Just like their disposable counterparts, washable air filters fill up with dust, dirt, pet hair, and other contaminants. If you don't wash them regularly, they'll become clogged, which could cause poor indoor air quality or damage to your Jacksonville HVAC system.
Speaking generally no, washable filters alone (even electrostatic ones) are not effective because they don't block enough dust. They will slow down accumulation of dust on your coils but not prevent it.
If you have electrostatic or washable filters, they should be washed, dried, and re-installed once a month. The washable filters are more eco-friendly and, if cleaned and reused appropriately, can last 5 to 10 years.
If you're concerning air conditioning filters, the solution is no. Air filters cannot work better when dirty, once it's clogged with dirt; it blocks the free flow of air into the cooling system and out of the air conditioner. The air filter must be cleaned of dirt and dust.
Simply put, the biggest edge a HEPA 13 filter has over a washable type is its incredible effectiveness in purifying the air. It's a powerful way to maintain indoor air quality and ensure that it's safe to breathe, giving it a serious leg-up over washable filters.
Part of the reason that HEPA filters are so rarely used in HVAC systems is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. This means that the system needs to be extremely powerful and use additional fans in order to properly draw air through the HEPA filter and circulate it throughout the room or building.
1. HEPA Filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants — including mold spores and dust that are as small as 0.3 microns.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
You might wonder about the risks of running your AC without a filter, even temporarily. The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours. Going beyond this can negatively affect both your system's health and your home's air quality.
HEPA Air Filters
A HEPA filter is a type of pleated mechanical air filter and is extremely efficient and effective. According to the Environmental Protection Agency can theoretically remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.
Filters with a MERV rating of 8-13 are usually higher-end filters for home use or high-quality commercial filters. These filters are typically the right choice for use in homes and many businesses.
Cheaper filters, like fiberglass ones, can clog faster than higher-quality options like pleated or HEPA filters. Extreme weather can make your HVAC system work harder, leading to faster filter buildup. Neglecting filter maintenance, like not changing or cleaning regularly, can cause blockages and poor air quality.
Performance and Reliability
Washable filters generally have relatively low arrestance, usually capturing under 75 percent of larger indoor pollutants like dust mites, carpet fibers, and pollen particles. In contrast, disposable filters with MERV ratings between 9 and 12 have relatively high arrestance.
Attempting to wash a non-washable HEPA filter can damage the delicate fibers and compromise its filtration efficiency. Non-washable HEPA filters are commonly found in air purifiers and HVAC systems.
A clogged air filter can cause more harm than good. During the day, your AC should cycle on and off, but a dirty air filter can make those cycles more frequent than they should be. Cycling is not only noisy, but it also wastes energy.
Unkempt air filters may negatively affect indoor air quality by spreading pet dander, dust, and other allergens throughout your home. This may lead to irritated eyes, nose, and potentially breathing problems.
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short period of time. However, doing so for longer than 6-8 hours can hurt your system and decrease your home's indoor air quality.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.
Room air cleaners are portable, electric appliances that remove fine particles, such as dust and pollen, from indoor air. A standard room air cleaner, operating continuously, uses approximately 450 kWh per year in electricity. This is more than the energy used by some new refrigerators!
The short answer is yes, most air purifiers on the market are designed to remove large dust particles from the air. Many feature mechanical filtration, which is a method of capturing pollutants on filters.