Why Cheap Filters Are Costing You More

Let’s talk about filters—because believe me, not all of them are created equal. You know those cheap mesh filters some people throw in their HVAC systems? Yeah, the ones that look like they belong on the back of an old screen door. Well, spoiler alert: they don’t actually filter anything. In fact, they’re basically a fast track to clogging up your system and calling us to clean out your coils.

Sawdust Experiment: Mesh Filters Don't Do the Job

We recently did a little experiment where we took some sawdust (which is thicker than household dust, mind you) and sprayed it through a mesh filter and a pleated filter. Guess what happened? The mesh filter just let that dust fly right through onto the coil, while the pleated filter caught most of it. It was like night and day. The pleated filter actually does its job, while the mesh filter just lets your system get gunked up.

The Problem with Cheap Filters

Those mesh filters might seem like a good deal at first, but they’re really just setting you up for more problems. All that junk they let through? It gets stuck in your coil. And when that coil gets clogged, guess who you’re calling? Us—because now your system isn’t running efficiently, or worse, it’s icing up or getting restricted airflow.

And don’t even think about just "shaking off" the dirt from those mesh filters to reuse them. By the time they’re actually catching anything, they’re already reducing airflow, making your system work harder, and jacking up your energy bills. You’re paying for inefficiency.

Why Pleated Filters Are Worth It

Pleated filters, on the other hand, actually catch debris before it hits your coil. And yeah, they might cost a little more upfront, but they’re saving you in the long run. Plus, you don’t need to replace them as often. Higher MERV-rated filters (those are the ones that actually filter better) can trap more dust and allergens without restricting airflow—if your system can handle them, that is.

Some people think throwing in a high MERV filter will make everything better, but it’s not that simple. If your system isn’t designed for it, you’re going to have airflow problems. That’s why it’s important to know what your unit can handle. If you’re unsure, stick with a MERV 8 or 10 filter—that’s usually safe for most residential systems.

Final Thought: Stop Cutting Corners on Filters

Bottom line? Don’t cheap out on your filters. You’re just setting yourself up for a mess—and an expensive service call. Go with pleated filters, change them regularly, and if you’ve got pets or a busy household, you might need to swap them out more often than the average Joe.

If your system’s acting up or you think your coil might be clogged, give us a call at 423-545-9062. We’ll get it sorted out before things get worse.