No matter what season it is in Pine Mountain, Georgia, your HVAC system relies on an air filter to run smoothly. With several air filter options to consider, it’s important to know whether the reusable version is the best choice for your HVAC system. Learn how washable air filters work, and discover three pros and cons of these components.
Basics of Washable Air Filters
All HVAC systems need air filters to prevent dirt and debris from entering the inner workings and compromising performance or causing breakdowns. Washable air filters can do this, as long as you wash them thoroughly with water every month and allow them to dry completely before putting them back in place.
Long-Term Cost Savings
A washable air filter can have a price tag that’s two or three times what a typical air filter costs, which means the reusable version has a higher upfront cost. Since a washable filter doesn’t need to be replaced, however, it helps you save money over time. In fact, using a reusable air filter could help you recover your costs in as few as two or three months.
Minimal Waste
Every time you replace a standard air filter, it goes straight to the trash, which means your HVAC system generates waste regularly. In contrast, you’ll never have to throw out a washable air filter. Instead, you’ll wash and reuse it every month, effectively eliminating waste.
Limited Ability to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Standard air filters are available in a variety of styles, and some can trap virtually all microscopic air contaminants, from pollen to pet dander to dust. Washable filters, on the other hand, generally have a lower minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), as well as a limited ability to improve air quality in your home. If your family members have allergies or asthma, washable filters’ limited filtration could be cause for concern.
Replacing your air filter is a key part of regular preventive HVAC maintenance. Call the experts at Indoor Solutions, Inc. to learn more about our maintenance packages and air filter recommendations today: 706-489-7470.
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