What Are Washable Electrostatic Air Filters?
The main difference between Electrostatic HVAC filters and disposable air filters is that they are recyclable, washable, and reusable. With Electrostatic filters, the airs that undergo through the filter and pass through various filtration channel layers are typically woven Polypropylene, which has an Electrostatic charge.
Aerial pollutants then become charged as they pass through the filter substance. They function as a magnet; the elements remain consistent with the filter channel as the air moves through the filter layers. Lastly, the air’s output is purified air that is prepared to recirculate all over the house.
Washable furnace filters are a special kind of filter that can be washed sometimes and later on reused. These Electrostatic furnace air filters are made from artificial substances instead of the usual disposable filter comprised of cotton mixtures.
Washable furnace filters typically continue from 3-5 years with monthly cleaning and washing, but some filters are ranked for up to 10 years.
Know more about the pollution in the air and how it affects your health here.
How to Care for Washable Hvac Water Filters?
Furnace filters invite dirt, mold, dust, and other impurities which develop inside the fibers. To ensure the best possible air quality when the heating or air conditioning is working, recyclable filters need to be washed frequently.
Following is the step by step process of caring for washable HVAC water filters:
- Just use flowing water to wash away the remainder and dirt. This can be performed in a sink or tub or even the outer part using a garden pipe. A flexible nozzle or sprinkler can help fasten up the method and electricity away from threatening the accumulation.
- Leave the filter to dry in a sunny, well-ventilated place. This step is necessary because the additional humidity can become a propagation area for the development of fungus, mold, and mildew.
- Once the washable filter is washed and dry, it’s prepared to be put back into the HVAC system.
Pros of Washable HVAC Filters
Purchase & Replacement Costs
When considering the cost of HVAC filters, it’s advisable to look for the long-lasting expenditure. Washable furnace filters are more costly. The standard price for the best washable filter varies from $60 to $120. As compared to washable furnace filters, disposable filters are much economic as the average price for 12-pack ranges from about $35 to $90.
Though the advance cost is higher, it’s essential to consider that washable filters are likely to continue for almost the same number of years as your unit. By measuring the investment cost throughout an HVAC system, homeowners can save money in the long run.
Environmental Impact
Environmental friendly homeowners are likely to choose recyclable filters. They are changing disposable filters frequently, i.e., after every three months as advised ad up in terms of waste. Once you take out the old filter, recycling and disposable choices are restricted in several parts. Instead, washable filters are a more eco-friendly choice as they can be reused again and again for a standard of 5-10 years.
Cons of Washable Furnace Filters
Air Filtering Effectiveness
Washable air filters don’t have a clear image for air purifying functioning and have a standard MERV rating system between 1 till 4. They operate correctly at trapping massive flying pollutants like dust mites, dust, carpet fibers, and pollen. More significant disposable filters for domestic HVAC systems provide enhanced competence, up to a MERV ranking of 12. This best-quality of disposable choices can traps up to 95% of minor elements comprising bacteria, pet dander, and mold spores.
The one vital benefit in connection to recyclable filters is that they can be cleaned, washed, and reinstalled as frequently as you want. This can help reduce the quantity of mold and mildew development on the filter itself.
Maintenance Time
Both kinds of filters need some systematic repair and maintenance. Where disposable air filters need to be changed after every 30 to 90 days, the recyclable filters need cleaning and proper washing. This can be a little more time-consuming than just eliminating the old filter and inserting into a new one.
Also, check out our review of Air Water Life Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0
8 Best Washable Electrostatic Air Filters
| Product Image | Product Name | Product Price |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. WEB Eco Filter Plus Adjustable Air Filter 14x20x1
| Check price on amazon |
 | 2. 20x20x1 Electrostatic Washable Permanent Filter
| Check price on amazon |
 | 3. 20x25x1 CARTER Furnace Air Filter
| Check price on amazon |
 | 4. K&N 20x20x1 HVAC Air Filter;
| Check price on amazon |
 | 5. The ULTIMATE Furnace A/C Filter! Washable, Permanent
| Check price on amazon |
 | 6. Trophy Air 16x20x1 HVAC Furnace Air Filter Lasts a Lifetime
| Check price on amazon |
 | 7. Air-Care 20x25x1 Silver Electrostatic Washable
| Check price on amazon |
 | 8. 6 Stage Electrostatic Air Filter
| Check price on amazon |
Comparisons with Air Filter
A Washable Electrostatic Air Filter vs. Metal Mesh
To support why a washable electrostatic air filter may be the perfect option, relate it to your usual Metal Mesh filter. A Metal Mesh air filter depends on numerous layers of emitted or extended metal attached to a pad to trap wreckages. A spray-on tackier is required to raise the competence and usefulness of this sort of filter.
