As you can see, there are several key differences between cheap and expensive air filters. 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.
Using expensive air filters in your HVAC system can be both good and bad. Expensive filters can catch smaller particles, which is great for improving indoor air quality, especially if you have allergies. They also tend to last longer because of better materials.
Yes, choosing a high-quality air filter for your home is definitely worth it. According to this page, high quality AC filters provide better filtration, keeping you and your family safe from harmful particles. It also helps reduce your monthly costs since you don't have to replace it as frequently as the cheap filters.
In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.
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.
Cheap air filters are often less efficient at trapping particles, which means that more harmful airborne contaminants can enter your HVAC system and circulate throughout your home or office. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
The MERV 11 air filter is the wrong choice for people who do not own pets and do not have any breathing trouble; this is because it can lead to restricted airflow. Air filters with higher ratings can also have negative effects on HVAC components.
High-MERV filters increase the static pressure of your system, and if the ductwork is already marginal, this can cause the airflow to drop to a level where the temperature exceeds the furnace's limit.
MERV‑8 filters are among the most popular choices because they strike a balance between performance and adaptability, fitting most systems without modifications. However, it's worth noting that filters with higher MERV ratings can restrict airflow.
How Much Does Brand Matter? Different brands will offer different ranges of MERV ratings and filter sizes. More importantly, not all filters are built equal – the quality of the filter materials determines how long the product lasts and how consistent it is in performance.
Generally, changes that improve the value or performance of your car will increase the cost of your insurance. For example, if you've altered the air filter or remapped the engine, you can expect to start paying more for your cover.
Like most things, you get what you pay for. The smaller micron-rating a cabin air filter has, the better job it will do at filtering out contaminants and pollutants, but the more it will cost.
But do consider that if you go with a High-Efficiency Particulate Filter (HEPA), the most expensive on the market, they typically last twice as long as a regular filter. So if you choose to go expensive, it might make sense to go all out on HEPA filters and buy filters less often.
Not only does a performance air filter intake more air, but they're also more efficient at filtering out dust and debris than conventional filters. One study found that a nanofiber layer significantly increases filtration performance of an air filter.
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.
While most newer systems can accommodate filters with higher MERV ratings, if you have an older system, a filter with a high MERV rating may lower the air pressure too much, which can interfere with the system's function or strain the blower.
This extra depth gives the filter more room for airflow. That means that as the filter collects dirt and other debris from your air, it won't restrict the airflow in your furnace as much. This prevents damage to the furnace and gives the filter itself a longer lifespan.
Sometimes, a MERV 11 filter may be too restrictive, particularly for older or smaller HVAC systems not designed to handle the increased pressure drop. If you notice that airflow has diminished or your HVAC unit is cycling on and off more frequently, these could be signs that your filter is too restrictive.
There is still a common misconception that having a high MERV rated filter will be too restrictive and strain your unit. However, most HVAC systems built in the last 20 years should have no issue using a MERV 6 - MERV 13 rated air filter.
Filters rated MERV 8 are an excellent choice for homes without air quality concerns like allergies or respiratory health complaints. A MERV 11 filter, in contrast, provides enhanced filtration by capturing a greater percentage of smaller particles, including vehicle emissions, bacteria, and mold spores.
If nobody in your home has allergies and you don't have pets or significant air quality concerns, for instance, an inexpensive filter can still be effective. The main drawback with cheaper filters is you'll need to replace them more often.
Airocide is the NASA air purifier. Our technology removed harmful VOCs from the International Space Station and the Columbia shuttle.
For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 strikes the perfect balance between filtration, airflow, and cost. A MERV 11 filter, for instance, can last up to six months and offers excellent air cleaning without putting too much strain on your HVAC system.