Are high-quality air filters worth the extra money?

Like with most things, it depends…

The main job of any air filter is to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles in its fibers. This keeps the air you breathe, and your system’s evaporator coil, clean.

Higher-quality filters will trap more of those nasty particles, which is particularly important for people who suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma, but a higher MERV rating is no substitute for a clean, properly fitting air filter, and a higher MERV rating also means smaller holes, which can restrict airflow and damage your system.

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is designed to help you balance your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) needs with your energy efficiency needs, so don’t overdo it...

The recommended MERV rating for home use is 8 to 13.

Keep in mind that, when an air filter becomes clogged, air will bypass the filter and contaminate the evaporator coil, thereby reducing the coil’s heat absorbing capacity. In other words, your HVAC system will have to work harder to cool your home, resulting in unnecessary wear and tear, and higher energy bills.

Similarly, when an air filter ages and deteriorates, it loses its ability to trap new particles, and thit can release those same particle-trapping fibers and other debris back into your system, so you want to make sure you are replacing it often.

Bottom line, when it comes to reducing HVAC energy consumption, preventing costly breakdowns, extending the life of your system, there’s no substitute for a clean, properly fitting air filter. In fact, simply replacing a clogged air filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioning system's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

Exactly how often you should replace your filter depends on the type of filter and your environment. Every 1 to 3 months is a good rule of thumb, but If you smoke inside your home, or you have long-haired pets, you may want to change your filter more often.

If you’re not sure which air filter is right for you, call Blizzard Conditions Air & Heat at 941-961-2846. We’ll guide you towards the best filter for your system and your family.