My HVAC of 30 years brother told me to purchase these filters vs the little 5 pack ones in order to cut down on the allergens and dust in the house. Monthly I would always change the cheap ones too, but let me say that this Filterate filter is really helping our allergies and furniture dust. I plan on always using them now but often the local is sold out of them. But eventually I get one. I like that there is an area for you to write the installation date on the filter and then take the provided sticker and stick it to your calendar for follow-up.