As an HVAC expert, I am often asked whether more expensive air filters are truly worth the investment. The answer is yes, but it ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While a single person without pets or allergies may not require as much filtration, a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma will benefit greatly from a higher quality air filter. In this article, I will explain the differences between pleated and non-pleated air filters, the importance of reducing moisture in the air, and why investing in a more expensive air filter can improve both indoor air quality and the longevity of your HVAC system.
When it comes to choosing an air filter, it's important to consider both its effectiveness and longevity.
Cheap
air filters may seem like a cost-effective option at first, but they often don't last as long and have a smaller surface area for filtering. This means they are less efficient at trapping particles and can potentially cause damage to your HVAC system. When purchasing air filters online, look for retailers that allow you to customize the quantity to ensure you are getting exactly what you need.Air filters with a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating are typically more expensive, but they also have a larger surface area for filtering and can trap smaller particles. This not only improves indoor air quality but also protects your HVAC system from potential damage. If you or someone in your household suffers from asthma or allergies, it is especially important to choose an air filter with a high MERV rating to remove as many harmful particles from the air as possible. Another factor to consider when comparing pleated and non-pleated air filters is the price.
To accurately compare the cost of these two types of filters, you must triple the price per filter of the non-pleated option. This is because the engines of newer HVAC models may not be able to generate enough CFM (cubic feet per minute) to pass air through a very dense filter. However, if you do not have allergies or pets and do not experience major issues with air quality, a cheaper air filter can still be effective. At our online store, we offer a 5% discount for regular shipments of air filters.
This not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures that you always have a fresh, high-quality filter for your HVAC system. We also provide additional tips and measures to help maintain your home's indoor air quality and the efficiency of your air conditioning system. So why is it worth investing in a more expensive air filter? The answer lies in the MERV rating. This rating is a measure of how well an air filter can remove particles from the air.
Cheap air filters often have a lower MERV rating, meaning they are less efficient at trapping particles and can allow harmful contaminants to circulate throughout your home or office.