OEM Air Filter vs. Knockoffs: What’s a Better Choice?

Changing the filters in your air filtration, heating and cooling systems is one of the most important parts of keeping a home or workplace clean and healthy. Changing your air filters on schedule matters, yet about 1 in 5 people believe it isn't important.

Skipping filter changes costs more than clean air. An HVAC system that runs on dirty filters works harder and is more likely to need costly repairs, and people breathing poorly filtered air can feel the effects on their health.

It's not only important to replace your filters on time, but with the right type: genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters are a far better choice than "knockoff" filters.

The Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Air Filters

Many knockoff filters claim to fit your heating or cooling system and sell for less than OEM filters. Why are they cheaper? In most cases, their quality and consistency don't match filters made by the equipment manufacturer.

Here's how the two compare:

• Materials: OEM filters are built to the manufacturer's own specifications, often using proprietary media and frame designs that aftermarket makers can't access or copy exactly. Two filters can look the same and perform very differently.
• Correct fit: An OEM filter is made by the company that built your system, so it fits exactly as designed. Aftermarket filters are often measured from samples, and small differences in size or frame shape can let air bypass the filter.
• Right efficiency for your system: Manufacturers match filter efficiency to their equipment's airflow, protecting performance and energy use over the life of the system.
• Accurate replacement schedule: The cleaning and replacement intervals in your owner's manual are written for the OEM filter. With a substitute, those intervals may no longer apply.
• Proven track record: Manufacturers stand behind their equipment and its filters. A knockoff brand may have little industry experience or accountability.

Isn't "High-Efficiency" Always Best?

Not necessarily. Some knockoff filters advertised as extremely high-efficiency restrict airflow more than your system was designed for. That restriction can cause hidden damage and lead to premature repairs or replacement. The best replacement filter is the one designed by your system's manufacturer to perform exactly as promised.

Why HEPA Filter Sales Focuses on Genuine OEM Filters

The growing number of unqualified replacement filters on the market is one of the main reasons HEPA Filter Sales got started. After hearing story after story about knockoff filters, we set out to be a trusted source of genuine OEM filters for homeowners and businesses. A cheaper filter might save a few dollars up front, but poor fit and performance usually cost much more in the long run. It isn't worth the gamble.

Find the right genuine replacement with our Filter Finder, or shop OEM filters for Mitsubishi, Fujitsu and Daikin mini splits and Abatement Technologies equipment.