Computerized hvac filter evaluation system

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a computer-readable medium that includes instructions executable by the processor, wherein the instructions include:
• selectively generating a replacement request for an operator to replace a first air filter installed in an air handler of an HVAC system with a second air filter, wherein (i) the first air filter has a first particulate matter removal efficiency rating and (ii) the second air filter has a second particulate matter removal efficiency rating that is greater than the first particulate matter removal efficiency rating,
• in response to activation of the HVAC system following installation of the second air filter, delaying for a first predetermined period of time and then obtaining (i) a first temperature that represents a temperature of air downstream of the air handler and (ii) a second temperature that represents a temperature of air upstream of the air handler,
• calculating a first temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature,
• determining whether the first temperature difference is within an acceptable range, and
• in response to the first temperature difference being within the acceptable range, (i) operating the HVAC system using the second air filter and (ii) generating an alert indicating compatibility of the second air filter with the HVAC system.