Air filter installation in Houston is one of the most affordable HVAC expenses. An AC filter typically costs from $10 to $50, according to Angi, although higher-end filtration products can cost a bit more. The type of filter you buy depends on your HVAC system and your home’s indoor air quality requirements. Options range from basic fiberglass media filters to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and whole-house filtration systems.
How Is the Cost of an HVAC Air Filter Determined?
There are many types of HVAC filters on the market. Aside from the type of filter, other attributes and requirements can impact costs. While filter installation averages just around $20, that doesn’t mean the final price won’t be a bit higher. The following considerations can affect the total expense:
Type of Filter
Disposable filters are generally on the low end of the price scale. They’re designed to last only a certain amount of time but changing them every couple of months doesn’t cost much. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the most common types of HVAC filters:
- Flat Filters: These contain a thin fiberglass media to capture particles and can cost as little as $5.
- Pleated Filters: A pleated filter contains folded media to increase its surface area. Able to capture more particles and can cost as much as $50.
- Washable Filters: Reusable filters can be washed in plain, warm water, with a household detergent, or a soft brush. They cost around $30 to $50.
- HEPA Filters: A HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size. It’s quite durable and can cost up to $100 and sometimes more.
Filter Size
As you shop for filters online or in a home improvement store, you’ll see they come in many sizes. The length, width, and thickness of the filter must match your HVAC unit exactly. The larger your system, the larger the filter it will need. Filter prices tend to increase the larger the product is.
When taking measurements, the nominal versus actual filter size should be considered. The actual size of an HVAC filter is usually smaller than the frame around it. The nominal size measures closer to the size of the HVAC unit’s filter compartment. The actual size of the filter is typically between ⅛ and ⅝ inches smaller than the filter slot.
To measure the filter, turn the system off and open the filter compartment. Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the filter slot’s length, width, and depth in inches. The filter you choose must be slightly smaller than these measurements. When inserting a filter, it should slide into the filter slot with little force.
If you have any uncertainties, an HVAC contractor can provide air filter installation in Katy or Houston, but prepare to be charged trip fees and hourly rates.
Filter Thickness
A standard HVAC system can accommodate a 1-inch-thick filter. However, this has a limited capacity and must be changed more often. To support a thicker filter, the system must be modified by a professional by adding an external rack. It is designed to hold a larger filter. Therefore, it can help improve air filtration if fine particulates are causing pollution in your home.
The thicker the filter you install, the more it costs.
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)
An HVAC filter’s MERV rating reveals its efficiency level. Ranging from 1 to 20, the value reflects the filter media’s ability to catch 0.3 to 10 micron particles, including the smallest dust particles and many viruses. A filter with a MERV 1-7 rating costs from $5 to $20, while a MERV 8-13 filter can cost $20 to $150. A residential HVAC unit doesn’t usually need more than a MERV 13 filter.
Additional Costs
Replacing an HVAC filter usually doesn’t come with additional expenses. Once you buy the replacement filter, you can remove the old one and fit the new one in the slot. However, if filter replacement doesn’t resolve your HVAC issues, you may need a contractor for both air filter installation in Houston and HVAC repairs.
A problem affecting heating or cooling performance can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to over $2,000 to fix. Major issues may justify HVAC replacement, which costs much more but can be cost-effective if repair costs are high and the unit is near the end of its life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Change an HVAC Filter?
Air filter replacement should take about 10 to 15 minutes. The installation process and the time needed can vary depending on your HVAC unit model. The system’s instruction manual should explain the proper steps and the type of filter required.
How Can Changing My HVAC Filter Save Money?
Changing the filter every 90 days or more frequently can save you thousands. If the filter becomes clogged, less air can pass through it, causing your HVAC system to work harder and run more often. Aside from reduced temperature and humidity control, this can lead to the following issues:
- Higher energy bills
- More frequent major repairs
- Shorter equipment life
What If My HVAC Filter Is the Wrong Size?
Installing the wrong-sized filter can have serious consequences. It can decrease your HVAC system’s efficiency and increase energy costs. There’s also the potential for equipment damage, which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix.
You must purchase a filter that’s the correct size. Attempting to trim it down can damage the filter, making it ineffective and creating space for contaminants such as dust, pollen, and dander to pass through. If you realize the filter is the wrong size, replace it immediately.
Can I Save on Replacing an HVAC Filter?
You can save money over time by changing your HVAC filter as recommended. This can avoid expensive repairs and increase your heating and cooling system’s lifespan. Changing the filter can potentially delay replacing the system by several years. Reusable filters can also help you save. Even though they cost more upfront, you won’t have to buy new filters as often.
How Much Does Whole-House Air Filter Installation Cost?
At Trilogy AC, we offer whole-house media air cleaners and air scrubbers. These use more advanced technology to trap and filter airborne particles and can dramatically improve indoor air quality. A whole-house system provides air filtration via your ductwork and won’t decrease HVAC efficiency. An air scrubber uses an air-purifying plasma to eliminate many common viruses. We also install UV light systems to kill mold and bacteria in your HVAC system.
Each installation is tailored to the requirements of your HVAC system and home. Therefore, costs are determined on a case-by-case basis. Several financing options are available to help you pay for HVAC projects.
Call Trilogy AC for Air Filter Installation In Houston
Our customers in Katy, TX, and surrounding areas depend on us for high-quality HVAC air filter installation and other indoor air quality services. We install all types and sizes of filters. If you have questions about your existing filter, our NATE-certified technicians can assess its condition and make recommendations for air filter replacement and improvements. We’ll find the right one for your system to improve efficiency and ensure you breathe clean air.
To schedule service, call (832) 720-7641.
