Our goal is to offer the most sustainable furnace filter for residential use. 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 can replace up to 50 disposables when washed and reused (instead of buying and throwing away), reducing waste and saving money.

Engineered for durability, Cycle Air’s filters capture airborne dust 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 offers a sustainable, hassle-free air filtration solution. Since it's laundry-safe, the dryer helps recharge electrostatic charge – which is a game changer for performance. See how it works here.

Cycle Air Filters reduce dust and save money by eliminating the need for frequent replacements. Their eco-friendly, long-lasting design makes them ideal for most residential furnaces, AC units, and heat pumps (consult your local HVAC technician for system-specific needs or questions of compatibility). Single-use furnace filters are a massive cause of waste... they are made of plastic with a cardboard frame and can't be recycled. Our goal is to provide earth's most sustainable HVAC air filter.

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. 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.

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 30-60 days (60 days at minimum). It is equipped with a patented "Change Indicator" that shows three dots when it’s dirty and needs a wash. Regular cleaning ensures maintaining airflow and efficiency, and during peak use it may need to be cleaned more often (ie: every 30 days). When in doubt, its always best to clean it more often as a cleaner filter has better airflow than a dirty filter.
Cleaning is easy by washing in your laundry machine. Wash warm and tumble dry low. Do not bleach, and do not use fabric softener. Do not wash or dry with other articles of clothing, as the other materials, fasteners (zippers, buttons, velcro, etc) could be abrasive and damage your filter over time. Cycle Air Filters come with a 1-year part replacement warranty but proper use and care instructions must be followed or the replacement warranty is void.
Cleaning can also be done by using a wet/dry vacuum to pre-clean. For particularly dusty homes, or homes with pets, you may opt to pre-clean to avoid dust and pet hair in your laundry machine. Similarly, pet hair can saturate a filter faster and you may need to check any filter more often for cleanliness and to ensure proper HVAC performance.
Clean filters are a crucial part of HVAC performance and it is necessary to follow these guidelines.

Cycle Air Filters are designed to last for several years with proper maintenance, significantly outlasting disposable filters that require regular replacement every few months. 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 (or almost 5 year if opting to wash it every 30 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.
We recommend washing/cleaning it more often to ensure adequate airflow. A clean filter always works better than a dirty filter, and most disposable filters state to change it every 3-months (1") or 6 months (4 and 5"). Washable filters are different and since you can reuse it, it's best to clean it every 30-60 days.

Our filter fabric was third-party tested using ASHRAE 52.2 methods, with an estimated result of MERV 7. Cycle Air Filters use a 3D mesh made from recycled materials across all sizes. They're designed to capture dust, pet dander, pollen and other common household particles. For related airflow details, see How is the airflow / pressure drop?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV 6–8 is a common choice for residential systems. Higher MERV ratings can be better at trapping very fine particles like viruses and smoke. If that's a need, Cycle Air may not be for you, and a dedicated HEPA air purifier is worth considering, since it handles fine particles without changes to your HVAC system. For system-specific questions, always consult your local HVAC professional.

A clean filter helps your HVAC system run efficiently. As any filter collects dust, its resistance rises and your system has to work harder. Because Cycle Air filters are washable, you can bring them back to clean performance every 30–60 days instead of waiting on a replacement.

Cycle Air filters have been independently tested for initial resistance (pressure drop).

• A full-size 16×25×1 nominal filter measured 0.26 inches w.g. at 295 feet per minute (fpm) face velocity.  This is in the normal range for new (clean) disposable pleated filters, which commonly test between 0.15–0.30 inches at the same velocity, depending on their MERV rating.

• A 12×12" media-only sample (144 sq in, flat sheet of filter fabric) measured 0.17 inches w.g. at 295 fpm. 

• Pressure drop is not a fixed number — it varies by filter size, system airflow (CFM), and how clean the filter is. All types of filters should be monitored and kept clean to maintain airflow.

