Filters for home air conditioners

[HBalzer]

Yesterday I went to Lowe?s to buy some air filters for my AC. I was amazed that the price ranges from around $1 to around $20 for these filters. Every time I have to replace them I try and decide which one is worth it. So I decided to ask ATOT.

So do you get what you pay for or is this a gimmick similar to premium gas?


Link to Filtrete filter comparison page

 

[thebigdude]

I use as cheap as I can possibly find. That being said the ones that have high ratings do seem to help with allergens in the house from what other people have told me.

 

[BoomerD]

I avoid the cheapo 99 cent filters. They just don't really filter very much crap out of the air, and I live in an area that gets a lot of airborne dust.(lots of farms in my area) So, I buy this one
Filtrete

 

[Meuge]

I use a separate air filter - a real HEPA.

 

[spacejamz]

more importantly, do you change them every 90 days (which how often most of them should be changed)....

 

[sygyzy]

Considering most people change them once a year, if that, why wouldn't you splurge on the most expensive ones?

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
more importantly, do you change them every 90 days (which how often most of them should be changed)....

I use those 3M filtreete (spelling?) filters. Fiberglass based ones just don't filter much of anything. The 3M ones have to be changed every 3months though or they will clog.

 

[spacejamz]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Considering most people change them once a year, if that, why wouldn't you splurge on the most expensive ones?

pretty much every one I have seen at Lowes/Home Depot say to switch them out every 3 months or 90 days....

 

[bigfil]

get a washable one
you can just wash it out, let it dry out for awhile
and pop it back in

i alternate between the washable and throw away kind

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: Golgatha

Originally posted by: spacejamz
more importantly, do you change them every 90 days (which how often most of them should be changed)....

I use those 3M filtreete (spelling?) filters. Fiberglass based ones just don't filter much of anything. The 3M ones have to be changed every 3months though or they will clog.

ditto

 

[Christobevii3]

I get the $4 ones that you can't see through

 

[jhayx7]

Whatever one I can find. My apartment uses a very odd size (12x18). The only place in town who carries them is Publix....yes.... Publix...

 

[Shadowknight]

3M HEPA. I have cat allergies, so I try to minimize the amount of debris from my cats that get sucked into the air system. My medications work admirably, but I like to take the extra precaution of filtering the air as much as possible.

 

[brtspears2]

I use the 3 pack AmericanAirFilter brand that is found at my local Lowes. 3, 3 month filters, about $8.

 

[akshatp]

3M Filtrete - They cost about $15 a filter but gives me peace of mind that there arent unnecessary harmful particles flying around in my house. Change them every 90 days like clockwork. Bought a 6 pack from Amazon, saved some money.

 

[Rubycon]

FARR 30/30

 

[beat mania]

Originally posted by: akshatp
3M Filtrete - They cost about $15 a filter but gives me peace of mind that there arent unnecessary harmful particles flying around in my house. Change them every 90 days like clockwork. Bought a 6 pack from Amazon, saved some money.

Yep, the purple kind.