Air Conditioning Filters Reviews – A Change for an Improved Indoor Air Quality

One of the many ways to keep your air conditioning unit at home to work efficiently and to be able to serve you for a long time is to take good care of the filters. Keeping the air conditioning filters clean also means that the blower will consume less energy and in return, you save money. Of course, a cleaner filter can also improve the air quality which you are breathing in at home. Therefore, it is necessary for you to maintain a habit of cleaning out the filters periodically. So, the question is how often should you change the air conditioning filters?

How Often Should You Change Air Conditioning Filters

You can only do so much cleaning to these washable air conditioning filters before you realize that it is time for a change. However, most people cannot determine when to buy new air conditioning filters and how to decide that the filters are no longer working properly or in top notch condition.

• Filter type :First of all, it will depend on the type of air conditioning filters you have. Generally, reusable filters should be washed at least once a month. Besides that, quality also plays an important role. High efficient filters are recommended to be changed once a month while economic or panel filters can be replaced after two or three months.

• Environment: The frequency of changing air conditioning filters also highly depends on the environment which you are living. If you are living in a very dusty or sooty area, you should change the filters more often than those who are living in a cleaner place. Aside from that, pets’ owners should also think about changing their filters at a regular interval.

All in all, the regularity to change your air conditioning filters does not depend on brands but rather, it depends on the efficiency of the filters as well as the environment which you are staying.

Best 3M Air Conditioning Filters:

Among all the available brands for air conditioning filters, 3M is the one that has been capturing the trust and hearts of consumers. They are known for producing high quality and dependable products for great prices. One of their most popular lines is known as the Filtrete. It is designed as a micro allergen filter. With positive and negative charged fibers, it uses electrostatic to capture even the tiniest air borne pollutants giving you a better indoor air quality.

a) Filtrete 9801-6PK Micro Allergen Reduction Filters

This Filtrete air conditioning filters comes with 1000 microparticle performance rating (MPR). Therefore, it is more efficient than fiberglass, washable or non-electrostatic pleated filters on the market. This air conditioning filters is able to capture tiny particles like smoke or dust as well as bigger allergens like spores and mold efficiently by prohibiting them from passing through the filters. They come in a pack of six with the dimension of 16 x 25 x 1. Based on the instructions given, the Filtrete 1000 MRP air conditioning filters should be replaced after a period of 3 months.

Pros:

This unit comes with 1000 microparticle performance rating

• Efficient but does not consume too much energy: Many consumers have expressed their satisfaction on the ability of the filters to capture dust particles and allergens without blocking too much of the air flow. Those with higher MRP ratings tend to grab everything causing a quick build up that will stop the air flow eventually. Once the air flow is blocked, it put strains on the air conditioning blower to work harder and thus, consume more energy.

• Inexpensive: Since this product is available in packs of six, you save money by buying in bulk. For a good quality brand by 3M that will fulfill your needs and expectations, $71 is a fair amount to pay. This means you are only paying less than $4 a month for good indoor air quality.

• Great for people with allergies: If you have a sensitive nose and prone to sneezing fits, this filter is the right one for you. Many consumers with allergies have noticed a difference in the air quality that leads to easier breathing. Aside from that, these air conditioning filters also do a good job with eliminating bad odors and pet dander.

Cons:

• Reduce air flow: Although the dust particles and allergens do not build up as quickly as it does with those air conditioning filters with higher MRP, they still restrict air flow after a certain period of time. As a result, this may cause your unit to ice over.

b) Filtrete 2007DC-6 Ultra Allergen Reduction Filters

This is an air conditioning filter for high performance as it comes with a 1500 MRP. They are also sold in packs of six with a dimension size of 10 x 20 x 1. With a higher MRP rating, you can expect these to be more efficient than the Filtrete Micro Allergen Reduction Filters in capturing dust, pollen, lint, pet dander and bacteria. They are priced at about $121.

Pros:

Capture dust, pollen, lint, pet dander and bacteria with this filter

• Good for those with allergies: This product really does what it is supposed to do. It filtrates from the tiniest particles to large allergens for a noticeable cleaner environment. Besides that, these air conditioning filters are even able to trap particles that are carrying viruses.

• Does not restrict air flow: In contrary belief, this product does not restrict air flow like those expected of a higher MRP rating. Many consumers have given it a 5 star review and it is said that they work better than the ones with 1000 MRP.

Cons:

• Higher expense: The product is priced at a higher price in comparison to the lower MRP ratings. Due to its’ efficiency in trapping particles and allergens, home owners are expected to change the filters more frequently.

c) Filtrete 600 Filter

This is a cheap filter but still very efficient

As the name suggest, these air conditioning filters come with a 600 MRP and MERV 8 ratings. It is available in a 10 x 20 x 1 size dimension.

Pros:

• Cheap: They are only priced at about $54 for a pack of six. It can be used for up to 3 months and does not restrict air flow.

Cons:

• Less efficient: In comparison to those from higher MRP ratings, these are only good at trapping large allergens and dust particles. It does a decent job in filtering. However, if you are proned to allergy, you may want to get a better version.

Before you buy:

It is always wise to do a thorough research on any products which you wish to buy. Do not just rely on one particular source for your information. Try searching online at pages such as Amazon.com to get a glimpse of the prices offered as well as local hardware stores such as Lowes or Ace hardware to get a better idea. It is always better to be safe than sorry.