Are Expensive Air Conditioning Filters Worth It?
Air conditioning filters filter out many different particles from the air before it flows through the blower of your HVAC unit and goes into your home. These particles include dirt particles, mold spores and dust which can all clog up and severely decrease your HVAC unit’s efficiency. As a result, air flow can be decreased, run times can be increased, energy costs can then also be increased, and the lifespan of your HVAC’s blower can be severely compromised. Higher quality air conditioning filters (those with higher MERV values,) which are more expensive than less efficient air conditioning filters, can filter out many more particulates and particles to help avoid a costly HVAC blower replacement along with poor air quality.
What is MERV?
MERV refers to Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value which is a rating continuum developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers. This scale from 1 to 16 rates air conditioning filters on their ability to trap particulates in the air. Most air conditioning filters have a value of from 1 to 13. HEPA filters which are often used in hospitals have a MERV of 13+.
What are the Different Types of Air Conditioning Filters?
Spun fiberglass filters are the cheapest type of filter. These filters provide only minimal protection for HVAC units and usually have a MERV of from 1 to 4. Disposable filters are made of pleated paper or polyester which provide increased surface area for filtering. They have a MERV of from 5 to 7. Pleated Residential filters are 2 to 5 inches thick and have a MERV of from 11 to 13. High- Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters filter fine particles of up to 0.3 microns and have a MERV of from 13+. HEPA filters remove up to 99.97% of all airborne particles.
Are Expensive Air Conditioning Filters Worth It?
More expensive filters like Pleated Residential filters filter out dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander and even bacteria and so are worth the money especially for those with severe allergies. HEPA filters filter bacteria and viruses and are worth the extra money for those with respiratory conditions like emphysema.
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