That $5 HVAC filter might seem like a good deal, but it might actually be costing you hundreds. Like most things, investing in a higher quality product up front (if you are able to) can actually end up saving you more money in the long run. Here we will dive into a true cost comparison of a bargain HVAC filter vs. the PuroAir MEGAFilter and the long term impacts of high quality filtration for your home. 

Cost Comparison:

A basic fiberglass HVAC filter at a big box retailer will cost you about $5 per filter. These filters must be replaced every 30 days because they can clog quickly due to the lower quality. 

Annual cost of filters: about $60

PuroAir’s MERV 13 HVAC filters cost $29.50 per filter with subscription which saves you 15% on each shipment. These high quality filters last a full 90 days before needing to be replaced, so you only need four filters per year per vent. 

Annual cost of filters (with subscription discount): $100.30

The cost of the higher quality filters is more compared to the cheaper ones, but there are other costs to consider in the cost/benefit analysis of the filter price.

Quality vs. Quantity

While you may be able to purchase more filters for less when shopping for cheaper filters, there are major quality differences to be aware of. Fiberglass filters usually have a MERV rating around 2-4. This means they are the most basic, inefficient filters, and they really only filter large particles like lint or heavy dust out of your home’s air. For reference, they capture less than 20% of small particles between 3-10 microns. They get the job done of protecting your HVAC system from large debris, but they don’t do much to improve your home’s air quality. Even if you do not have pets or suffer from allergies, you may notice differences in your home’s air quality with one of these low quality filters. More dust will settle on surfaces, and you are likely to experience sneezing, scratchy throat and congestion depending on the time of year and the climate you live in. 

In contrast, PuroAir’s Mega Filter has a MERV rating of 13. This means that it filters at least 90% of particles sized 3-10 microns and can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns. This makes an incredible difference when it comes to things like pollen, pet dander, fine dust, and more. In addition to all the benefits that a typical MERV 13 filter provides, the Mega Filter also contains an activated carbon layer which helps to reduce unpleasant odors in the home including those from pets, cooking, or smoke. Activated carbon also helps filter VOCs out of the air. VOCs are absorbed into the carbon material and get stuck there so that they cannot re-enter the circulating air. For those with pets, allergies, asthma, or sensitive respiratory systems, a higher quality filter is a no brainer. You can’t put a price on the health and happiness of your home, and many would agree that for all these benefits, a more expensive filter is more than worth the price tag. 

Health Costs

Short Term Impacts

The short term impacts of updating to a higher quality filter are typically pretty apparent. Dust and allergens are reduced and air quality is drastically improved. For those with asthma, allergies, or another respiratory health issue, this impact is noticed immediately. Some individuals are even able to use less medication or visit the doctor less frequently, saving money in the process. 

Long Term Impacts

The long term health effects of upgrading your filter could have an even larger financial impact. By ensuring the air quality in your home is healthy, you are helping ease strain on your family’s respiratory systems, minimizing risk for chronic issues — especially for vulnerable populations like young children. Pollutants are everywhere nowadays and they often originate from unexpected sources. From cleaning supplies to candles to carpets and furniture, our homes are infiltrated with chemicals and pollutants now more than ever. By decreasing exposure to these irritants, you are setting up your home for long term health and cost savings.

The Home Damage you Can’t See

HVAC System Damage

While a basic fiberglass filter will help prevent large dust and lint particles from entering your HVAC system, smaller particles may still be able to pass through and collect over time. Additionally, these cheap filters can clog easily, reducing airflow and forcing your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. HVAC experts say that optimizing air flow in your HVAC system with a better filter can reduce your energy bills by 5-15%. This can add up quickly during the hottest and coldest months of the year when your HVAC system is running at full capacity. 

Need for Purifiers

Here at PuroAir, we are advocates for clean air and recommend that every home utilizes air purifiers for targeted air quality optimization. The amount of purifiers and filter replacements you will need does depend on your HVAC filter and system of choice. For those who opt for cheap, low efficiency HVAC filters, you may need to compensate by having a dedicated purifier for each room or living space to ensure that irritants like pet dander, dust, VOCs, and more are being properly filtered. For those who upgrade to a high quality HVAC filter like the Mega Filter, you might be able to get away with purifiers in targeted, high traffic areas like the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. We recommend that the purifier filters are replaced about every three months, but this is dependent on dust levels. For homes with lots of dust and pollutants and less HVAC filtration, the filter may need to be replaced more frequently to maintain the unit’s efficiency and effectiveness. 

Beyond the Bottom Line

While it is true that a cheaper filter is easier on the wallet, there are many factors to consider when making a purchase decision. With superior filtration, a longer lifespan, better airflow, and enhanced air quality, it becomes easy to see how the added costs of a high quality filter may be very worth it – plus, you may end up saving in health care and HVAC maintenance costs in the long run. By opting for a higher quality, longer lasting filter, you are also helping to reduce the environmental impact of filter consumption by cutting the number that you send to the landfill each year by 75%!

Make the Switch

If you are still unsure of whether making the switch is necessary in your home, consider some of these signs that better filtration is essential. If you see any of these red flags, head here to shop PuroAir’s Mega Filter. 

• Dust accumulation in and around HVAC vents
• Noticeable odors when the HVAC is running
• Allergy symptoms indoors
• Rising energy bills

If you have determined that better filtration is needed in your home, your next step is to determine which filter is right for you. The Mega Filter comes in all the most common sizes for in-home use. Often, the best way to figure out what size you need is to check what is already in your HVAC unit. You can also measure if needed. You want to make sure that the filter fits in the space without any gaps that could let air pass right through. To lighten the mental load of remembering to order more filters and to save money, sign up for our filter subscription service. You save 15% and never need to worry about remembering to place a last minute order. 

Your home and health deserve more than a bottom-shelf filter. Often the cheap filter is really a more expensive option in disguise. Invest in quality now and you will end up saving significantly later both in health and financial costs.