Don't Let Dirty Air Sneak Up on You! Check Out the Best Furnace Filters for Your Home (2024)

Our Top Picks

The Filtrete Dust, Pollen & Pet Dander Air Filter is designed to capture most common contaminants in your home’s air supply and carries an MPR 700 rating. MPR is a proprietary rating system of 3M company, the parent company of Filtrete. According to 3M, that means it is designed to capture dust, mold, and pollen, and it may be effective in capturing pet dander and smoke.

The product balances performance and affordability, making it a good choice for most households. Its electrostatically charged filter attracts and holds particles to the filter media, increasing its effectiveness. This filter has a MERV 8 rating, meaning it is also designed to capture mold spores, dust mite debris, and lint.

However, it isn’t equipped to capture very fine particles or aerosols such as smoke, droplets from a sneeze or cough, or viruses and bacteria. Still, it meets more than the bare minimum of filtration requirements and should reduce the airborne particulates that are most likely to cause visible dust or trigger common allergies.

For maximum effectiveness, you should change the filter every 90 days or sooner if you see evidence of heavy debris collection.

_{Dimensions: ‎16 x 25 x 1 inches | MERV Rating: 8 | Filter Material: Electrostatic charged filter media}

Regularly replacing your AC filter with a high-quality option is a key strategy for reducing the number of allergens in your home’s air supply. We recommend that allergy sufferers pick an air filter with a minimum MERV 9 rating, which places the filter in the "Superior Residential" category, according to ASHRAE standards. There are many options for air filters that meet or exceed these filtration requirements. The Filtrete Advanced Allergen Reduction Air Filter is a popular choice.

This option has been certified as asthma and allergy-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).To earn the certification, products must be proven to capture common household triggers, like cat allergen, dust mite allergen, pollen, and general small particles. The Filtrete Advanced Allergen Reduction Air Filter also has a 3M proprietary 1500 MPR rating, which the manufacturer says compares to MERV 12. This is well above the MERV 9 threshold that is commonly recommended for air filters to trap allergens.

Depending on your home’s air quality, you may find it necessary to change the filter more often than the Filtrete-recommended 90-day replacement schedule. The manufacturer doesn't include a sensor to monitor airflow and alert you when performance drops significantly.So, you need to inspect the filter periodically to keep tabs on when it’s ready to be replaced.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 1 | MERV Rating: 12 | Filter Material: Electrostatic pleated}

Go on the offense against pet dander and odors by equipping your HVAC system with an air filter designed for homes with pets. For this purpose, we recommend the Arm & Hammer Enhanced Allergen and Odor Control Air Filter. It combines effective filtration of large particles, using pleated, electrostatic filter material, with the odor-eliminating properties of baking soda and carbon.

We like that this air filter for homes with pets uses the neutral properties of baking soda to offset odors without adding an artificial or chemical scent to the air. It has a MERV rating of 8, and the manufacturer claims that it removes up to 75 percent of large particles from the air circulating in your home’s HVAC system. The filter material's pleats are designed to capture pet dander, pollen, and mold spores so they are not blown through your air ducts.

We note that the filter frame can be somewhat subject to crushing or tearing, so insert it gently into your air handler.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 25 x 1 | FPR Rating: NA | MERV Rating: 8 | Filter Material: Synthetic}

The Filtrete Basic Dust Air Filter is an economical choice that uses electrostatically charged filter media to capture lint, dust mite debris, and household dust. It has an MPR rating of 300, which is considered a sufficient base level when shopping for residential air filters.

You can save on furnace maintenance without cutting corners when you buy affordable but effective furnace filters. You should consider an air filter with a MERV 5 rating at a minimum, but there’s no reason to overspend if you don’t have allergies or specialized air filtration needs.

Changing the filter every 90 days can reduce the amount of dust and small debris circulating through your home’s HVAC system. However, this filter may not be effective enough if you’re specifically targeting mold spores or allergens such as pet dander and pollen.

Another reason to consider this affordable furnace filter is its reduced resistance and strain on your HVAC system. Some filters with a higher MERV rating have thicker, more tightly woven filter material to trap fine particles. While that does increase the filter’s effectiveness, it also can make the HVAC system work harder as it takes air in. If you have an older HVAC system or minimal air filtration needs or want to save a few dollars every time you replace your air filter, then the Filtrete Basic Dust Air Filter is the way to go.

