When it comes to air filters, it's true that more expensive models are usually more effective. But, the amount of filtration you need depends on your individual circumstances. For instance, a single person without pets and allergies may not require as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Additionally, you should consider how long your air filter will last.
Washable air filters are more expensive, but they can last for years instead of months. However, they have some drawbacks such as lower MERV ratings, frequent maintenance requirements, and the potential to attract mold to your air unit. In general, air conditioning filters are not cheap and can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. But, if you have serious allergies or asthma, it may be worth investing in an expensive air filter. Household HVAC air filters are rated based on their MERV rating, with most household filters between 1 and 13 (more than 13 are for HEPA filters).
Although expensive filters may seem like a luxury, their role is too important to settle for lower quality filters. Your home should be a place where you can relax and breathe easy, and air filters are the tools that help you do that. This is especially true in homes with older HVAC units which weren't built to accommodate thicker air filters. Increasing the number of folds (sometimes called pleats) on air filters increases their surface area, which means more space to trap particles in the air. So, if you decide to go for an expensive option, it might make sense to invest in HEPA filters and buy them less often. Also, if you live in an area with a lot of dust or other particles in the air, an air conditioning filter can help keep your home's air quality high.
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) rating is a standard created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to evaluate the effectiveness of air filters. At East Coast Mechanical, we have air quality professionals with the skills and experience you need to solve all your air quality problems. You may read elsewhere that pleated filters restrict airflow, leading to a harder working oven or air conditioning unit that increases your energy costs and burns out the engine. However, HEPA filters are the most expensive filters you can buy but they will last twice as long as standard filters in addition to their higher performance. Basically, any air filter will filter out particles from the air before it flows throughout the HVAC system. Moreover, clean air filters mean less wear and tear on the air conditioning unit which means longer system life and fewer repairs in the future.
If a filter works for too long without replacing it, the resulting effects on airflow prevent fresh air from entering. This scale rates air conditioning filters from 1 to 16 based on their ability to trap particles from the air. The air filters you use play a vital role in ensuring that the air in your home stays safe and comfortable to breathe.
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