When it comes to air filters, the old adage 'you get what you pay for' is often true. In general, more expensive air filters are more effective, but the type of filter you need depends on your individual circumstances. For instance, a single person without pets and allergies may not require as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Moreover, consider how long the air filter will last.
Washable filters can be cleaned more often if you prefer to keep the filter spotless and, in addition, you don't have to throw them away all the time. Air filters also help reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Before you buy an air filter, make sure you know what size you need for your system. HEPA filters are worth it for those with serious respiratory conditions, such as emphysema.
If you don't choose the right size filter, airflow problems may arise that will increase utility costs and reduce the lifespan of your central air unit's fan. Any air filter will filter particulates from the air before they flow through the entire HVAC system. However, engines in new models may not be able to generate enough CFM (cubic feet per minute) to pass air through a dense filter. This is especially true in homes with older HVAC units, which weren't built to house thicker air filters. When comparing pleated air filters to non-pleated ones, you have to triple the price per filter of the non-pleated filter for an accurate comparison.
Cheap air filters tend to be less efficient at trapping particulates, which means that more harmful airborne pollutants can enter the HVAC system and circulate throughout the home or office. Not only does this save you money, but it's also more practical since you won't have to replace air filters as often. All other things being equal, a filter with a higher MERV rating and more creases per inch will have the same or better airflow than the same filter with a lower MERV rating and fewer creases. Cheap air filters are often made from lower quality materials such as cardboard and paper, which don't last as long as their more expensive counterparts. When it comes down to it, investing in a higher quality air filter is worth it in the long run. Not only will it provide better filtration for your home or office, but it will also last longer and save you money on replacement costs.
So if you're looking for an effective way to improve your indoor air quality and reduce your utility bills, investing in a higher quality air filter is definitely worth it.