_{Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 1 inches | MERV Rating: 5 | Filter Material: Electrostatically charged filter media}

Installing a new air filter is easy, but remembering to change it regularly can be more challenging. In addition, while most disposable air filters can be used for up to 90 days, air conditions within your home may cause the filter to become clogged more quickly and require replacement sooner.

To keep you on track with your filter replacement schedule, we recommend the Filtrete Smart Air Filter. This furnace filter traps contaminants such as pollen, dander, smoke, viruses, and bacteria. A small integrated sensor monitors airflow efficiency and gives you up-to-date information on air filter status. You also can enable auto-reorder by enabling Alexa, which ensures that you have a new filter ready when your current filter expires.

The Filtrete Smart app also offers air-quality information, but these are just generalized air quality reports based on your area. While detailed information about the air inside your home might be nice, the biggest benefit of the app is the ability to check your filter's life status at a glance using your smartphone. We believe this is much more convenient than remembering to open your HVAC unit to inspect the filter regularly visually.

_{Dimensions: 16 x 25 x 1 | MERV Rating: 12 | Filter Material: ‎Electrostatically charged filter media}

We recommend the Filtrete Odor Reduction Air Filter because it uses activated carbon to naturally clean the air of smells from cooking, pets, mildew, cleaning chemicals, and more.

With a MERV 11 rating, this air filter is effective at capturing contaminants such as smoke, environmental pollution, and pet dander. These particles can contribute to a stale or unpleasant odor in your home, but the electrostatic filter material holds onto the particles while the activated carbon reduces the odor they emit. In combination, this air filter for odors reduces particles in your air supply while contributing towards a more neutral smell. Each filter lasts up to 90 days.

The price per filter is slightly higher, given the filtration limitations (it doesn't capture viruses or bacteria). But we consider it an efficient choice if you want to filter and deodorize your home’s air supply.

_{Dimensions: 16 x 25 x 1 | MERV Rating: 11 | Filter Material: Electrostatic pleated}

The AIRx Air Beast is our recommendation if you’re looking for a filter to trap many of the most common contaminants without straining most HVAC units, which can lead to the need to replace the furnace. It has MERV 11 filtration and a rated velocity of 295 feet per minute (FPM), which is within range of the maximum recommended 300 FPM for air filters.

To be effective, an air filter needs to be efficient at capturing airborne particles without overly restricting air flow to your HVAC unit. Rubino points out that every HVAC system is different. “Before purchasing a filter, it’s important to check with the manufacturer to see the highest-rated filter the particular system can handle, and then purchase that option.”

The AIRx Air Beast has pleated synthetic filter media. This translates into more surface area to collect particles such as dust, smoke, mold, and dander when compared with furnace filters with flat filter surfaces. This filter is also electrostatically charged, which assists in drawing these contaminants into the filter and trapping them there.

As most other disposable filters, this product lasts up to 90 days but should be replaced sooner if it becomes very dirty. If you fail to replace the filter on time, airflow is restricted, and you risk damage to your HVAC system.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 1 | MERV Rating: 11 | Filter Material: Electrostatic synthetic media}

It can be hard to remember to regularly change your air filter as part of routine home maintenance. If that describes your situation, consider a long-lasting furnace filter. While most air filters should be replaced at least every 90 days, the Honeywell Home 4-inch Pleated Air Filter lasts up to 12 months. It pairs this long life with a MERV 8 filter rating, meaning it is designed to be effective against particles that are three to 10 microns in size.

You may notice that this furnace filter is significantly thicker than 90-day furnace filters. The extra depth is filled with pleated filter media to maximize the surface area available for capturing contaminants. This is an electrostatic filter, so the charge helps to draw in particles such as dust mites, mold, and smoke.

Because of this furnace filter's four-inch depth, you need to make sure it fits into your HVAC's filter opening.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 25 x 4 inches | MERV Rating: 8 | Filter Material: Polypropylene}

Reducing household dust is a key benefit of using a high-quality air filter. By trapping small dust particles, rather than blowing them through your home’s ductwork, you should notice less surface dust. We recommend the FilterBuy Dust Defense as a disposable product that captures circulating dust and other particles. The 12 pleats per foot give this filter increased surface area when compared with flat fiberglass furnace filters.

