Washable filters are becoming more and more common because of their convenience. No need to take a trip to the store, find the right size, stock multible filters, etc. With a washable you simply take the filter out of the return register rinse, and let it dry for a couple of hours and then replace. Nice.
I personally have two Electromaze washable filters in my home. The reason I have two is so that I always have a dry filter ready for when I want to clean the dirty one. The reason I do this is because it takes up to two hours for some of the filters to dry, especially if they have a pad between the entry and exit surfaces. I don't know about you, but I can easily forget all about the wet filter and it could be all day before I remember to get the filter. Also, if I want to change the filter in the morning I wouldn't have enough time to wait the two hours, I would have to replace it when I get back from work, many hours later. And on those rainy days what do you do? So it's nice to have a spare, just change it out and store the other filter.
A couple things to keep in mind with this type of filter. The older washables used a type of plastic that can allow mold or mildew to grow on the media itself. This is not an acceptable media and should be discarded. I would recommend discarding it especially if the filter is older than 2005 because it is likely not to have any antimicrobial properties before that year.
When buying a new washable filter make sure it says, "antimicrobial" on the label and you will be well served.
Make sure the filter is sized properly. It is a "permanent" filter so you will want to check that it seats properly in the filter grill with no possibility of air going around the filter into the return duct.
One thing I notice occasionally is a filter that has been painted. If you paint the room your filter is in with a spray process and the fan comes on it will suck the suspended paint spray right onto the filter surface, coating the media and eliminating the electrostatic nature of most of these filters. If that happens you need to throw the filter away and replace it.
Well that's about it for now.
The HVAC Tech
The best furnace air filter may be shipped via the internet or simply from a nearby store. There are definitely very many filters to choose from. They come in different designs, quality and also differ in performance.
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