Can Furnace Filters Be Cleaned and Reused?

Learn why furnace filters should never be cleaned or reused from an expert's perspective! Find out why disposable filters are better for your HVAC system.

Can Furnace Filters Be Cleaned and Reused?

If you use a disposable filter in your oven, you should change it every 2 to 3 months, depending on the size and type. Permanent oven filters, on the other hand, are designed to be cleaned and reused, so it's simply a matter of checking the filter from time to time to make sure it's not too dirty. Reusable filters can be washed and replaced. However, the disposable filters you use in your HVAC system are not meant to remove water after they get wet. The moisture that the filter retains can encourage mold growth over time, and the HVAC system could spread mold spores throughout the rest of the house.

Plus, wetting a disposable filter makes it much less effective, so you'll see decreases in energy efficiency and indoor air quality. A reusable air filter is made of more durable materials. Every one to three months, you can remove this filter and wash it thoroughly to remove accumulated dust, irritants, and contaminants. Although your system works the same with both types of filters, it's important to know which one you're using. Homeowners should be aware that both reusable and disposable air filters are available.

With reusable air filters, they can be cleaned and replaced in the air conditioner. Careful and thorough cleaning of these filters is a must. Of course, the owner must ensure that the filter is reusable. Guessing games can be disastrous. Should you clean the filter and use it again, or is it time to throw it out and buy a new one? Unless you have a specially designed reusable filter, the answer is always the last.

Keep reading to learn why you should never try to clean the dirty filter. If you have a higher quality reusable oven filter, you have the ability to clean the filter rather than simply replace it. If you accidentally create an abrasion on the filter, there will now be a hole capable of allowing contaminants to pass through. Anyone who thinks that it is possible to clean filters thoroughly can find themselves completely wrong. A dusty filter will also make your heating and cooling system work harder, which means higher energy bills. Once the filter has been thoroughly rinsed and cleaned, it will need to dry completely before placing it back in the oven.

Contact Ellington Air Condition& Heat at (32) 248-4838 for quick diagnosis and cleaner air solution. Preventive maintenance can help extend the life of your oven, as well as the need for oven repair at your Grandville, Michigan home. While these actions may seem like easy ways to save money and conserve resources, milkshakes or cleaning attempts can damage filters. There are certain types of air conditioning filters that are specially designed to be reusable, but unless you are sure that the air filters in your cooling system are of this type, you should not assume that it is safe to clean and reuse them at the time of maintenance. From one maintenance period to the next, air conditioning filters trap a large number of types of contaminants and other debris, and these particles are often trapped far below the surface, in the filter fibers.

While it will eventually need to be replaced, these filters can withstand deep cleaning and last much longer than disposable filters. If you don't want to throw the filter in the trash, upgrade to a reusable option designed to withstand water, soap and vacuuming. Once again, when you turn on your air conditioner or oven, particles such as pollen, dust and other allergens build up. While it's safe to clean and reinstall filters designed for reuse, it should be remembered that for them to be truly effective, they need to be cleaned frequently - even every month - if possible. A disposable filter is a single-use product that is usually effective between one and three months.