When it comes to air filters, it's true that you get what you pay for. More expensive air filters are generally more effective, but the type of filter you need depends on your individual circumstances. A single person without pets and allergies may not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Additionally, the longevity of the filter should be taken into account.
Washable air filters are more expensive, but they can last for years instead of months. However, they have some drawbacks such as lower MERV ratings, frequent maintenance requirements, and the potential to attract mold to your air unit. In general, air conditioning filters are not cheap and can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. But if you or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, investing in a more expensive filter is worth it. Air pollutants can cause serious health issues, so it's important to stay protected.
Spending a bit more initially can save you costly repairs in the future. Expensive filters may seem like an unnecessary luxury, but their role is too important to settle for lower quality filters. Household HVAC air filters are rated based on their MERV rating, with most household filters between 1 and 13 (more than 13 are for HEPA filters). If all dimensions are the same, a filter with a higher MERV rating and more folds per inch will have the same or better airflow than the same filter with a lower MERV rating and fewer folds. When deciding which is the best and most cost-effective AC filter for your needs, you must first understand the different types of filters available. Cheaper generic filters trap less than 20% of contaminants, while medium grade pleated filters can trap around 50% of contaminants and HEPA filters even more.
That's why it's important to use only air filters with the MERV rating recommended by the HVAC system manufacturer. The cheapest filters are made of spun fiberglass, which does very little to filter the air compared to materials such as paper, cotton or polyester. If you want comfortable temperatures and a system that works well for many years to come, investing in quality AC filters is essential. HVAC instructors Roger McDow and Roger Spittle have said that if the oven is the beating heart of your home, air filters are like lungs. Premium high-quality filters are recommended because of their ability to keep your home fresh and clean. If you choose to use an expensive air filter instead of a cheap one, these monthly routines can quickly become costly.
But if someone in your home has respiratory problems, then air quality is a much higher priority.
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