Surprisingly, expensive washable/reusable filters are similar to fiberglass filters in their inability to capture microparticles.

Fiberglass filters were originally developed to protect your furnace and/or air conditioning system. They were not intended to significantly improve your indoor air quality. Bionaire filters do both. They improve your indoor air quality by attracting and capturing allergy-aggravating microparticles, and help keep your furnace equipment clean. Air in your home is continually re-circulated through the filter, and is cleaned with each pass through the filter.

The efficiency of Bionaire filters approaches that of the top-of-the-line electronic air cleaners. The best electronic air cleaners are effective in capturing particles down to 0.1 microns while the Bionaire Filter is effective down to 0.3 microns. Some tests indicate that in the large particle size (range 1.0-10 microns) the Filtrete Filter is more effective. Top electronic units cost $500 - $800 and require monthly maintenance.

No, Bionaire filters will reduce the need for dusting but it won't eliminate it. Atmospheric dust consists of a wide variety of particulates ranging in size from 0.001 micron to a relatively large 100 microns. Because of the weight of the large particles, they will settle out on your furniture long before they reach your filter.

No, but in the case of tobacco and wood smoke, removing the smoke particles can help reduce the odor.

Bionaire filters are designed to operate in most residential furnaces and air conditioning systems. If a Bionaire filter remains in use longer than three months, it may begin to restrict airflow or cause the system to malfunction. It also could restrict airflow in some higher efficiency/air conditioning systems. In this case, change the filter more frequently.

The recommended change interval is three months. However, the effectiveness and life of the filter can vary and will depend on the individual conditions in your home. Unusually dirty duct work, construction work, furniture or drywall sanding, pets, the presence of smokers and running the fan continously are some of the things that can shorten the life of your filter. In these cases, change the filter more frequently.

Bionaire filtering material will not support the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew or fungi in normal use. No unnecessary chemicals have been added to the filters.