Even though many homeowners know they should frequently change their furnace filters, others may need to know which filter to purchase. How do you determine which filter will best meet your requirements if you are a first-time buyer and have never had to worry about your filter in the past? A wide variety of choices are available, and selecting the most suitable option for your home and family is essential. Before you go out and get a new air filter for your home, here are some things to think about:
The Longevity
Since inexpensive filters do not have the same longevity as more expensive ones, they require frequent replacement. Typically, cardboard and paper are used to construct inexpensive furnace filters. The production of these materials is very inexpensive, but they have a short lifespan.
They may only be able to capture one-half as much dust or pollen before becoming clogged with particles and requiring replacement than a more expensive filter would have been able to capture; as a result, they require twice as much time spent on maintenance each year (and twice the cost). When exposed to heat or moisture, they wear out much more quickly, so they may need to be changed more frequently.
The Quality
More expensive furnace filters typically contain higher-quality components than their less expensive counterparts. Fiberglass, a porous material that can trap more dust and pollen than other materials like cardboard or paper, is frequently used as the basis for its construction. In addition, fiberglass is not readily torn and does not react negatively to the presence of moisture. The production of it is more expensive, but it has a longer lifespan and requires less upkeep than alternatives.
The Surface Area
If your 16x25x4 furnace filter has a higher MERV rating, you will have a greater surface area to filter particulate matter. If you pay a few more dollars for a higher-quality air filter, it can help keep dust and other impurities out of your lungs while also assisting in reducing allergies in the home. A low-cost filter may have fewer pleats, sometimes called folds, which minimizes the total surface area available to capture airborne contaminants.
The Effectiveness
The issue with low-cost furnace filters is that they do not perform as well as their more expensive counterparts in eliminating dust and other airborne impurities. You will have to replace your filters more frequently, which may end up costing you more. You may want to think twice when purchasing a filter for households with more people, pets, and possibly even someone who suffers from a respiratory condition.
Which One Is Right for You?
It is dependent on the requirements that you have. If you don’t need anything that will last forever and want something that will cost you less initially, then you should go with inexpensive filters. They might not be as effective at eliminating dust and other impurities from the air, but they will do their job quite well until it is time to change them out again.
Your spending limit is another factor when selecting the ideal air filter for your house. If you are seeking a filter that is effective enough to maintain a clean home but does not exceed your financial means, then you should look no further than a low-cost filter or a filter that is within your price range. Homeowners should look for furnace filters that cater to their family’s requirements and those of their home’s HVAC system.
