FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Cycle Air Washable HVAC Air Filters

1. What makes Cycle Air Filters different from traditional disposable HVAC filters?

Cycle Air Filters are permanent, machine-washable solutions made from 100% recycled materials. Instead of throwing away single-use filters, Cycle Air Filters are washable and reusable. One Cycle Air Filter is equal to 50 disposables, saving money and reducing waste.

2. How do Cycle Air’s permanent, machine-washable filters work?

Engineered for durability, Cycle Air’s filters capture airborne particles effectively. When dirt builds up, the patented change indicator shows 3-dots when it needs a cleaning. Simply remove and machine wash the filter. Its robust construction maintains peak performance after each wash, offering a sustainable, hassle-free air filtration solution. Since it's laundry-safe, the dryer adds electrostatic charge – which is a game changer for performance. See how it works here.

3. What are the key benefits of using Cycle Air Filters in my home?

Cycle Air Filters improve indoor air quality, reduce allergen buildup and save money by eliminating the need for frequent replacements. Their eco-friendly, long-lasting design makes them ideal for residential furnaces, AC units, and heat pumps.

4. What are they made of? Where are they made?

They are made from 100% recycled materials. Most are unaware that traditional disposable filters are made of plastic. They have a cardboard frame but the "paper" filtration media is not paper at all; it's a synthetic polyester (aka plastic) that can’t be recycled. Cycle Air Filters are made of 100% recycled polyester with proprietary 3D micropleats to increase surface area and ensure optimal airflow. The frame is made from 100% recycled HDPE and is permanent. The filter is sewn in London, Ontario, Canada, while the frame is CNC cut in Melancthon, Ontario, and extruded in Steinbach, Manitoba. This sustainable approach helps reduce landfill waste and conserves natural resources, lowering your carbon footprint while delivering reliable HVAC performance.

5. How often should I clean my Cycle Air Filter for optimal performance?

All filters (whether disposables or washable) need to be changed regularly for optimal performance of your HVAC system. In general, we recommend changing your Cycle Air Filter every 60 days. It is equipped with a patented "Change Indicator" that shows three dots when it’s dirty and needs a wash. Regular cleaning ensures optimal airflow and maintains efficiency.

6. What is the expected lifespan of a Cycle Air Filter compared to disposable filters?

Cycle Air Filters are designed to last for several years with proper maintenance, significantly outlasting disposable filters that require regular replacement. This durability translates into long-term savings and consistent performance. They are wash tested for 50 washes – which is just over 8 years if washed every 60 days – saving you over $100/year compared to disposables. The frame is also permanent, and we sell replacement filter sleeves when the time comes, so you never have to buy a new frame.

7. What is the MERV rating of Cycle Air Filters?

Cycle Air Filters are rated MERV 7 under ASHRAE 52.2 standards. They effectively trap dust, pet dander, allergens and pollen while allowing optimal airflow for efficient HVAC system operation. MERV Rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Most HVAC technicians will recommend a MERV in the 6-8 range, as higher MERV tends to be restrictive on blower fans, and lower MERV is less effective at trapping allergens. To learn more about MERV recommendations, click here.

8. What is the efficiency rating? How is the pressure drop?

By ensuring consistent airflow and reducing obstructions, Cycle Air Filters enable HVAC systems to operate more efficiently. This results in lower energy consumption, reduced utility bills, and a more eco-friendly operation. Cycle Air has hundreds of micropleats that increase surface area, allowing dust to get trapped while air passes through. The increased surface area allows for good airflow, which is rated at a 0.17"wg pressure drop under ASHRAE 52.2 standards (295fpm). It's important for any filter (washable or single-use) to be changed before it gets too restrictive, as a clogged filter inhibits airflow and can be hard on your HVAC blower fan. Cycle Air Filters take the guesswork out of changes with our patented wash indicator.

9. Are Cycle Air Filters compatible with all types of HVAC and furnace systems?

Designed with versatility in mind, Cycle Air Filters are compatible with a wide range of HVAC and furnace systems. Their universal design makes them a flexible, high-performance choice for many applications. They can be used in filter racks (the slot in your furnace), wall returns, ceiling registers, etc. They come in 25 different sizes. Be sure to measure your size; a filter size is often slightly smaller than the posted dimensions. For example, a 16x25x1" filter is actually about 1/4 - 1/2" smaller. Most filter slots have about 1" of buffer, meaning the perimeter of the filter slot accommodates for small variances in filter sizes.

