Washable air filters are a great option for people looking to save money. With a maximum MERV rating of 4, they are capable of removing large particles from the air in your home, but not pet dander or smoke. Reusable and washable HEPA filters are cleaned by rinsing them in cold water and have an efficiency rating of 99.97%. An iFD filter is a similar type of filter that can be washed and reused, with an efficiency rating of 99.99%.
Filter manufacturers rate air filter effectiveness using a scale called the MERV rating table, which represents the minimum value of efficiency reports. The cheapest disposable air filters fall between one and four on this scale, while microparticulate air filters are known to rank higher than 14. Unfortunately, reusable air filters don't perform better than low-quality products, measuring less than four on the MERV scale. Some experts believe that means they don't start, especially for homes where air quality is a concern. Washable air filters have some advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into consideration when deciding if this product is right for your home. On the one hand, they are greener and more sustainable, reducing household costs and improving the footprint of the landfill.
On the other hand, they don't do much for smoke, pet dander or hairspray. If you choose an air purifier that requires around 50 to 200 watts of energy and is equipped with timers and automatic shutdown systems, it can significantly reduce your energy bills. The Honeywell HFD-120-Q comes with a 5-year warranty and has impressive features such as automatic mode and sleep mode. The Winix 5500-2 also has efficient timers and indicators for air quality and filter cleanliness to increase its accessibility. The Honeywell HFD320 AirGenius 5 is one of the best air purifiers on our list, with its iFD filter technology capable of removing up to 99% of all airborne particles.
The Blue Pure 211+ ensures quiet operation even at the highest setting. If you're looking for the best air purifier with a washable filter that never needs to be replaced, you're in luck. This washable pre-cleaner air purifier is a reliable workhorse, cleaning rooms up to 350 square feet with a 3-stage filtration system that uses a HEPA filter, UV germicidal light, and a photocatalyst filter for large, ultrafine particles. Most charcoal air filters cannot be washed as washing them with soap and water will negate the carbon's ability to filter air. An air purifier is a great choice when you want to protect your home from mold spores, airborne contaminants, chemical fumes, and household odors. The Honeywell AirGenius is the best air purifier for when you want to protect your living room or kitchen.
It uses electrostatic filtration to remove 99.97% of airborne particles in five air changes per hour in a 161 square foot room. If you are worried that washable air filters consume too much energy, some models have a built-in sleep mode. Permanent filter air purifiers are less powerful units and generally only fit small rooms under 250 square feet. For best results, an air purifier with a reusable filter should be your best option.