How To Know Which Brand Of Air Filter Is Better?

Because you can’t see what you breathe in, breathing can be a little dangerous. This necessitates the use of air filters, but it can be challenging to decide between expensive and budget brands. We looked into air filters for you and have information to give!

The best HVAC air filters might be well-known brands, especially for novice purchasers. However, the ingredients in the filters are largely the same among brands.

However, purchasing an air filter cannot be done based solely on brand. These factors will also be helpful to you:

• Understanding the significance of air filter ratings
• How much you ought to invest in it
• The air filter’s size

We’ll go into more detail about the factors you should take into account when selecting an air filter because it’s more crucial to concentrate on these factors than the brand. You can find out what they are by reading on.

Why Is A Filter Important For Air?

The air contains microparticles whether it is indoors or outside. These can include bacteria, mold, pollen, dust, and dirt. These particles, if ignored, can trigger allergic reactions and inflammation, particularly in the respiratory system.

However, airborne microparticles are contained by an air filter. Lung infections and asthma attacks are less likely when such pollutants are kept from dispersing.

What Takes Place If A Filter Isn’t Replaced?

Since the filter contains pollutants, failing to change it might have a number of negative effects.

The airflow may be hampered if the filter becomes clogged with dust over time. As a result, the air system is damaged and produces little air.

When there is dirt in the air system, it tends to work harder than it should, which can lead to greater energy costs. Additionally, failing to maintain the filters might have an impact on the cooling of the system, which can negatively impact performance.

Even premium filters need to be replaced on a regular basis. This is so that mold won’t form on the filter and instead affect the air duct.

People living in your home run the risk of getting sick if the mold development intensifies.

Things To Take Into Account When Picking An Air Filter

Here are some things regarding air filters you should know before choosing a brand. Keep taking notes; even though these concepts may seem simple, you’ll receive the best result if you can remember certain specifics.

MERV Rating: Air Particles Indicator

The MERV rating serves as a gauge for how many microparticles the filter can handle. The rating is typically scaled from 1 to 20, with 20 being the highest.

However, you could see 1–16 ratings for some brands. However, the lowest and greatest numbers ought to serve as the foundation.

Since a scale of 1 to 20 is typical, we will categorise the MERV ratings according to how well they can trap particles in order to provide you with more information.

This will help you determine the rating you need based on the size of your place.

• MERV 1 to 4 range, the filter can handle 10.0 microparticles, such as dust, pollen, and cloth.
• MERV 5 to 8 filters are suitable for 3.0 to 10.0 microparticles, such as pollen, dust, textile fibers, and mold.
• MERV 9–12 filter, 1.0 to 3.0 microparticles in size, including as pollen, dust, textile, mold, and bacteria, can pass through.
• MERV ratings of 13 to 16, 0.3 to 1.0 micron-sized particles, such as pet dander, pollen, dust, cloth, copier toner, bacteria, smoke, fumes, and face powder, can pass through these filters.
• MERV 17 to 20, the filter can handle particles as small as 0.30 microns and even smaller. Along with new contaminants like virus carriers, sea salt, odors, and microallergens, it can also capture earlier pollutants.

Verify The Appropriate Filter Size

The size of a filter must be determined by the previous one when altering it. Obtaining the size also yields the length, width, and thickness. A filter’s thickness might range from 1 to 2 inches, but it can also be 3 to 5 inches thick.

Use a tape measure to measure your filter if you are unsure about its size. Verify the nominal dimension of the last filter, if indicated. You may come across nominal and real dimensions.

The nominal dimensions are the rounded-up measurement of the real dimensions, so don’t be confused. The nominal dimensions serve as your guide for choosing a filter’s size.

What Are The Prices Of Air Filters?

Depending on the brand, particularly if it is a well-known one, prices can vary. However, in terms of performance, the price would increase with a higher MERV rating and decrease with a lower MERV rating.

Particularly, the inexpensive, disposable fiberglass filters can only hold a small number of MERV 2 to 3 particles. You can choose flat-panel or pleated filters for a lower cost.

Permanent filters are also available, and since they can reach MERV 12 or more, they are unquestionably more dependable.

Although maintaining a good filter may seem pricey, there are actually affordable options available. You can buy in bulk to eliminate the need for sporadic purchases.

Although some filters can last up to 12 months, the majority should be changed after two to three months of use. In order to prevent moisture buildup, washable filters should be dried fully after washing.

It is advised to change your air filter once a month if you want to perform routine maintenance on it and avoid the buildup of dust and other microparticles.

Aftermarket vs. OEM

As previously noted, the majority of filters share essentially identical characteristics, however there are two options for types: OEM and aftermarket. Although the production source may be different, these filters may function the same.

The HVAC system’s brand is the same as that of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filters. This indicates that the maker has designed them to work and fit together.

Since the air system and OEM filters have identical specifications, they will fit together well.

For the already-produced air system models, aftermarket filter types are created. You might need to look around to find the filter that fits your air system the best since it is less likely to match the exact dimensions.

Final Reflections

You now understand that you should always take considerations so you will know what filter you are looking for, regardless of whether it is an expensive or inexpensive brand. You won’t merely depend on the brand name. Size, MERV rating, kind, and pricing are things to think about.