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.
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.
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.
Factory air filters are affordable since they are made of lower-priced materials. However, they cannot sustain the engine for a long time. On the other hand, the premium performance filters can be very expensive as they are made of high-quality materials that are more economical.
While you may think you want your air filters to be the most efficient kind, NAFA notes it is important to keep in mind that the greater the efficiency rating, the lower the airflow. That means it could potentially cost more to run the system due to the greater resistance caused by the air filter.
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.
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.
Yes, high-performance air filters make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance by increasing torque and horsepower. One test concluded a high-performance air filter increased horsepower by 2.6% and torque by 3.7%.
K&N intakes typically add an average of 15-25 additional horsepower over a stock system. Because vehicle makes, models, and engine sizes vary widely, along with vehicle condition, power gains also vary across applications and individual vehicles.
Aftermarket air filters are a hit or miss, but generally, they need to be replaced more often due to their low-quality filter material not holding up quite as long as OEM air filters.
Choosing the right engine air filter is more critical than you think. A high-quality filter maximizes fuel efficiency and prolongs the life of your engine. But a poor choice can lead to reduced performance and costly repairs down the line.
It's recommended that you replace your car's air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you drive in dusty conditions or on dirt roads frequently, it's best to check more often as this will increase the amount of debris entering into the engine.
To find the best air filter for your home's needs, check the filter's efficiency. The industry standard for air filter efficiency is indicated by the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The Filtrete standard for air filter efficiency is indicated by the Microparticle Performance Rating value (MPR).
Cheap and economy oil filters use inferior-quality materials like plastic and have cardboard end discs that can not withstand long service intervals, repeated shocks, vibrations, and thermal cycles.
Cheap air filters are often made from fiberglass or low-grade synthetic fibers. These materials offer basic filtration, capturing larger particles like dust and dirt, but are less effective for smaller particles and allergens.
Why do MPR ratings matter? Filters with a higher MPR rating have a greater capacity to capture small, unwanted particles like allergens, smoke and more. Therefore, understanding and selecting the right air filter MPR can help improve your home's air quality.
Disadvantages of Buying K&N
Because K&N filters use an oiled filtering element, there may be long term problems in vehicles equipped with mass air flow sensors, as oil can build up over time and cause fouling or errors in the sensor which require cleaning.
Drop-in air filters are a great way to improve your car's performance without spending a lot of money.
But K&N filters let in way too much dirt, usually testing at retaining 85% of the test dust, while regular paper filters retain 96 to 99%, depending on the brand. The more it retains, the longer your engine will last.
Cheaper Isn't Always Better - Get More Airflow with K&N
K&N filters offer exceptional airflow to your engine - and more airflow often translates to more efficient fuel burn. Disposable filters aren't typically designed with the performance enthusiast in mind; they are designed to be simple, cheap, and functional.
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.
Answering the question of does an air filter affect gas mileage? Well, a clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%; nearly 25% of all cars could use a new air filter. Replacing a dirty air filter can save you 39 cents a gallon or take you 23 miles more on a typical tank of gas.
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.
The biggest question for most drivers is: does air intake increase horsepower? The answer is yes, but the increase varies based on several factors. On average, a cold air intake can add 5 to 15 horsepower to your engine.