“Disposable filters are typically known for their superior overall efficiency,” Snell said. “In contrast, washable filters usually have a relatively low holding capacity, capturing only up to 75 percent of larger indoor pollutants like dust mites, carpet fibers, and pollen particles.
While both types of filters can reliably protect your heating or cooling system, disposable filters are typically known for superior performance overall.
Independent surveys and studies have proved that reusable engine intake filters do not affect the performance of engines in any way. In fact, some studies found that reusable engine intake filters allow more dirt than is usual to enter into the engine.
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.
Most disposable air filters last three to 12 months. Life span varies by model, but in general, the thicker the filter, the less often it needs changing. But the filter thickness you use is dictated by the type of heating and cooling system(s) you have.
Switch To Pleated Filters
Fiberglass air filters will get the job done, but in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. Pleated air filters capture smaller particles and are less likely to clog within a short period of time.
Cleaning Disposable Filters
Disposable air filters are made from soft mesh and other flexible materials that simply can't stand up to the wear and tear of a good washing. It won't dry efficiently after washing either, creating a damp breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Unlike engine air filters, there are no true performance gains to be found when moving from one brand of cabin air filter to another. Keeping your climate control system clean is a relatively simple job, and a basic filter typically gets the job done.
Disposable air filters are more effective at trapping small particles. Washable air filters are typically only good at protecting from large particles like dust. They do not effectively filter out pet dander, bacteria, viruses or smoke, especially when they're not meticulously maintained.
The material of the cabin air filter often determines if it can be washed. Filters made with cotton or synthetic materials are generally more durable and potentially reusable. However, it's crucial to check your vehicle's manual or the filter's packaging to see if the manufacturer specifies it as washable.
Like most things, you get what you pay for. The smaller micron-rating a cabin air filter has, the better job it will do at filtering out contaminants and pollutants, but the more it will cost.
Reusable air filters should be washed as often as you would replace disposable filters. For the average home, your filter should be cleaned every 90 days. However, if you have a large house, allergy problems, or multiple pets, you should clean your filter once every one to two months or whenever it's visibly dirty.
A dirty engine air filter can cause your engine to run poorly, and contaminants that pass by it can cause wear inside your engine. A bad cabin air filter usually won't cause damage, but it can prevent you from operating your car safely.
HEPA Filters
With a MERV rating nearing 16, HEPA filters provide the highest protection for your home. They're able to remove even the smallest microns or airborne particles, including tobacco and bacteria. Those who live with allergies or other respiratory issues may benefit from HEPA filters the most.
They Can Help Make Your Coffee Taste "Cleaner"
Paper filters can help to reduce the amount of oils and coffee grounds that end up in your cup, by acting as an additional barrier between your coffee and the metal mesh of the reusable filter. This means your coffee will look and taste cleaner.
Reverse osmosis water filters are good at effectively removing a high percentage of toxins including fluoride, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, nitrates/nitrites, copper, radium, salt, and more. Talk about a good bang for your buck – reverse osmosis filters are incredibly popular for a very good reason.
K&N Cabin Air Filters are designed to be cleaned and reused over and over again. Using a combination of an advanced synthetic filter media and K&N Refresher™ spray, the K&N Washable Cabin Air Filter grabs and holds dust particles.
If your car's air filter is very dirty and you have a bit more time on your hands, you can clean it with water. Cleaning an air filter with water takes a lot longer, especially when you factor in the drying time, but it will get you great results.
Neglecting your air filter can lead to several issues. Over time, it can cause reduced fuel efficiency, diminished horsepower, and even engine damage. Keeping up with this small maintenance task can save you from more significant, expensive problems.
The six top cabin air filter brands are Bosch, K&N, Hastings, Crown, Purolator, and Mahle. While you can wash and reuse some cabin air filters, most filters only last around a year.
Many cabin filter suppliers recommend a yearly change interval of 12,000-15,000 miles. We recommend adjusting this schedule depending on the region in question and how the vehicle is used. Most often, seasonal changes in the Spring and Fall are appropriate for the cabin air filter.
Particulate filters are very successful at cleaning cabin air, but activated charcoal filters do even more. Not only do activated charcoal filters trap dust and debris, they also absorb fumes and odors. The charcoal found in cabin filters isn't what you'd throw on a BBQ pit.
A good rule of thumb is to replace pleated filters every 90 days. 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.
What Does MERV Stand For? MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and the MERV rating is a measure of how effectively a filter removes particles from the air that passes through it. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will catch.
Many disposable air conditioner filters should be replaced rather than cleaned, as cleaning with water can lead to possible mold issues.