Are Better HVAC Filters Worth It?

Not only do filters remove dust allergens, mold spores, and other pollutants from the air your family breathes, but they also filter out fine dirt particles that can degrade the performance of the HVAC system itself. While it's a good idea in theory, it has multiple problems, such as lower MERV ratings, frequent maintenance requirements, and the potential to attract mold to your air unit. When it comes to oven filters, the general rule of thumb for many HVAC professionals is “the cheaper the better”. While they do little to filter out allergens and other irritants, using them keeps your HVAC system clean and efficient.

Placing more folds (sometimes called folds) on air filters increases their surface area, and more surface area means more space to trap particles in the air. Air filters are also important for people who live in a highly polluted area because the filter can filter out harmful contaminants from the air. But those are rare circumstances, and the decision to pay more for a better filter or not mostly comes down to whether cleaner air is a priority for you. An electrostatic air filter is a washable air filter that uses static electricity to capture particles. Our premium, high-quality filters come recommended because of their ability to keep your home fresh and clean.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value and is a measure of how well a filter removes particles from the air. This scale rates air conditioning filters from 1 to 16 based on their ability to trap particles from the air. An HVAC specialist will likely examine your system and tell you how much pressure drop your equipment can safely withstand will cost a few hundred dollars. When the MERV rating of a filter is too high, then the mesh fabric starts to constrict air flow. You want to make sure your home doesn't pose any kind of danger to your residents, and higher-priced filters offer greater protection.

If it is, there are several examples of qualified filters we would recommend, including the Nordic Pure MERV 12, a perfectly good filter that we would look for first (because it often costs less), as well as two other filters that are also OK. Air filters are an important factor in keeping your home clean and keeping the air you breathe healthy. Powell noted that: “You invest a considerable amount in your HVAC system and, unless you know how much pressure drop you have in it and how much more you can withstand, you could end up shortening the life of your blower. HEPA filters filter bacteria and viruses and are worth the extra money for people with respiratory conditions such as emphysema. In conclusion, when deciding whether or not better HVAC filters are worth it, consider what kind of environment you want for your family. If cleaner air is a priority for you, then investing in higher-quality filters may be worth it.

However, if you're looking for an economical solution that still keeps your HVAC system running efficiently, then cheaper filters may be a better option.

Willis Diruzzo
Willis Diruzzo

Typical sushi enthusiast. Infuriatingly humble music geek. Typical internetaholic. Subtly charming social media maven. Lifelong bacon buff.