Air Filter Family Dollar (2024)

FAQs

Do cheap air filters work better? ›

If nobody in your home has allergies and you don't have pets or significant air quality concerns, for instance, an inexpensive filter can still be effective. The main drawback with cheaper filters is you'll need to replace them more often. This could end up being more expensive over time.

How Often Do I Need to Change Out My 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.

Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, last longer, are more efficient at trapping particles, and have a larger surface area to filter. This can lead to better indoor air quality and improved health.

Filter Type

Fiberglass air filters are the more affordable of the two but less efficient at capturing dust and particles in the air. They generally need to be changed every 30 days or less.

High-quality filters tend to last longer, so even though cheaper filters might be tempting, you could end up spending more. When it comes to the health and comfort of your family, friends, and other guests, it is a good idea to get the most efficient air filter you can afford.

Factory air filters are affordable since they are made of lower-priced materials. However, they cannot sustain the engine for a long time. On the other hand, the premium performance filters can be very expensive as they are made of high-quality materials that are more economical.

If the filter is too dirty to do its job, those unwanted particles can collect in your ductwork and cling to the internal components of your HVAC system, ultimately diminishing air quality throughout your house.

The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours. Going beyond this can negatively affect both your system's health and your home's air quality.

If you take your vehicle to your dealer for service, they will likely replace the air cabin filter with a manufacturer-approved version that can run from around $40 to upwards of $100. If you replace the filter yourself, it can be as affordable as $18 to $28.

✓ Pleated air filters can last up to 3 months based on your home/ business environment and the time of year. Pleated filters offer more value for their cost when compared to fiberglass.

Does it matter what air filter you use? ›

Each rating dictates the effectiveness of a filter. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers (ASHARE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher. Most people go with a MERV 8 filter.

It depends on what your needs are. If you don't need something that will last forever and want something cheaper upfront, then go with cheaper filters. They might not be as effective at removing dust and other contaminants from the air but they will do their job well enough until it's time for another change.

When storing unused filters for extended periods, you can keep them for a long time as long as you place them in a cool, dry area. Doing so will maintain their integrity, essentially giving them an indefinite service life. But air filters do have an expiration date once you begin using them.

Yes, you can use a 2 inch air filter if your HVAC system is designed for a 2 inch filter. Not all homes will accommodate 2 inch furnace filters, so if your system uses any other thickness, then a two inch air filter would not be recommended.

A high-quality filter will ensure better airflow, engine performance, and fuel economy — so it's worth investing in a reliable one! Air filters are an integral part of your vehicle's maintenance routine, as they trap dirt and grime that would otherwise damage the engine over time.

Many homeowners will be comfortable with a filter ranking 4-8. Higher MERVs of 8-12 are better for those with significant allergies or residences with smokers or pets, but filters will need to be changed frequently.

How Much Does Brand Matter? Different brands will offer different ranges of MERV ratings and filter sizes. More importantly, not all filters are built equal – the quality of the filter materials determines how long the product lasts and how consistent it is in performance.

Different filter materials have different MERV ratings because they have varying abilities to protect from particulates. So basically, the higher the rating, the fewer particulates can get through. But you don't necessarily want a filter that blocks out everything.