Media air filters work better than almost any other type because of the
tight seal and large surface area, but the replacement filters can be
expensive. Aprilaire uses the same housing for their electronic air cleaner,
and the plates in an electronic air cleaner only need to be washed.
Whatever brand you get, make sure it can be used as either an electronic or
a media air cleaner. Then have your contractor install an electronic one.
After that, if you want to switch to media, all you have to do is turn the
switch off, remove the plates, and install the filter media. Getting it
installed now can save you a lot of money vs. installation later, because of
all the duct work involved.

"stevie" wrote in message ...
i'm getting estimates for a central AC system.

one estimate involves installation of an 'Aprilaire' (or similar) filter,
which is a heavy duty type AC filter that needs element replacement once a
year.

has anyone had experience with this type of filter?? is it worth the
extra
cost??