When it comes to air filters, the old adage 'you get what you pay for' is often true. Higher-priced air filters are usually more effective at filtering out dust, allergens, mold spores, and other pollutants from the air. But is it worth it to invest in a more expensive filter?The answer depends on your individual needs. A single person without pets or allergies may not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma.
It's also important to consider how long your air filter will last. Washable air filters are more expensive but can last for years, while cheaper filters may need to be replaced every three months or even monthly if there are allergies, pets, or someone smokes in the home. More expensive filters, such as pleated residential filters, can filter out dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander, and even bacteria. HEPA filters can filter out bacteria and viruses and are worth the extra money for people with respiratory conditions such as emphysema. Higher-quality air filters with higher MERV ratings have more surface area to filter out particles. Cheaper air filters may have fewer creases (sometimes called folds), reducing the surface area to trap contaminants in the air.
Flat filters should be replaced regularly. High-performance air filters are considered a modification and may void your warranty if you have a new vehicle that is still within the warranty period. Air filters remove particles of different sizes from the air before the air flows through the fan to the rest of the house. The 1-16 scale rates air conditioning filters based on their ability to trap particles in the air. The colder air outside the engine compartment is denser than the warm air inside the engine compartment, which is heated by internal engine combustion and other motion mechanisms that generate heat through friction. The problem with cheap air filters is that they aren't as effective at removing dust and other air contaminants.
If someone who lives in your home has respiratory problems, your home's air quality is a much higher priority. If you're looking for an air filter that removes as many air contaminants as possible, you should choose an expensive model with a high MERV rating. Different filter materials have different MERV ratings because they have different particle protection capabilities. No matter how much money you spend, in the long run, you'll save money if you buy an air filter that fits your needs. When looking at the filters in the store, consider the manufacturer's recommendations for each specific filter. If you or your family have respiratory problems, they could be improved simply by switching to a filter with a higher MERV rating.
Filters not only remove dust, allergens, mold spores and other pollutants from the air your family breathes, but they also filter out fine dirt particles that can degrade the performance of the air conditioning system itself. This type works to protect the HVAC system from particles, but is not very effective in improving air quality. When comparing a pleated filter with an unpleated filter, triple the price per filter of the pleated filter to obtain an accurate comparison. In conclusion, higher-priced air filters are usually more effective at filtering out dust, allergens, mold spores and other pollutants from the air. But whether or not it's worth it depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider how long your filter will last and whether or not someone in your home has respiratory problems before making a decision.