When shopping for a furnace filter for dust, choose one with a MERV rating of 5 to 8. Filters in this range are designed to capture 80 to 90 percent of particles from three to 10 microns in size, which includes most dust particles. The FilterBuy Dust Defense carries a MERV 8 rating and further enhances its ability to capture dust and other particles by using electrostatically charged filter media.

It lasts for up to 90 days before needing replacement and is an affordable option for a disposable furnace filter. However, it’s not as effective at filtering out smaller particles such as smoke and viruses or bacteria.

_{Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 1 | MERV Rating: 8 | Filter Material: Synthetic}

Instead of replacing a disposable furnace filter every 90 days, you can install a permanent furnace filter. These washable options eliminate the need to purchase and replace your air filter frequently. The Air-Care Permanent Electrostatic Air Filter is a popular option for a low-maintenance, long-lasting furnace filter. It is designed to capture large particles of three to 10 microns such as dust, pollen, and mold.

It carries a lifetime warranty and only requires rinsing every one to three months to clean.This product has a MERV 8 rating, placing it in the "Better Residential" category for air filters. The filter's electrostatic charge is responsible for its particle capture capabilities, and it contains an EPA registered antimicrobial material to protect against mold and mildew growth.

Because it doesn’t capture particles measuring 2.5 microns or less, such as smoke, viruses, and bacteria, it might not fit the needs of every household.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 1 inches | MERV Rating: 8 | Filter Material: Polypropylene, polyester}

Final Verdict

Our best overall choice for a furnace filter is the Filtrete Dust, Pollen, & Pet Dander Air Filter. With a MERV 8 rating, it’s a popular pick for general household use and reduces large particles in the air along with visible dust on flat surfaces. One best value pick is the Filtrete Clean Living Basic Dust Air Filter. This filter has a MERV 5 rating and is effective at keeping large particles from clogging your HVAC unit, as long as you regularly replace it at least every 90 days.

FAQ

• Is there a big difference in home air filters?

  Air filters differ in how effective they are at filtering contaminants from the air. When comparing a filter with a minimum filtration rating to an option with a high-level filter rating, there is a significant difference in the size of particles the filter captures.

  Rubino explains, “All filters are designed differently and have varying capacities for eliminating pollutants from the air. The most common way to determine the effectiveness of a filter is by using a grading system called MERV. The more effective the filters are at eliminating contaminants from the air, the higher the rating will be. For example, some are only equipped to deal with large particles like dust, while others can eliminate bacteria and allergens.”

• Can you clean a furnace filter?

  Disposable furnace filters cannot be cleaned and used effectively beyond their expected lifetimes. However, washable furnace filters can be cleaned. The specific maintenance required varies by type and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, low-pressure water and perhaps a mild cleanser are all that is necessary to clear contaminants from the filter.

• Are furnace filters recyclable?

  In most cases, a furnace filter is not recyclable, due to the fiberglass or synthetic filter media commonly used. The best way to dispose of a used furnace filter is typically in the garbage. If you’re concerned about reducing waste, consider a washable or permanent furnace filter.

• How long should a furnace filter last?

  You can expect disposable furnace filters to last for up to 90 days. However, if you have a high level of contaminants in the air, the filter may become dirty sooner than expected, perhaps within 30 days.
  

  Permanent furnace filters can last years when regularly cleaned. You need to regularly remove the filter, rinse it with water, and allow it to dry before replacing it.
  

• What is the difference between a HEPA filter and a MERV filter?

  HEPA and MERV are two different standards for measuring air filtration. “All HEPA air filters must meet a minimum efficiency of 99.97 percent at 0.3 microns," Rubino says. "So, the difference is that HEPA filters have a higher performance than filters with a MERV 16 rating or below.” He adds that most residential HVAC systems can’t force air through HEPA-grade furnace filters.

  If you’re looking for HEPA air filtration, Rubino advises considering a whole- home air purifier. “These systems are installed at the home’s point of entry and will effectively remove contaminants from the air so that the HVAC system can run efficiently," Rubino says.

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