A washable electrostatic air filter, though, is comprised of woven polypropylene channel with electrostatic characteristics that increase element trapping. This electrostatic charge keeps flying elements out by illustrating them onto its woven fiber surfaces, similar to iron filings onto a magnet. Since stagnant electricity leftovers are consistent over time, these filters will never miss their electrostatic features, irrespective of how long they are used or how frequently they are cleaned.
A Washable Electrostatic Air Filter vs. a Disposable Filter
Since an electrostatic air filter is washable and recyclable, you no longer have to keep a heap of disposable filters convenient for monthly replacement. Instead, you eliminate your washable electrostatic air filter, wash it with water and perhaps a little detergent, and then put it back in its original position.
A well-built washable electrostatic air filter is made to continue, usually longer than the HVAC system itself. Electrostatic polypropylene is produced from the non-porous thread, which won’t absorb or maintain ecological humidity and is resistant to mold, bacteria, fungi, and other germs.
The filter won’t split either, as the petroleum-based channel has brilliant power and is remarkably resilient to scratches. Moreover, a recyclable air filter states the environmentally friendly issues of disposable air filters.
You may have studies that washable air filters don’t always operate up to the same competence principles as disposable filters. That may be true when compared to some of the high-efficacy, element dimension specific to MERV rated or HEPA filters out there, but they leave behind the metal mesh filters. Mainly, washable air filters are used as a pre-filter for those great proficiency filters, capturing big particles and allowing post filters to function more competently.
Best Washable Electrostatic Air Filters as Editor’s Choice
According to the top pick of editor’s choice, the best washable furnace filter is Trophy Air Filter. This 6-stage filter characterizes four aluminum mesh layers and two layers of electrostatic media filtering out dust, allergens, and other contaminants. This rough filter is personalized with over 15 varying dimensions.
It is also cost-effective and will save a lot of money instead of disposable filters. According to the editor, the following are the reasons why it is considered the top pick in terms of filters.
Easy Cleaning
With the Trophy air filter, rinse it off once a month and let it dry. No particular detergent or having to take it separately is required.
Six Layers
The Trophy Air comprises two layers of Aluminum Mesh and four layers of Synthetic Filter so that it will capture almost all of the dust, pollens, and allergens in your home.
Metal Frame
The rugged metal frame will continue for an extended period compared to plastic frames, saving you even more money over the years compared to disposable filters.
How to clean a Washable Furnace Filter?
To clean a washable HVAC filter, follow the suggestions of the manufacturer. The most popular method to clean a washable filter is to take it outside and spray it with a garden hose.
- If a pipe is not useful, like during winter, you can also wash it under a kitchen or utility sink.
- If the filter is very unclean, it is the best idea to penetrate the filter in a bin with some slight dish cleaner.
- After washing, you always want the filter to look dry before reinstalling into the heater.
- With washable filters, it doesn’t matter what direction you install the filter, but some manufacturers do contain an arrow so that you can reliably install it in the same way.
You can also check out our best ozone air purifier reviews and know which filter works right for you.
How Do I Know Washable Electrostatic Furnace Air Filters Functioning?
This will be reliant upon a few aspects. It can rely on the levels of dust external to your home and how they influence air quality. Every time you open and close your front door, dust and other remains will enter. You may have to clean them more frequently if you live on a muddy road, a place with high dust levels, or during times of home repairs. The indoor air of a pet owner’s homes comprises excessive dust and animal dander. Personal hobbies and lifestyles can also create extra airborne pollutants.
If you leave your recirculating fan set on AUTO, your HVAC system operates only when your regulator setting needs heat or air conditioning. If your airing system is not working, your heater filter is not functioning. For optimistic outcomes, your fan setting should be ON for constant complete house air cleaning.
How Expensive Are Washable Furnace Filters?
You can look for washable furnace filters online for anywhere from about $30 above to about $100. You’ll also want to factor in delivery and management, except you find some delivered for free. Sometimes you can look for a big sale too. Keep in mind that this is a one-time expenditure vs. changing your furnace filter every month, so it’s yet an excellent deal even if it does look a little high at the beginning.
Learn about the best air purifier for smoke under $100 here.
Are all Washable Furnace Filters Multi-Stage?
No, most of the washable filters comprise arranged layers of several filtration channels with metal or plastic repair and maintenance. As the air and impurities pass through the channel, dirt and dust can be gathered in or on the woven electrostatic track, metal mesh, and impingement polyester or foam media style. The best quality of electrostatic heater filters is built with multi-stage filter panels that keep the air filter from face piling with dirt, limiting the air movement of the HVAC system. Multi-stage filter panels, with tactically situated drain holes in the frame, also permit systematic cleaning.
Will I Ever Have to Replace My Filter?
