When it comes to furnace filters, many HVAC professionals believe that “the cheaper, the better” is the general rule. Air conditioning systems are not designed to improve air quality in the home, and filters are important to keep the oven and air conditioner working properly. Expensive air filters are made of better quality materials than cheap air filters. They are often made of fiberglass, which is a porous material that can trap more dust and pollen than other materials such as cardboard or paper.
Fiberglass also resists moisture and doesn't tear as easily as other materials. It's more expensive to manufacture, but it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. The main purpose of an oven filter is to prevent large particles and debris from entering the oven, which could damage it. Less expensive fiberglass filters are just as capable of preventing these larger particles from entering the oven as pleated filters. Cheap woven fiberglass filters can remove dirt and debris that could damage the oven fan motor, although they remove some of the pollen and mold spores.
Not only do filters make it easier for people to breathe, but they also reduce odors and make your home a more pleasant place to live. Changing the boiler filter once a month is one of the most important general maintenance tasks you can perform for your home's air conditioning system. When you buy air filters online, look for places that allow you to customize the quantity to get exactly what you need. If you can find a reusable filter that captures the types of contaminants you need to filter for your family, you might pay more upfront and, in the end, save money. Look at the label and consider the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should replace the filter. This is especially true in homes with older HVAC units, which weren't built to house thicker air filters.
The problem with cheap air filters is that they are not as effective at removing dust and other pollutants from the air. Many filters have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating, which indicates their effectiveness. Air filters can help remove dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, and other pollutants from the air. In addition, pleated filters don't have to be changed as often, just one every 3 months, compared to the monthly frequency of non-pleated filters. Many fan motors operate at a higher speed in air conditioning mode than in heating mode, which means you should change filters more often in summer. If you're looking for an air filter that removes as many pollutants from the air as possible, you should choose an expensive model with a high MERV rating.
When comparing the price of a pleated filter to a non-pleated one, you have to triple the price per filter of the non-pleated filter for an accurate comparison. Finding an air filter that's right for your home can be difficult, especially if you don't know what to look for and why the prices are different. A clogged filter can cause both the boiler and the air conditioner to work more and less efficiently. So when it comes down to it - are cheap furnace filters really better than expensive ones? As an expert in HVAC systems and air quality control I can tell you that it depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for an air filter that removes as many pollutants from the air as possible then an expensive model with a high MERV rating is probably your best bet.
However if you're looking for something that will last longer and require less maintenance then a cheaper fiberglass filter may be your best option.
