Do More Expensive Air Filters Actually Work Better at Filtering Indoor Air?

Allergies and asthma are a constant concern in today’s world, especially with rising pollution throughout the United States. One common way to help protect against the small particles in the air is through a great air filter for your home’s HVAC system. Some of these are simple and cheap, but other air filters try to do more, offering a wealth of promises in exchange for a hefty price tag.

Before you contact your favorite HVAC contractor in Fair Oaks, CA and ask them to recommend the most expensive air filter on the market, read on to learn some information that you can use to make a more educated decision on what’s going to be right for your home:

• Filters are not created equally: You can find a huge range of air filters out there, all of which are designated with a certain rating for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). Some of the cheapest and simplest are spun fiberglass filters, which receive a 1-4 on the MERV scale. The highest MERV rating is over 13, and these filter out very fine particles. You might initially assume that the highest rating is the best, and prepare to buy it, but the fact is that you should really look at striking a balance between cost, the air filtration your family needs to stay healthy and maintaining airflow throughout your home.
• Energy use: Some people have argued that higher-quality air filters will lower the efficiency of your HVAC system. This seems true because better filters generally involve more pleats and material for filtering. However, filter manufacturers have added pleats for increased surface area, but these also allow the air more free space to pass through. Because of this, you don’t need to worry much about energy efficiency when you’re purchasing an air filter for your system.
• Replacement costs: If expensive filters scare you simply because you think you’ll need to replace them more often, you don’t need to worry. Though they look like they would catch more debris, because they have more surface area, they actually last longer than regular flat filters would. Because of this, the costs could end up being pretty similar.

There’s a lot to think about when you’re choosing your HVAC system’s air filters, and it might help to talk to a trusted HVAC contractor in Fair Oaks, CA to get some perspective. Any good and knowledgeable professional would be able to help you choose the filter that’s right for your system and your family, and the staff at Cassel Air Conditioning and Heating Service are no different. Our staff have worked hard to provide quality customer service, which is why we have a high rating through the Better Business Bureau.

On top of air filter questions, Cassel Air Conditioning and Heating Service can assist you with any of your family’s HVAC needs, including installing and maintaining furnaces, water heaters and duct systems. Call today to learn more and receive a free estimate—we look forward to working with you soon!

Categorised in: HVAC Contractor

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