What are the pros and cons of each type and which is really better?

There's long been a debate among devoted fans of each kind of air filter, and we can see why. One side wants convenience and the other wants to reduce waste. So, who's right? Let's look at washable air filters vs. disposable air filters and decide.

The Benefits of Washable Air Filters

• Washable air filters last longer. The goal behind the washable type is to make your air filter last longer than the one to three months a disposable filter should last.
• They reduce waste by being reusable. Fans of the washable variety are trying to save the planet and reduce their carbon footprint – a great reason to love them!
• Custom washable air filters are possible. Even if you have a hard-to-find size, you can have a custom air filter made to fit your system.

The Cons of Washable Air Filters

• They are more expensive. While the argument is that they cost more because they last longer, the fact is they cost more.
• They must be washed. Washable air filters require regular cleaning to remain effective, and unfortunately, many people don't remember to clean them. Dirty filters of any type put a strain on your system and fail to capture the very air particles they're meant to remove, potentially leaving your family to suffer from the effects of poor indoor air quality.
• They have limited filtering capacity. Most washable filters won't trap much more than dust and other larger particles. To remove the smaller indoor air pollutants such as smoke, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses, you need an air filter with a stronger MERV rating.
• Washable air filters don't last forever. Even with regular cleaning, they will eventually need to be replaced.

The Benefits of Disposable Air Filters

• Disposable air filters cost less. While they do need to be replaced every one to three months, depending on the MERV-rating and the condition of the air in your home (pets, smoking, allergens), they are an affordable option.
• They are available with higher filtration capacities. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles an air filter can capture. A MERV 13 filter can reduce pollutants as small as smoke, as well as many bacteria and viruses.
• Disposable filters offer versatility. Maybe there are specific seasons when you need the power of a MERV 13 filter, but at other times, your family will be fine with a MERV 8 or 11. You can upgrade and downgrade at will with disposable filters.
• Maintenance is easier. There's no need to go to the effort of cleaning the filter. Just replace it with a new one and dispose of the old one.

The Cons of Disposable Air Filters

• They are not reusable or recyclable. We admit this is a bit of a downer for those trying to reduce waste, however, our disposable air filters are made in the USA, which means less energy is consumed in the process of getting them from the factory to your doorstep than those of our competitors, whose filters are made outside the country.

When you look at the pros and cons of washable air filters vs. disposable air filters, the choice is clear, and we've made it. Air Filters Delivered offers quality disposable air filters, made in the USA with your needs in mind.

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