How To Choose The Right Air Filter: What To Look Out For

Choosing the right air filter sounds like a simple task, but depending on what kind of work you do, it can be pretty tough. Before you make your purchase, think about what will suit your needs best. Here are important tips to use in choosing the right air filter for home.

Pricing

The first thing to look out for is the price. There are many different prices depending on different factors. The cheapest air filters are fiberglass and washable cotton filters, but they’re not ideal for everyone. As noted by the folks behind filterbuy.com/, washable cotton filters can take longer to dry out between changes, which allows more opportunity for bacteria growth than other types of filters. Fiberglass filters may be cheaper, but they also tend to get clogged quickly and need to be replaced more often than other types of filters. There are a lot of deals out there, but it’s a good idea to make a list of what you want from your air filter, and then compare prices for each important factor.

Size Matters: Finding The Right Fit

Make sure you buy an air filter with dimensions that match those of your existing equipment. If they don’t, you may not be able to clean or change them as recommended. In some cases, the filter size will depend on the equipment brand. Make sure to check their official website for specifications before making a purchase. Always measure the area of your filter compartment and compare it with what’s advertised. If it doesn’t match up, then you’ll need a new one that matches the space exactly – this is especially important if you’re using more than one replacement filter at a time. In general, make sure the air filters are easy to install and uninstall from your machines, otherwise, they can become too frustrating to deal with! Air filters come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure to choose one that fits precisely your needs.

Frequency Of Changing Filters

Another thing to look out for is how often you need to change your air filter. Air filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 6 tend to require replacement every 3 months or sooner, while air filters with an 8 or 10 can last up to 6-9 months before needing replacement. On average, most people only replace their air filters once per year, though they’re recommended to be changed quarterly if they’re in high traffic areas like living rooms, family rooms, and kitchens. Most do-it-yourselfer can install their own residential HVAC system’s air filters, but it is also possible that you will need to hire a professional for this.

Efficiency

The next thing to look out for in an air filter is efficiency. The most efficient filters on the market today are electrostatic, washable fiberglass, and pleated panel filters which can remove 99% or more of airborne particles from your home’s circulation system. Activated charcoal also isn’t too bad on this scale either because although it doesn’t meet the U.S. government standards for filtering efficiency, it still does a good job of removing odors without trapping them on its surface. Air cleaners with carbon photocatalytic composites are even more efficient than activated charcoal at removing odors but aren’t quite as good as the first three mentioned on this list. As a rule of thumb, electrostatic filters are usually about 5 times more efficient than standard

Operating Cost

The next thing to look out for in an air filter is its operating cost because you don’t want to spend more money on your HVAC system’s ability to clean the air than you need to. It’s best to go with a power saver model such as an electrostatic or washable cotton filter, which uses less energy and lasts longer between replacements. They’re also easier on utility bills because they don’t send energy costs through the roof like some other types of filters that require large amounts of electricity to do their job properly. Power saver models can reduce operating costs (i.e., energy and replacement air filters) by 50% or more over other types of air filters.

Warranty

The next thing you should look for in an air filter is a warranty. Warranties are important because if anything goes wrong with your new filter, the manufacturer will be put to the task to fix or replace it. Having a warranty also ensures that you won’t have to pay extra money for labor and part costs. The most basic air filters come with a one-year warranty, while high-end models usually come with between three and five-year warranties. For specialty filters like EACs, the warranty period tends to be even longer at around seven years or more as these types of products are much harder to break down than standard fiberglass models.

These are some things to think about when getting an air filter machine for home use. A good rule of thumb is checking the quality of the air first, so if your area is bad, get a higher-grade machine, so you won’t have to spend more later on. Also, it’s best to choose one with wheels if you’d be moving it around often. Lastly, check what kind of warranty the manufacturer’s offering just in case something happens!