10. What is the installation process for Cycle Air Filters?

The installation is straightforward. Locate your filter; usually in Canada, filters are in a filter rack slot directly in your furnace and before your blower fan. In the USA, southern states usually have filters (often multiple) in wall/ceiling returns. In Northern USA, it can be any of the three! Once you have located your filter slot, simply remove your old filter, insert the Cycle Air Filter into your system, and follow the easy-to-understand instructions provided. When it's time to wash, remove the filter from the frame and toss it in the laundry. It dries in about 10-15 minutes in the dryer. You should not run your HVAC system without a filter, as dust can accumulate on your blower fan. Either turn off your system temporarily, or consider a second filter sleeve for added convenience.
Your instructions includes a printed guide on the quick 5-minute assembly before first use, and here is a Youtube Video link.

11. Do Cycle Air Filters come with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee?

Yes, every Cycle Air Filter is backed by a comprehensive warranty and satisfaction guarantee. We are committed to your peace of mind and stand behind the quality and performance of our product. Filters are wash tested to last 50 washes, and frames are permanent. Cycle Air Filters have a 2-year replacement warranty from the date of purchase. We also have a 30-day money back guarantee for unused filters. Return shipping is at the expense of the shopper.

12. How much can I save by switching to Cycle Air washable filters?

Cycle Air Filters are wash tested for 50 washes, replacing 50 single-use filters. Filters are expensive, and you can save up to $100/year by switching to our reusable HVAC air filters. Did you know more than 250,000,000 disposable air filters are thrown away every year from North American homes? Traditional furnace filters are made of plastic - don't let that cardboard frame fool you. The "paper" pleats are actually a synthetic polymer and can't be recycled. Not only are you saving money by switching to Cycle Air, you're saving a ton of landfill waste, too!

13. How do Cycle Air Filters compare to competitor washable filters in terms of performance?

Cycle Air Filters outperform many competitors by combining advanced filtration technology with durable, eco-friendly materials. They offer superior longevity, enhanced energy efficiency, and consistent high-performance air cleaning. Most washable filters are the "hose-off" / "rinse-off" style of filter. Hose-off filters are inferior in both performance and upkeep. Rinsing off a filter does not clean it as well as a full laundry cycle. Over time, micro particles can build up and reduce the airflow of this style of filter. Cleaning it is a pain, as usually it means hosing it off (in the cold of winter outside), and letting it air-dry for 24-48 hours. If it doesn't dry fast enough, it can attract mold and mildew. Cycle Air Filters are a game-changer since they are laundry washable. It's easier to clean, gets a more thorough clean, and the dryer boosts electrostatic charge. Electrostatic charge allows it to capture more dust and allergens under the same MERV rating. See how it works here.

14. Are there any certifications or testing standards that Cycle Air Filters meet?

Cycle Air Filters adhere to industry-leading standards and undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality, safety, and performance. Our certifications reflect our commitment to providing reliable and effective HVAC solutions. They are tested under ASHRAE 52.2 guidelines and have a MERV rating of 7, with an initial pressure drop of 0.17"wg. They've also been meticulously imaged and analyzed for quality by Western University's Surface Science Western lab.

15. How do Cycle Air Filters help reduce waste and environmental impact?

Did you know more than 250,000,000 disposable air filters are thrown away every year from North American homes? Traditional furnace filters are made of plastic - don't let that cardboard frame fool you. The "paper" pleats are actually a synthetic polymer and can't be recycled. Not only are you saving money by switching to Cycle Air, you're saving a ton of landfill waste, too!

16. Can I find customer testimonials or case studies on the effectiveness of Cycle Air Filters?

Yes! Find reviews on our Judge.me page. Follow us on Instagram at @cycleair.ca where we often repost testimonial reels from happy customers. Into the science? Check out the deep dive on how it works in this blog post featuring Surface Science Western here.

17. What is the return policy for Cycle Air Filters?

We offer a 30-day money back guarantee. Return shipping is not covered by Cycle Air, and product must be unused and in its original packaging. We also offer a 2-year replacement warranty.

18. What is a Soap Envelope?

We hate waste! When we first started making our Cycle Air Filters, we needed to find something to do with the off-cuts of fabric. We invented the Soap Envelope—like a loofah for bar soap. A handy pocket that boosts soap's lather, gently exfoliates, and is laundry-washable. We call them "double recycled" as they are made from 100% recycled materials but also born of the off-cuts from our filter fabric.