Air filter pads and rolls are lengths of filter media that are commonly installed in a compatible air filter holding frame to create an air filter for removing contaminants from the air stream in HVAC systems or paint booths. This improves the quality of the air and prevents the contaminants from accumulating in the equipment and damaging it. Air filter pads and rolls allow users to replace spent filter media without the expense of replacing the whole filter assembly. They are most commonly used as pre-filters to protect the more expensive final filters downstream from large particles, which extends the life of the final filters. Air filter pads come in precut sizes and are ready to install. Air filter rolls consist of a long length of filter media.