Cheap air filters don't last as long, are less efficient at trapping particles, and have a smaller surface area to filter. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
In most scenarios the cheap filters seem to do just fine with regular oil changes. Rigidity does become an issue in high pressure situations though. Running a high volume pump with some 15w-40 or 20w-50, those cheap filters typically don't hold together for very long, especially on a cold start.
You get what you pay for. Cheap filters stop larger particles, costlier filters remove finer particles. Doesnt matter what they filter-air, fuel, oil, etc.
All filters are rated using the MERV scale. Filters for residential use are generally rated from 1-13, with higher-rated filters being used in places like hospitals and laboratories. Higher-rated filters have smaller openings, which is supposed to make them able to catch smaller particles in the air.
Simply put, the higher the MERV rating for an air filter, the more you'll pay. Filters with a MERV rating of 1 to 7 typically cost between $5 and $20. Filters with ratings of 8 to 13 can cost anywhere from $20 to $150.
Cheap air filters don't last as long, are less efficient at trapping particles, and have a smaller surface area to filter. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
If your air filter has a higher MERV rating, then you will have more surface area to filter particulate matter. A high-quality air filter that costs a few more dollars can help keep the dust and other contaminants out of your lungs while also helping reduce allergens in the home.
The brand of your air filter does matter.
These materials can include finer filter media that are more effective at capturing a wide range of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and allergens. Filtration Efficiency: Different brands offer filters with varying levels of filtration efficiency.
How Often Should You Replace Air Filters? The short answer is, you should at least change your filters once a year, preferably every three to six months. But it also depends on how many people are in your home, the appliance in question, if you have pets, and if you or others living with you are sensitive to allergies.
Switch To Pleated Filters
Fiberglass air filters will get the job done, but in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. Pleated air filters capture smaller particles and are less likely to clog within a short period of time.
High-quality air filters can pick up things like mold, dust mites, and dander that might otherwise go unchecked. The drawback of upgrading HVAC air filters is that denser, thicker mesh inhibits airflow. Unfortunately, very few filter upgrades have an impact on airborne pathogens or concentrations of VOCs.
BlueAir air purifiers cost more because of their advanced HEPASilent technology. They enjoy a strong reputation as a premium Swedish brand. They focus on always creating new air purification methods. The brand is very committed to improvement.
If you don't use a premium quality oil filter, you risk not being able to trap harmful dirt and debris that accumulate over time in your car's oil. This can easily damage your engine and lead to expensive repairs.
Many manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every second time you get your oil changed. So, if you're on a 3,000-mile cycle you'd change your filter every 6,000; if you're on a 6,000-mile cycle (as with most modern vehicles) you'd change out every 12,000.
Cheaper filters, like fiberglass ones, can clog faster than higher-quality options like pleated or HEPA filters. Extreme weather can make your HVAC system work harder, leading to faster filter buildup. Neglecting filter maintenance, like not changing or cleaning regularly, can cause blockages and poor air quality.
Reusable filters can be washed and replaced. However, the disposable filters you use in your HVAC system aren't made to shed water after they get wet. The moisture the filter retains can encourage mold growth over time, and your HVAC system might spread the mold spores throughout the rest of your home.
Get Your AC Coils Cleaned
Get your coils cleaned annually. If you live in an area where your AC unit is exposed to excessive amounts of dirt, dust, debris, or moisture, it is best to regularly clean your coils every three months or so. Every AC unit and environment is different.
Does it matter which air filter I buy? Air filter choice significantly impacts indoor air quality and HVAC performance. Different filters capture varying particle sizes: MERV 8 catches 70% of 3-10 micron particles, while MERV 13 traps 98% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
And there are truly a lot of good aftermarket options. Some may even be superior to OEM parts. But when it comes to air filters at least, research has shown that there is little to no improvement in performance to using aftermarket air filters.
A clean air filter is usually white or tan. Over time when dirt and grime accumulate on it, it turns dark brown or black. Always check your filter in a well-lit area. If your filter is dirtier than usual, it's time to replace it.
Well, MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration, and 20 being the highest. Filters that are MERV 16 through 20 are usually only found in hospitals, cleanrooms, and nuclear power plants. The home air filters you're looking for have a MERV rating anywhere between MERV 5 and 13.
In addition, research shows that filtration can be an effective supplement to source control and ventilation. Using a portable air cleaner and/or upgrading the air filter in your furnace or central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system can help to improve indoor air quality.