Cheap vs Expensive Air Filters

May 12, 2022

Here's Why Expensive Air Filters Are a Great Investment

Picture of a man holding up a clean air filter.

There are many variables to consider when buying a new air filter such as price and quality. The advantages of a high-quality air filter are removing dust from the air and stopping allergies, but there are also disadvantages such as higher expenses.


Why Do You Need an Air Filter? What Are the Advantages of Air Filters?

Air filters remove dirt and particles such as pollen, animal fluff, smoke particles, and other toxic particles.


They help reduce the risk of breathing in infections and other illnesses related to bad indoor air quality (IAQ) by minimizing the quantity of dust and pollen that enters your lungs when you inhale.


Air filters also improve air movement by reducing resistance on heating/cooling devices which causes reduced power expenses over time.


They can additionally help reduce the moisture levels in your home. The advantages of having a quality air filter are: cleaner interior air, lower heating and cooling costs, as well as a more efficient heating and cooling system.


Distinctions in Affordable vs Expensive Air Filters

There are several differences between cheap and expensive air filters. Here are some distinctions between the two:


1. Cheaper Filters Usually Have a Shorter Life Span Than Costly Filters

Cheap filters don't last as long as the higher quality filters do, so they require replacing more often. Low-cost air filters are generally made of cardboard and paper. These products are cheap to produce, but they're far from durable. They may just catch fifty percent as much dirt or pollen before becoming blocked with fragments and needing replacement. They also need to be replaced often because they break easily.


2. High End Filters Are Made From Better-Quality Products

Pricey air filters are made from better-quality products than inexpensive filters. They're usually made of fiberglass, which is a permeable material that can catch a lot more dirt and pollen than other materials like cardboard or paper. Fiberglass can also withstand dampness and doesn't tear as easily as other materials from the moisture. It's more expensive to produce, but it lasts longer and requires less upkeep.


3. Expensive Air Filters Have Even More Surface Area to Filter Unlike Cheap Air Filters

If your air filter has a greater MERV score, then you'll have a wider surface area to filter particles. A high-quality air filter that costs a bit more can keep the dust and also other contaminants out of your lungs while also reducing the number of allergens in your home. A low-cost air filter might feature fewer pleats (occasionally called layers) which significantly lowers the surface area to catch impurities.


4. Economical Filters Are Not as Effective at Getting Rid Of Dust and Other Impurities from the Air

The issue with cheap air filters is that they're not as efficient at removing contaminants from the air. This is particularly true for larger families with pets in the home. You'll need to change the filters more often, which will cost you lots of money in the long term.


If you need to install high-quality air filters in your home, call us today at 503-442-5964 for additional information or schedule an appointment online.


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