Cheap vs. Expensive Furnace Filters: Which Is Best for Your Home?
Furnace filters are essential in keeping your home’s air quality clean and free of allergens and other particles that can cause respiratory problems. That’s why choosing a filter that will do the best job of trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants is crucial.
So, How Do You Know Which Is the Best Option for Your Home?
When it comes to buying furnace filters, there are a lot of choices on the market, from cheap options to more expensive ones. The type of filter you choose will also depend on the furnace you have. If you have a standard furnace, a pleated filter will do the job just fine. However, you’ll need a special electrostatic filter if you have an electrostatic furnace. These filters are more costly, but they’re also more effective at removing particles from the air.
The expensive furnace filters are generally better because they are made of higher-quality material. Cheap furnace filters are typically made of lower-quality material and can become clogged more easily. This can lead to decreased airflow and increased energy usage, which can cause your furnace to work harder and could eventually lead to system failure.
As for how often you need to replace your filter, that depends on the filter type you’re using and the level of contaminants in your home. For example, if in case you live in an area with a lot of construction or industrial activity, you may need to replace your filter more often than someone who lives in a rural area.
In general, most furnace filters 16x25x1 should be replaced every three months. Pleated filters will need to be replaced more often than electrostatic ones, but they’re also less expensive, so it’s important to find out a balance that works for your budget and your home’s air quality needs.
What Happens if You Keep Your Furnace Filter the Same?
Your furnace filter is vital in keeping your home comfortable and your family healthy. By trapping dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles, it prevents them from circulating through your home and causing respiratory problems. A dirty filter puts extra strain on your furnace, leading to increased energy costs and a shorter lifespan for your furnace. For these reasons, it is essential to change your furnace filter regularly.
Depending on your filter type, it may need to be changed as often as once a month. However, even if you have a reusable filter, it should be cleaned every few months to ensure optimal performance. Neglecting to change or clean your furnace filter can have serious consequences for your health and wallet, so make sure to keep up with this simple maintenance task.
The Bottom Line
So, which is better—cheap or expensive furnace filters? It totally depends on the level of contaminants in your home and what your priorities are. Cheap options might save you money upfront, but they might not work. The expensive furnace filters usually cost more initially, but they usually last longer and require less frequent replacement. They also help improve the air quality in your home by trapping more dust, pollen, and other particles. They work better and are wise investments in the long run.