I actually went the opposite route and stuck with disposables after a brief experiment with the reusable ones. I get the appeal—less waste, no last-minute filter runs—but honestly, I never felt like the reusables did as good a job. Maybe it’s just me, but even after cleaning them, they always seemed a little grimy, and my allergies didn’t improve at all. Plus, I started wondering if I was just spreading dust around every time I rinsed them in the sink.
About the 20-year-old HVAC... I wouldn’t call it lucky so much as “living on borrowed time.” Mine made it to 18 before it started making weird noises and then just kind of gave up one summer. No dramatic explosion or anything, just less and less cold air until it finally tapped out. If you’re not noticing any big changes in your bills or comfort, maybe you’re fine for now, but I’d start budgeting for a replacement sooner rather than later. Those old systems can be sneaky about dying slow deaths.
Mine made it to 18 before it started making weird noises and then just kind of gave up one summer.
That’s exactly how mine went out—sounded like a tired washing machine for weeks, then just... silence. I kept hoping it was just a fuse or something, but nope. And yeah, those reusable filters always felt a bit sketchy to me too. I swear, no matter how much I rinsed, there was always some mystery gunk left behind.
Those reusable filters never sat right with me either—no matter how hard you clean them, there’s always buildup in the corners. Honestly, once an HVAC starts making those odd noises, it’s usually a sign the bearings or blower motor are on their last legs. At that point, repairs can get pricey fast. Regular disposable filters are less hassle and usually better for the system in the long run, even if it means buying new ones every few months.
Funny timing—I was just at a job last month where the homeowner swore by those reusable filters. He’d been using the same one for years, cleaning it religiously, but when we pulled the blower out, there was this stubborn layer of dust caked in spots you just can’t reach. Ended up costing him more in the long run because the motor had to work overtime. I get wanting to save money, but sometimes the “easy” fix isn’t worth it. Disposable filters might be boring, but they do their job.
Those reusable filters are like the “forever” batteries of HVAC—sound good in theory, but reality’s a bit messier. I tried one once, felt like I was rinsing it every week and still found dust lurking in the corners. If you want your system to hit 20 years (or even just not tap out early), here’s my quick routine: swap disposable filters every 2-3 months, vacuum the vents when you remember, and peek at the blower if things start sounding funky. It’s not glamorous, but neither is replacing a fried motor.
