Are Air Conditioning Filters Recyclable?

“Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your community and the environment.” – www.epa.gov

With the growing awareness drive on environment preservation and the constant call for eco-friendly ways of protecting the planet we live in, recycling is one of the many effective ways to achieve this goal. Small efforts, when put together, can have big effects. Recycling can start at home, specifically on proper waste disposal through proper segregation.

There can be several sources of waste produced at home, and one of them is your HVAC, whether it’s a new air conditioning system or one you have been using for years already. Aside from the carbon footprint it releases outdoors, disposable air filters are another form of waste product. If you are conscious of the ill effects of irresponsible waste disposal and is practicing recycling, have you considered recycling the AC air filters? Is it even possible? If so, how?

Recyclable Air Filters for Your Air Conditioner

Can you really recycle a home air filter? The answer is that it depends on the type of filter your AC has. Most homes use the disposable type made with woven fibers such as fiberglass or polyester, which cannot be recycled. Disposable filters get the job done by trapping dust, dirt, and other small particles that may be harmful to someone’s health. But once they get dirty, it’s not possible to just wash them off and reuse once again. It’s unhealthy and unsafe to use them again.

So instead of recycling, it’s best to throw them away in the garbage. This means disposing of the entire filter, including the cardboard frame, despite the fact that cardboards can be recycled or reused.

Washable Air Conditioner Filter

An eco-friendly approach would be to invest in reusable or washable filters. They are made of aluminum or plastic frame which washing and reusing possible. Plus it’s a permanent filter so you do not need to keep buying new ones every 3 to 6 months. Although you have to make sure that it is cleaned periodically to ensure that dirt and dust are removed, that it is kept clean for maximum efficiency.

A washable filter is more pricey than the disposable type, however, if you look at the long-term savings, you’ll be able to save more with the washable type because it is permanent and lasts for years, and they are easy to clean.

Proper Cleaning Steps

Cleaning the reusable filter is such an easy task, you can actually do it yourself. Here’s how:

• First, turn off the AC service system.
• Second, remove the filters.
• Third, either use a vacuum to thoroughly remove dust and dirt or wash it with water. Just make sure that the filter is completely dry before putting it back. This is a significantly important step since the slightest moisture can become a breeding ground for molds.
• And the final step is to place the filter back into the intake vent.

Once done, turn on the HVAC unit and let the newly cleaned filter to do its work.

If this is a task you do not want to take on for yourself or if you simply do not have the time, get a professional to do the work for you. Marthedal Solar, Air & Heating – Fresno Air Conditioning has been in the heating and cooling services for more than four decades. Our expertise and experience ensure maximum comfort and a reliable HVAC system throughout every season.

Visit https://aamarthedal.com/ for more information. Or call us today!

 

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