Various people have had such washable filters for more than ten years. The only reason you’ll ever have to change it is if you find a better one or if you select to do so. There is usual wear and tear on anything. Most washable filters continue for at least ten years, so you should be just fine if you design as a result and take mild maintenance of your washable Filter when you clean it. Most washable electrostatic furnace filters come with a lifetime warranty against production faults.
Do I Need Anything Special to Wash My New Filter?
No, you can use pure water, or if you select, you can use a slight cleaner like grease-cutting dish soap or spray on detergent on any side of your Filter. Wash well until no detergent is coming out of your Filter and shake off extra water. You can let it dry, rotating your HVAC system off during this time versus working your network without an air filter or reinstall it into the system, and the airflow will dry it. It’s that easy. You don’t need any extraordinary tool, and you don’t have to use any particular chemicals to wash your Filter.
Where to Buy Washable Furnace Filters Online?
You can go to the provision of allergy or DIY websites or go to the usual online shopping forums and furnace filters. Pricing differs on all of the websites reliant on the kind of heater filter. However, you’ll want to search at a few of them before you buy as some will have enhanced manufacturing and warranties. Keep in mind that some will have delivery fees and extended shipping times as well, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re factoring all of this into your order list.
Where to buy the best Washable HVAC Filters?
There are various online stores and offline marts where you can buy washable HVAC filters. Though, you must be sure of the quality of the filters they sell. Also, for the sake of your ease and comfort, Amazon sells the best washable filters that have the best customer reviews from reliable producers. Delivery is often quick and free.
Do I Need Measurements Before Ordering?
Yes, you’ll want to calculate and measure your old filter and look for the one that will fit accurately. Keep in mind that the production average for disposable filters has traditionally been destabilized by 1/4″ to 1/2″, making it small size. This means when you take hold of a 16″ X 25″ disposable filter off the shelf at your nearby hardware store, it could be nearer to 15.5″ X 24.5″.
In most situations, you should be capable of using the closest typical size. Washable electrostatic furnace filters have a rigid and inflexible metal or plastic frame. So you may need to order an exact and accurate size to ensure it slips in and out of your filter record easily. You may want to calculate the channel opening using a flashlight, and a rigid duct tape calculate.
Look inside the part of the furnace where the filter should be placed. You should have a 1″ filter record or opening where the filter slips into. Calculate the height and width of the duct opening. You can also contact customer service or your local HVAC service provider, and they will help you control which filter size you should order for your special furnace. Always double and treble check to get an accurate measurement of the furnace filter when you call. There’s nothing lower than having to wait for the exact size when you’ve received the wrong size.
Conclusion
Managing and maintaining a clean filter is necessary, but the expense of disposables can begin to add up, not to state the waste stacking up in landfills. Our preference for washable furnace filters can compensate for themselves over some time while reducing undesirable waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washing Get an Air Filter Clean?
Unless you have a washable filter, you should never clean or wash a disposable air filter. Entire house filters, furnace filters, and air filters are manufactured to trap wreckages found within homes. Still, no matter how pure your washable filter may look, there is no guarantee that it is free of wreckages. Washing and cleaning a disposable filter can also destruct the substance or twist the frame, representing the filter unproductive and putting your HVAC system at threat.
How Long Do Washable Air Filters Last?
Washable air filters can continue to work for 5 to 10 years or even more than that, with some manufacturers arguing that washable filters may survive your HVAC system. Disposable air filters are meant to be changed every one to three months.
How to Clean the Hepa Filters?
- Remove the filters
- Clean the pre-filters
- Vacuum the HEPA filter
- Reassemble
How Do You Wash a Non-washable Air Filter?
- Remove the HEPA filter from the air purifier.
- Stifle a soft cloth in water. Squeeze the material to eliminate additional water.
- Smear down the HEPA filter sides. Carry on washing the cloth and wiping the surface until it is properly cleaned.
- Let the filter dry before placing it back in the filter.
Can Air Conditioner Filters be washed? If yes, then how?
Yes, it can be washed. Washing your AC filters after every month to keep the effectiveness leads to the best performance.
- Before you begin, ensure that your air conditioner is turned off.
- Open the front panel of the air conditioner while holding both sides.
Discharge the front part of the filter, and then pull the entire filter out wisely. - Take out both filters.
- Wash them under flowing water with the help of a soft brush.
Ensure the filters are entirely dry before putting them back in their position. - Begin descending the filter from the back, then place the front part as well and protect it.
- Put both filters in your air conditioner and close the front panel.
How Often Should Air Conditioner Filters Be Cleaned?
It will generally help if you wash your air conditioner filters within the internal unit every two weeks. In more dirty or dusty atmospheres, you should clean your AC filters more often.
