[GpaVader]

Looking to hear from people that use the reusable HVAC filters. How well do they really work and if you have them, have you ever had to replace them?

The informercial I saw said you just hose it out but assume you need to let it dry before you put it back in....

Please comment on your experience with them. Thanks in advance!

[Mrprez]

We have one. No issues. Hose it out per the instructions, shake out the excess water and reinstall. They will even send you an email reminding you to clean your filter.

[retiredguy123]

I would rather use disposable filters and just throw them away.

[Bill14564]

I just hose mine out, shake it a little, then put it back in. Either it will drip dry or the next time the air handler comes on it will blow dry.

Really have no way to say how well it works. I don't notice any excessive dust or micro-particles but I didn't notice any before I bought this filter either. The filter never looks dirty when I clean it but that was my experience with paper filters also. I do know I've reused it enough that I'm beginning to save money.

[Mrprez]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I would rather use disposable filters and just throw them away.

Depends on the type of filter you use. These filters are 4” thick and are quite expensive.

[tophcfa]

Expensive filters or reusable filters are not necessary. As long as you take the 30 seconds it takes to replace the filter, and do it frequently (we replace ours about every month a half), inexpensive basic filters work just fine. I can buy a package of three filters for $10 at Lowels. For that kind of chump change why wast your time cleaning and drying a reusable filter?

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Expensive filters or reusable filters are not necessary. As long as you take the 30 seconds it takes to replace the filter, and do it frequently (we replace ours about every month a half), inexpensive basic filters work just fine. I can buy a package of three filters for $10 at Lowels. For that kind of chump change why wast your time cleaning and drying a reusable filter?

My unit takes four-inch filters which are about $20 each at Lowes. Eight of those per year (every month and a half) would be about $160.

$160 per year is not chump change to me. My reusable filter is already saving me money.

[Stu from NYC]

We just got ours a few days ago so cannot comment yet on how well it works.

However several friends have it and convinced us to get one.

[Mrprez]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Expensive filters or reusable filters are not necessary. As long as you take the 30 seconds it takes to replace the filter, and do it frequently (we replace ours about every month a half), inexpensive basic filters work just fine. I can buy a package of three filters for $10 at Lowels. For that kind of chump change why wast your time cleaning and drying a reusable filter?

Not for my system they aren’t. If they were, I doubt they would for properly. Closest size I could find at lowes is $33 each.

[Michael G.]

At least the throw away filters you know there always clean when replacing them.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Mrprez

Not for my system they aren’t. If they were, I doubt they would for properly. Closest size I could find at lowes is $33 each.

I buy them from Amazon. Lots of sizes and Merv ratings. You should be able to find your size for about 20 dollars each or less in a 2-pack. They show the actual size for each filter, not just the nominal size. The stores usually carry only the Merv 8 and Merv 13 ratings. But, I was able to buy some Merv 11 filters made by FilterBuy on Amazon, and they seem to do a great job. Better than Merv 8 and they do not restrict air flow as much as the Merv 13.

[Mrprez]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I buy them from Amazon. Lots of sizes and Merv ratings. You should be able to find your size for about 20 dollars each or less in a 2-pack. They show the actual size for each filter, not just the nominal size. The stores usually carry only the Merv 8 and Merv 13 ratings. But, I was able to buy some Merv 11 filters made by FilterBuy on Amazon, and they seem to do a great job. Better than Merv 8 and they do not restrict air flow as much as the Merv 13.

Thanks, but I have the lifetime filter.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I was able to buy some Merv 11 filters made by FilterBuy on Amazon, and they seem to do a great job. Better than Merv 8 and they do not restrict air flow as much as the Merv 13.

Are sure?
With a Merv 11, you could be restricting your air flow and putting a strain on your blower motor and don't know it.

Merv 8 ideal, even if you replace your filter more offend.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Are sure?
With a Merv 11, you could be restricting your air flow and putting a strain on your blower motor and don't know it.

Merv 8 ideal, even if you replace your filter more offend.

I'm not sure, but I decided to give it a try. It seems to make the system a little quieter, there is plenty of air flow and cooling, and there is less dust in the house. I plan to go back to a Merv 8 the next time to compare. The blower motor is not an expensive item.

[CharlieRoy]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

Looking to hear from people that use the reusable HVAC filters. How well do they really work and if you have them, have you ever had to replace them?

The informercial I saw said you just hose it out but assume you need to let it dry before you put it back in....

Please comment on your experience with them. Thanks in advance!

I have had one of Jeff Monasch's filters for about a year and they work great. I have used electrostatic permanent filters previously and they always worked well with just a rinse out every few months. This company, run by a Villager, will email you regularly to remind you to clean the filter, not sure how you can beat the savings, convenience, and efficiency of this process. I am a fan.