Air filters serve many important purposes, from reducing the risk of respiratory infections to ensuring energy efficiency. When buying air filters for your HVAC units, you may wonder if price matters. Should you save money on cheap filters or spring for the expensive ones? Here we will explore the pros and cons of buying cheap vs. expensive air filters.
Benefits of Air Filters
Air filters have many benefits. Not only do they help remove dust, pollen and pet dander, they can remove smoke particles and other pollutants from your indoor air. As a result, they can help to reduce the chance of respiratory infections that can be brought on by poor indoor air quality. Essentially, they minimize how much dust and pollen can get into your lungs when you breathe.
In addition, air filters improve airflow, which lowers the stress and strain on your HVAC equipment, which in turn gives you lower energy bills.
And lastly, they reduce how much moisture is present in your home.
Cheap vs. Expensive Air Filters: What’s the Difference?
Now let’s check out some of the major differences between low- and high-quality air filters. With filters, quality has a direct correlation with cost.
Cheap Filters Don’t Last as Long
Because cheap filters don’t last long as their more costly counterparts, they need to be replaced more often. This doesn’t really save you money in the long run – it just adds another time-consuming chore to your list.
Cheap air filters, made from cardboard and paper, are very cheap to make, yet they are not as durable. They don’t trap nearly as much dust as expensive filters before they start getting clogged with particles. Basically, you’re doing twice the amount of maintenance each year at twice the cost. You may even have to replace them more often than that if you have pets or smoke.
Expensive Filters Have Higher-Quality Materials
Expensive air filters are made of fiberglass, which is porous material and traps more pollen and dust than cardboard and paper. In addition, fiberglass resists moisture and won’t tear as easily. Because it’s more expensive to make, you pay more at the store. But they will last longer and require less maintenance on your part.
Expensive Air Filters Feature More Surface Area
The higher MERV rating your filter has, the more surface area it will contain to filter particles. Cheap air filters typically have fewer pleats, which reduces the surface area that’s able to trap particles.
Cheap Filters Are Not as Efficient
Cheap air filters are not as efficient when it comes to removing contaminants from the air. Especially in a household with lots of people, pets and those who suffer from allergies and asthma, you want a filter that’s as efficient as possible.
In the end, price does matter because it equates with quality.
Contact Cold Factor Heating and Air Services
If you need air quality services or filter changes on your HVAC systems, don’t hesitate to contact us at 214-717-8802 or you can request an appointment online.
