Washable air conditioning filters are very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike disposable filters, simply remove them from the air conditioning unit, rinse them with water, and they are ready to use. Reusable filters can be washed and replaced. However, the disposable filters you use in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system aren't designed to shed water when they get wet.
The moisture retained by the filter can encourage mold growth over time, and the air conditioning system could spread mold spores throughout the rest of the house. In addition, wetting a disposable filter makes it much less effective, so energy efficiency and indoor air quality will decrease. The general rule is to clean reusable air filters every one to three months. However, this period of time may vary depending on the type and condition of the filter, as well as the frequency with which it is used.
If your reusable air filter starts to look dirty or clogged before the one to three month guideline, it's definitely time to clean it. The filters are for single use only. After about three months, you'll have to exchange it for a new one. The only exception is reusable air filters. These washable filters are made of more durable materials and can be cleaned.
Keep in mind that you'll have the same type of problems with a clogged reusable filter as you would with a dirty disposable one. You'll have to remember to take it out at least once a month to clean it. Disposable air filters are not designed to be cleaned or reused. If you try to wash a disposable filter, dust, dirt, and other contaminants may remain in the creases of the filter material. If you try to clean the filter, it is likely to damage it, decrease the efficiency of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and cause stress to the motor.
It may not dry out completely, which will encourage mold growth. Once again, when you run the air conditioner or boiler, they accumulate particles such as pollen, dust, and other allergens. However, it is important to know how to properly wash the reusable air filter so that it does not get damaged. If you have several furry pets, a large household, or allergy problems, clean the filter every one to two months. Common signs include an increase in allergy symptoms, higher-than-normal energy bills, and a buildup of dust near ventilation grilles. Some consumers try to clean their disposable HVAC air filters by shaking them outdoors or trying to remove pet hair, dust, and dirt.
If the reusable filters don't seem to work properly in your system, consult the Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning guide and HVAC services. You should avoid storing reusable air filters in a garage, shed, or other outdoor areas, as that way they will be exposed to more dust and dirt. Home air conditioning systems aren't just “set it and forget it” but they require regular maintenance to continue operating efficiently and effectively. Contact Gold Star for reliable and professional heating and air conditioning services in Delaware and Pennsylvania. The reusable air filter is an innovative product that can save you money and time; because of this many people are starting to prefer reusable air filters over disposable ones. You can also increase air conditioning efficiency and save energy by scheduling routine system reviews twice a year with the experts at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Las Vegas.
It's understandable that people think that using bleach is an option especially when it comes to disinfecting filters. If you make a hole in the fibers or lose their density your air filters won't be able to work as well as they used to. Some air filters in the permanent and semi-permanent models can be cleaned as part of the regular maintenance of the air conditioning system and replaced for continuous use. A reusable air filter can be expensive compared to disposable filters five to six times more expensive.
