MERV 13 air filters are one of the most effective for residences. That is not to say that they don’t come with their fair share of disadvantages. But if you’re considering upgrading to MERV 13, make sure that the pros outweigh the cons in your case. One of the key things you’d have to consider while buying Merv 13 Air Filters is the price.
Price Difference in Merv 13 Air Filters Compared to Other HVAC Systems
Price Factor In Air Filters
The higher the MERV rating of an air filter, the more effective it would be against pollutants — and the more it will cost. MERV 13 is bound to cost you more than MERV 8 because it can trap more contaminants. But another price variation you need to be aware of is price differences within MERV 13.
Air filters with MERV 13 can come in different sizes, all designed for different HVAC systems. Additionally, these are sold separately and in packs as well. You should buy them in bulk since you’d have to replace them often.
MERV 13 air filters can be classified broadly into three categories based on size; 1” filters, 2” filters, and 4” filters. Under each of these categories, there are other sizes with varying lengths and widths. The price of each of these filters varies, but not by a considerable margin. Here is a rough estimate of these filter prices. Be mindful that the prices may vary from brand to brand as well. Visit the company’s site to view options.
1” Filters: $128.76
2” Filters: $141.72
3” Filters: $83.96
You can nab quality discounts if you buy them in packs rather than individually. Ensure you buy an air filter that slides into the compartment easily. Before investing in a filter, speak to a professional and learn which size and MERV are ideal for your HVAC system. You could save on replacement, energy consumption, and repair and replacement of your entire HVAC unit if you get the air filter’s size and MERV value right from the get-go.
What Are You Paying For?
Apart from the cost of the filters themselves, the other two costs you’d have to consider while upgrading to a higher-efficiency air filter are the cost of replacement and energy consumption. Air filters with higher MERV values consume more energy than the lower ones. A Higher MERV rating leads to higher resistance, resulting in less airflow. This makes the system work harder to push air through, which could reflect in your energy bills.
You also have to replace high-efficiency air filters more frequently than lower-efficiency air filters. This could spike the annual cost of maintenance, as you would have to spend more money on replacements. Consider how upgrading would have a ripple effect on your finances. Weigh the pros and cons of upgrading and see if choosing a higher-efficiency air filter is worth it money-wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to upgrade my HVAC system to support high MERV filters?
The first thing you have to consider before the cost is if your HVAC system can handle a more powerful air filter. A lot of HVAC units cannot handle air filters with high MERV ratings, including MERV 13, due to the significant pressure drops that they cause.
Before upgrading, consult with a professional to ensure that your HVAC is compatible with the higher-efficiency filters. If not, then you’d have to upgrade your HVAC system to keep up with the upgraded air filter. This could be costly, what with the energy bills and maintenance costs. Speak to a professional to know if it’s worth it or if a lower efficiency unit would do the trick, too.
How much do furnace filters cost?
The price of the filters can vary depending on the quality, construction, and application of the filter. Here are the rough estimates of different kinds of filters.
Flat and pleated: $10 to $50
HEPA: $2200 to $2500
Extended: $400 to $700
Electronic: $600 to $1,000
Ultraviolet Light add-on: $600 to $1,000
Some of these estimates also include the installation cost. The exact price of the filters varies from brand to brand, so do your research before choosing the company.
