that is blocking them. Then, you can remove each vent and clean it with soapy water. As it dries, vacuum inside the duct to get rid of dust and dirt. Once the vent has dried, you can put it back over the opening.

Learn More About Caring for Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is a finely tuned machine. If it isn’t cared for properly, it will eventually break down. To avoid costly repairs in the future, it’s important to regularly clean your air filters. With a reusable air filter, you can effectively reduce the amount of contaminants entering your HVAC system.

To learn more about heating and air conditioning maintenance, reach out to Hoff Heating & AC. Our O’Fallon-based company can help with all of your HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation needs. For more details about any of our services, including indoor air quality, contact us today.