Are Better Air Filters Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide

Not only do air filters 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 HVAC system itself. While it's a good idea in theory, it has multiple problems, such as lower MERV ratings, frequent maintenance requirements, and the potential to attract mold to your air unit. But be careful not to go too far with your filters. Some HVAC systems aren't strong enough to push air through more restrictive filters that block smaller particles, that is, those with a higher MERV or CADR rating, which can reduce airflow and cause your home to heat and cool less efficiently.

Working too hard on an HVAC system can also result in hardware damage and costly repair. It's important to consult your HVAC system manual to determine the strength of your model or call an HVAC technician. When it comes to oven filters, the general rule of thumb for many HVAC professionals is “the cheaper the better”. However, these filters have some drawbacks first, they usually cost significantly more than basic fiberglass filters.

Air filters are an important factor in keeping your home clean and keeping the air you breathe healthy. It can be connected to the HVAC unit, but it is not the same as a filter that goes inside the central HVAC unit near the turn. A filter must be replaced constantly or there may be problems with air flow and filter efficiency. Whether you opt for fiberglass or decide to opt for pleating, the most important thing you can do is change filters often. When most people say electronic air filter, they usually talk about an air purifier or an electrostatic air filter.

The quality of the air in your home is vital to the development of respiratory problems for both adults and children. More expensive air filters, such as pleated residential filters, will filter out dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, and even bacteria, which can be worth the extra money, especially for people with severe allergies. The most commonly used system applies a MERV (minimum efficiency report value) number to each filter, which was developed by ASHRAE (formerly the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers). Start by determining the specific needs of the occupants of your home, which should be directly correlated with the CADR or MERV ratings of your air filters. To help you master the ins and outs of air cleaners, we've put together a practical guide with everything you need to know. We also tested two other Filtrete 1-inch smart filters, the Filtrete 1900 Smart Premium Allergen Bacteria and Virus and the Filtrete 1500 Smart Allergen Bacteria & Virus. If you're looking for more information on air filters or are ready to make an appointment to set up an air filtration system for your home, feel free to call us.

We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.