it occurred to me - i can wash and re-use the air filter in my bike, why can't i wash and re-use the air filter in my furnace? a little internet searching shows you can buy washable filters here: http://www.riteair.com/c-2-air-conditioner-furnace-filters.aspx?gclid=COilsq2m46QCFeI55wod62D4Mw but they cost $60 and up. chump change to some of you, but i am exceptionally broke (see previously mentioned "why can't i wash and re-use the air filter in my furnace?" above) so - i'm thinking about making my own, but i'm not sure about what sort of material i should use any folks here knowledgable about this sort of thing?
Home Despot and others carry a universal cut to fit washable filter. Just cut it to fit and wash once a month. I have 2 filters, and they are odd-sized, so the cheapy $1 ones don't come in the right size. They remind me of really open scotchbrite pads.
Every HVAC guy I've spoken with, regarding air filters, says to just buy the 'cheapie' ones and replace them every month (supposedly the "Filt-rete" filters cause too much restriction). At $1.50 each, that's $18/year. And, if you're like me, and you don't run the HVAC system during the Spring/Fall (when temps are moderate), you won't have to replace the filters during those months. So, you save even more.
I had a washable filter in my condo. Never again. The filter's materials were thick and inefficient, allowing lots of dust to pass through and accumulate on the fan blades & coils. It had to get enough dirt embedded to be more efficient. I don't know about washable filters today, but here is what most HVAC guys are saying to me: -Get the cheap-ass filters and change them once a month. -Don't get those high-dollar ultra-efficient filters; they clog up quickly and put more strain on the blower motor. I don't get the $1.50 filters, but I do get the $2.50 filters and change them often.
My father in law is a retired HVAC guru. A cheap filter sprayed with PAM or generic cooking no stick spray catches more dust than the cheap filter alone and doesn't put a drag on your system. Change monthly.
Had the washables and changed to disposable. Cheap and quick to change. I would tend to let the washables go too long because I didn't want to bother with washing and drying. I think the washables don't catch as much either.
An HVAC guy out to fix my furnace noticed the washable filter the PO had left and laughed. His comment was that they'd keep small babies out of the air ducts, nothing much smaller than that.
The oils used in cooking sprays have a very high smoke point. The heated duct air will never get that hot (to create smoke). But, if you get the 'flavored' sprays, the whole house might smell like garlic.........
Wow, that is better than the Cat litter box smell now........... CAT hair goes right thru the washable filters. A real PITA to clean out of the fan and coils. When they were young and were outdoor cats with daily brief(unless injured or something) indoor privileges for some petting or if a mouse got in it was so much better. Now they are 20, HOW LONG DO CATS LIVE ANYWAY!!! Just kidding. Well sort of. I will be sad. Rod
Yep....I have emptied hundreds of cans of Pam over my career and know of a few alternative ways of using it. Anyway it works good on my wood stove to keep it shiny and free of rust, even took paint stains off my friend's woodstove. But yes a little stinky at first, Thanks for the tip, I'll try the "Garlic Flavored" stuff next time, nothing wrong with garlic smells, but I just won't cook with it.....fresh or roasted only! But if you have a gas furnace.....don't spray your filter in place!
I work in the industry, washable filters are good for one thing. Repeat calls. You can spend big money on a electronic cleaner and they have a washable part,but the electricity zaps the finer particles. Unless someone in your family has allergies,buy the cheap once a month filters. Label the month you changed it on the outside of the filter,you will always know that you changed or forgot , the filter. If you want a pleated filter buy a standard efficency,and change it every couple months. The high dollar filters are mostly a waste of money.