Welcome back to the blog! I know that I usually talk about crafts, sewing projects, or gardening in this space. But today I want to talk about something else: washable filters for your furnace! If you’ve been around for a while you’ll know that sustainable solutions, like washable air filters is something I’m passionate about. I love reusing things when I can to help the environment and save money at the same time. Walking away from disposable air filters just made sense for me. And when I can recommend a sustainable, Canadian-made brand like Cycle Air Filters AND give out a discount code for a product I love and use in my own home, I get REALLY excited! Let me tell you all about them.
Are washable furnace filters any good?
Every HVAC system has a furnace filter. Usually, they are disposable and have to be thrown out and replaced every time they need to be changed. But a washable furnace filter can do just as good a job, and for less money and less environmental impact! Cycle Air filter covers can be used over and over instead of just once, and the frame they sit on is a permanent one-time purchase. These cloth filter covers are perfect for collecting pet dander, dust mites, dust particles, mold spores, and other airborne particles. They are manufactured in North America (Ontario, to be exact!) and are made from recyclable materials that contain no plastic.
Can I wash a furnace filter?
Are you wondering how to clean reusable filters? Absolutely, you can wash them! Cycle Air has designed its product to be fully machine washable. When it’s time to change the filter cover (there is a handy indicator strip of dots to let you know), just pop it in the wash, machine dry it, and put it back on the frame and set it back in its place to do its job for another three months. The process is really simple:
- Unzip the filter
- Take it off the frame
- Shake it outside to get rid of that extra dog hair (or whatever)
- Throw it in the wash and then dry it. I usually hang mine to dry, otherwise you can put it in the dryer for just a few minutes and its dry.
- Put it back over the frame
How does a Cycle Air filter work?
Cycle Air produces a high-quality brand of electrostatic filters. This means it uses static electricity to attract and hold onto all the particles it attracts. The electrostatic charge helps the microweave cover hold onto static-prone fibers (hello, dog hair!) and other debris until you are ready to change it. The heavy-duty aluminum frame is easily assembled and lasts a lifetime. The electrostatic layers of polypropylene filter media (a fancy way of saying high-tech dirt trappers!) are charged in the dryer, so that’s actually the best way to finish cleaning them! I love that about these filters. So easy to use. They also come in standard sizes to fit any furnace size.
What happens if I never change my furnace filter?
Let’s be honest here. Life gets busy. Your house’s ventilation system is not always on your mind. I get it. Fortunately, these permanent air filters are extremely forgiving! Cycle Air recommends washing them every 30–60 days, depending on the number of pets in the house or whether you have high dust levels due to recent renovations. I admit there have been many times when I have definitely waited longer than that! But just like disposable filters, these washable electrostatic air filters DO have to be changed fairly regularly. If you don’t, you risk:
- Poor indoor air quality due to a lack of airflow
- Strain on your HVAC systems due to a lack of air entry and an overworked furnace
- Bacteria growth on the filter itself
- Recirculation of all the debris your furnace filter captured
If you have a history of forgetting to replace your furnace filters, I have two ideas for you:
- A piece of green tape on the side of my furnace with the next wash date written on it really helps jog my memory!
- Cycle Air sells extra filter covers! So, have a second filter ready to go when you need to wash the one in your furnace, even when you don’t have time to do laundry right that second.
Why should I buy reusable furnace filters?
After 2 years of using mine, I recommend that you buy these easy maintenance washable electrostatic furnace filters for a few reasons:
- You can save $100 a year by switching to Cycle Air instead of disposable filters
- You can do your part to help the environment and prevent unnecessary waste
- I have a 10% discount code that I’m sharing with everyone!
So, what are you waiting for? Use the code JACKIE to stop contributing to landfill waste and grab yourself a reusable, laundry-washable, Cycle Air furnace filter. I’ve been using mine for over a year and have zero regrets! I love that I can help the environment and my wallet at the same time. I can’t wait to hear how much you love your new filters, too.
Any questions! Let me know in the comments!
This post is not sponsored; however some links may be affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop using the links. There is NO extra cost to you. The opinions and photos are of So Bright Home.
