Can You Clean and Reuse an Air Filter?

Cleaning an air filter is a viable option if it is designed to be reused. Learn more about how to clean an air filter from C&C Heating & Air Conditioning.

Can You Clean and Reuse an Air Filter?

Cleaning and reusing an air filter is a viable option, but only if it is designed to be reused. Disposable air filters cannot be cleaned enough to be reused, and attempting to do so can lead to AC efficiency problems or even mold. If you have a disposable air filter, it should be replaced after about a month. Cleaning and reusing a car's air filter is acceptable practice. High-performance air filters are designed to be reused and are more durable than standard air filters.

Every one to three months, you can remove the filter and wash it thoroughly to remove accumulated dust, irritants, and contaminants. However, disposable filters used in HVAC systems are not meant to be washed as the moisture retained can encourage mold growth over time. Wetting a disposable filter also makes it much less effective, resulting in decreased energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It is important to know which type of filter you are 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 essential. The only exception is reusable air filters. Washable air conditioning filters are very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike disposable filters, you can simply take them out of your HVAC unit, rinse them with water, and they're ready to use. The main reason for regularly cleaning an air filter is to improve its overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Failure to clean the air filter will lead to premature failure of the turbocharger, which is quite expensive. Cleaning your car's air filter is acceptable practice, but it's not a substitute for replacement. Anyone living in the Macomb County region can call C & C Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance with their air conditioning system. Keeping an air conditioning filter clean and functional is one of the keys to keeping any commercial building safe from dirty air. The actual cleaning process for a given air filter will vary by type and design. If you make a hole in the fibers or loosen the fiber density, air filters won't work as well as before.

Some models of permanent and semi-permanent air filters can be cleaned as part of regular HVAC system maintenance and replaced for continuous use. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean, free-flowing filter will make a difference in its performance and, consequently, in your gasoline consumption. Proper cleaning of reusable air filters is important to maintaining critical airflow and extending the life of the air conditioning unit.