Why are air filters so expensive?

The Real Reason HEPA Filters Are So Expensive

Put simply, it comes down to psychology and marketing. We buy HEPA filters and air purifiers to protect our health. And we really value our health. So much so that we're often willing to spend a lot to protect our health.

Are the expensive air filters worth it?

More expensive filters like Pleated Residential filters filter out dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander and even bacteria and so are worth the money especially for those with severe allergies. HEPA filters filter bacteria and viruses and are worth the extra money for those with respiratory conditions like emphysema.

Should you buy cheap or expensive air filters?

Yes, in general, the more expensive air filters are more effective, but a single person with no pets and allergies might not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Also consider how long your air filter will last.

Are air filters a waste of money?

Some purifiers include an activated carbon filter to absorb odors and/or remove gases. While thicker, heavy-duty carbon filters are effective, they are pricey. Thin mesh ones are a waste of money, Santanachote says. Expect to spend at least $200 on a portable unit.

Why are filters expensive?

Expensive Filters Are Made of Better-Quality Materials

They are often made of fiberglass, which is a porous material that can trap more dust and pollen than other materials like cardboard or paper. Fiberglass also resists moisture and does not tear as easily as other materials.

Do Performance Air Filters Actually Work?

How much should you spend on an air filter?

You can spend anywhere from $15-$30 for a disposable filter that, in reality, needs to be replaced every 30-40 days. The filters in a whole home air purification system only need be changed out once per year on average, saving you between $180-$360 in disposable filter replacement costs each year.

Is there really a difference in air filters?

Air filters are all the same.

Not only do filters remove dust allergens, mold spores, and other contaminants from the air your family breathes, they also filter out fine dirt particles that can degrade the performance of the HVAC system itself.

Are HEPA filters worth it?

HEPA filters in particular are great at effectively reducing particulate matter like dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores. If you are concerned about these types of particles in your home, upgrading the air filters will help keep your family protected.

Is a whole house air cleaner worth it?

For those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions, a whole house air purifier is undoubtedly worth the money. The system helps reduce symptoms by removing antagonistic air pollutants. This results in less frequent and less intense allergy and/or asthma attacks.

Do air filters really help allergies?

Air purifiers trap dust, pollen and other pollutants floating around in the air we breathe, so they can be effective at removing the source of allergies. However, it's important to note that they should not replace prescribed medications.

Does brand of air filter matter?

Truthfully, the biggest difference you will see is the cost of the hvac filters. OEM filters are typically much more expensive because you are paying for a brand name. When comparing the material that each air filter is made of, they will look and feel identical.

What kind of air filters are best?

1. HEPA Filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants — including mold spores and dust that are as small as 0.3 microns.

How often should you change air filter?

Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.

Does MERV 8 filter smoke?

However, a MERV 8 filter captures less than 20% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns. That means things like pet dander, smoke, and some airborne bacteria are likely to get through a MERV 8 filter.

How long does MERV 16 filter last?

The basic recommendation for furnace filters replacement is every 3-4 months for MERV 8, every 6 months MERV 10 and 11 and every year for MERV 16.

What MERV rating should I use in my house?

In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.

Do air purifiers help with Covid?

When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space. However, by itself, a portable air cleaner is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.

Should I run my air purifier 24 hours a day?

Yes, you should run your air purifier 24/7 and you shouldn't turn it off anytime. In fact it's recommended to not switch off your air purifier at any time of the day or night, even when you're sleeping or not at home.

Are Dyson air purifiers worth it?

Based on customer reviews, Dyson has a 1.5-star average rating with about 1,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Positive reviews mention that Dyson air purifiers are effective in improving breathing comfort and reducing allergy symptoms. Several customers report satisfaction with the improved air quality.

Do HEPA filters stop coronavirus?

Portable air cleaners and HVAC filters can reduce indoor air pollutants, including viruses, that are airborne. By themselves, portable air cleaners and HVAC filters are not enough to protect people from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Why are HEPA filters bad?

HEPA filters have caused controversy over concerns that they might shed tiny fibers and be harmful to health. But the latest scientific studies have shown HEPA filters are safe and found no evidence of harm.

What are the disadvantages of air purifier?

Are pleated air filters better?

While fiberglass air filters will do the job in the most basic way, in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. They can filter out smaller particles – important for people with airborne sensitivities. They are less likely to clog in a short amount of time, and they can last up to 90 days.

Does it matter what kind of air filter you use?

The short answer is, no, they're not all the same. In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system.

What should I look for when buying an air filter?