Are Cheap or Expensive Air Filters Better for HVAC Systems?
Your HVAC system will have one or more filters responsible for removing harmful airborne particles from the air inside your home. Not only will this filter keep this unwanted debris from reaching the internal components of your HVAC system, but it will also work to improve the quality of the air inside your home. As a homeowner, you have many options when purchasing an air filter for your system.
What Are Your Options?
There are four main types of HVAC air filters on the market today. These include fiberglass, pleated, washable, and HEPA filters. You must fully understand the difference between each type to pick a filter that will be effective for your home's environment.
Fiberglass filters will be the cheapest to purchase and offer the least amount of filtering capability. Pleated filters are a step up from fiberglass filters, offering more filtering capability at a slightly higher price range.
Washable filters offer filtering capabilities close to that of pleated filters. However, they come at a higher initial cost because they can be reused. Lastly, the HEPA filter will be the most expensive HVAC air filter on the market today. It offers a filtering capability of 99.97% of airborne particles, .3 microns or bigger.
Should You Opt for an Expensive Air Filter?
Not all homeowners need to invest in a HEPA air filter for their HVAC system. These filters come at a premium price, and most homeowners don't need them. HEPA filters are highly recommended for homes where residents suffer from severe allergies and/or respiratory illnesses.
The average homeowner will likely find that a pleated air filter will provide a good combination of quality air filtration at an affordable price. These pleated air filters help remove most airborne particles found within the average home. If you don't want to stock multiple filters at your home, you may want to consider a washable filter. Unlike a pleated filter, a washable filter can simply be pulled out, rinsed under the sink, and reinserted once it's dry.
Call Us Today
If you're interested in getting help changing your air filter or want to discuss your options further, simply call us at Master Mechanical. Our helpful HVAC technicians are here to answer all of your HVAC-related questions!