• All HVAC systems are designed with an allowance for filter resistance, and that allowance varies by system. Other factors affecting airflow can include your ductwork, air vents, and system. Your local HVAC technician can consult on your specific system needs.

• Wash your Cycle Air filter every 30–60 days (or sooner if visibly dirty) to maintain airflow.

If your HVAC system is older, has only a single small return, or already runs at high static pressure, consult an HVAC professional to confirm compatibility. Every system, home environment, and ductwork is different so when in doubt, your HVAC technician can give you advice on proper filter compatibility and sizing. Airflow depends on many factors outside of the filter itself.

Customers are responsible for regular cleaning and confirming compatibility with their HVAC system.

Designed with versatility in mind, Cycle Air Filters are compatible with a wide range of residential HVAC and furnace systems. Their design makes them a flexible, durable choice for many homes. They can be used in filter racks (the slot in your furnace), wall returns, ceiling returns, 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 modest buffer so the filter slot accommodates small variances in filter sizes. Consult our handy size guide for details.

A note on wider sized (4" and 5" nominal depth filters). These use the same filtration fabric as our 1" size and are just as effective at trapping dust and allergens, but while many disposable 4" and 5" filters claim a 6-month+ useful life, our wider filters will still need to be washed every 30-60 days. 

Compatibility note: Proper fit and performance depend on the return size, system airflow, and total external static pressure. If your HVAC system is older, has a single small return, or already runs at high static (as measured by a manometer), consult an HVAC professional to advise on your specific needs.

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. Disclaimer: Do not operate the system without a filter in place. If you remove the filter to wash, power down the system or install a spare sleeve while the primary dries.

Yes, every Cycle Air Filter is backed by a 1-year replacement warranty against defects in materials and workmanship when used and maintained as directed. We also have a 30-day money back guarantee for unused filters. Filters are wash-tested for 50 cycles; frames are intended or long term use. 

Exclusions include improper sizing/installation (check your size before ordering), misuse, abrasion from laundering with other items, chemicals (bleach/softener), and modifications. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies to unused filters returned in original packaging; return shipping is the customer’s responsibility. We cannot guarantee system compatibility, since there are so many variables that go into HVAC systems. Cycle Air Filters are designed to work with most modern day forced air central residential HVAC systems. Always consult your local HVAC professional for advice on system specific questions or compatibility.

While our #1 goal is to provide a sustainable option to reduce waste from disposable filters, you can also save money over the long run with our washable furnace filters. Cycle Air Filters are wash tested for 50 washes, thereby replacing up to 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!

Most other washable filters are "hose-off" or "rinse-off" styles. Cleaning them usually means hosing them down outside (not fun in winter) and letting them air-dry for 24–48 hours. If they don't dry fully, they can be prone to mold and mildew, and fine particles can build up in the media over time.

Cycle Air Filters are laundry washable. The fabric sleeve zips off and goes in your washing machine, which gives a more thorough clean with far less hassle. Cycle Air is one of the only washable filters designed this way. See it up close  here.

Our team tests filters in-house for quality, fit and durability, and the filter fabric has been third-party tested for filtration and airflow. See What is the MERV rating? and How is the airflow / pressure drop? for results. The fabric has also been imaged with an electron microscope by Western University's Surface Science Western lab. See the images [here].

Cycle Air Filters have not been tested for commercial use. Every HVAC system is different, so consult your local HVAC technician with compatibility questions, and check  our size guide here for actual vs. nominal dimensions.

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 keeping disposable filters out of the landfill too!

Our goal when making Cycle Air was to put sustainability first. We aim to cater to those who want the most sustainable, convenient option, with a side benefit of saving money over time.

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.

We offer a 30-day money back guarantee (return policy). Return shipping is not covered by Cycle Air, and product must be unused and in its original packaging. We also offer a 1-year replacement warranty for all parts of the filter (see FAQ question "Do Cycle Air Filters come with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee?")