Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations . If you tick on connectedness we provide , we may receive recompense .
These furnace filter will help come down dust and allergens in your home .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Forhomes with HVAC systems , furnace filter are important to ensuregood air quality . Pet owners and allergy diseased person will find them in particular helpful because of their power toremove contaminants such as pollen , detritus , deary hackles , bacteria , and other impurities .
Brad Roberson , chair of Aire Serv , a Neighborly company , enounce that furnace filter should be changed approximately every 30 to 90 Clarence Day in most cases . “ Those with allergic reaction may need tochange the filter more often , ” he say .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
To visualise out when it ’s time to vary the filter , Roberson says to expect out for “ cut back flow of air from vents , increased junk on the story and furniture , and an increment in allergy symptoms . ”
What We Researched
We research the best furnace filter on the market place , value them based onsize , material , FPR , andMERV ratingswhen make our selections for this leaning .
Our Top Picks
Best for Allergens
Nordic Pure 20x25x5 Honeywell Replacement Air Filters MERV 15
It boast the highest MERV paygrade on our inclination , for superior particle and odor filtration .
It only comes in one size that is large than other options .
While the Nordic Pure Honeywell Air Filter is pricier compared to others , it ’s deserving husk out a few dollar bill for those whose allergies are easily trigger . Its pleated design allows it to capture microscopical corpuscle such aspet dander , rubble mites , pollen , soot , and mold .
Credit: Amazon
The filter sport a eminent MERV 15 rating ( the highest on our list ) plus activated carbon copy toremove odorsandVOCs in the air . The filtration is comprehensive , to say the least , and it ’s one of the best furnace filter usable for those suffering from asthma or chronic allergy .
It ’s also a more eco - friendly option , as the frame is made from recycled materials . Just be aware that it only total in one size of it , with a depth of 5 inches , so it ’s much larger than some other options . It is recommend to supersede the filter every three to six month .
intersection Details : Size:20x25x5 inches|Material : Electrostatically charged synthetic pleated media| FPR military rating : N / A|Number Included:1 , 2 , 4 , 6|MERV Rating:15 |Air Filter Depth:5 inches
Credit: Amazon
Best Budget
Amazon Basics Merv 8 AC Furnace Air Filter
It ’s usable in two MERV options—8 or 11 — and nine size to suit a change of base and system .
It ’s meant to be changed more often — every 60 days or so .
For a expectant value choice filter , consider the Amazon Basics AC Furnace Air Filter , which be less than other selection , yet still offer up great calibre . uncommitted in MERV 8 or MERV 11 options , either choice provides efficacious filtration and is suitable for plate use .
Credit: Amazon
fabricate from telegram mesh and electrostatically charged material , it traps contaminants 3 to 10 micron in size such as lint , dust , and pollen . The filter is enclosed in a wet - repellent frame for added protective covering . Like our top pick , the filter is pleated for superscript filtration abilities .
The Amazon Basics filter come in a battalion of six and is available in nine size ranging between 12x12x1 inches and 20x30x1 inches . It ’s recommended you replace the filter more often than some others — every 60 day or so , depending on whether you own any pet or have allergies or bronchial asthma .
Product point : Size:9 size , set out from 12 x 12 x 1 inches to 20 x 30 x 1 inches|Material : Electrostatically charge man-made |FPR Rating : N / A |Number Included:6 |MERV Rating:8 , 11 |Air Filter Depth:1 column inch
Credit: The Home Depot
Best for Small Systems
Filtrete 14x30x1 AC Furnace Air Filter MERV 11
Because the filter can immobilize more microscopic particles , it ’s a good alternative for allergy sufferers and pet owner .
It is more expensive compared to others on this list .
The best furnace filter for small HVAC system of rules is the Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter Micro Allergen Defense . It offers comprehensive filtration for airborne particles , trapping contaminants like lint , dust , pollen , and favorite hackles as well as gentle wind pollutants like fastball and smog .
It ’s a suitable choice for menage with allergic reaction sufferer , with a MERV 11 and an MPR 1000 . The filter capture particles and allowsclean air to circulatethroughout your home . At the same time , it also helpskeep your HVAC unit cleanand dust - gratis .
Keep in mind that it ’s slightly more expensive than other filter , but we think that the deep filtration it offers defecate it worth the price — particularly for those with allergies or preferred owners . The filter must be deepen every 90 days or more often reckon on airwave quality in your home base .
intersection Details : Size:16 size of it , ranging from 12 x 12 x 1 column inch to 24 x 24 x 1 inches |Material : Electrostatically charged filter media|FPR Rating : N / A |Number Included:2 |MERV Rating:11|Air Filter Depth:1 inch
Best Washable
ECO 20 in. x 20 in. x 1 Washable Air Filter FPR4
It ’s an eco - friendly option that you could wash off and reuse for a long sentence .
Only one filter comes in each pack .
If youwish to concentrate wasteand carry through money , we suggest install a recyclable filter for your HVAC organization . ThePurafilter 2000 Eco Filterhas an FPR 4 evaluation ( equivalent to MERV 8) , offering canonical filtration from airborne particles that are bad for your health .
It ’s also washable , so you may recycle it for a long time . Just be aware that while the moldable human body can last for up to 10 years , the filter media needs to be all replaced after a year . You involve toclean the filterevery 90 day .
It has three stages of filtration to trap large and little particle such as ducky hackles , dust , dust mite debris , and pollen . to boot , it is a carbon copy filter , so it ’s capable to slay bullet , pet , and cooking odors . The filter is available in a 20x20x1 - column inch sizing and come in a pack of 1 .
Product particular : Size:20x20x1 inches|Material : Polypropylene|FPR Rating:4|Number Included:1|MERV Rating:8|Air Filter Depth:1 column inch
The Bottom Line
Our in effect furnace filter plectron is theFiltrete AC Furnace Air Filter . Due to its MERV 8 rating , it ’s suitable for home use and up to of trapping most airborne irritants . It come up in ten size , so you should easily find one that fits your system .
What to Know About Furnace Filters Before Shopping
Size
When purchasing newfangled furnace filter , sizing is primal . Randy Huckstadt , an HVAC expert with JustAnswer and owner of Cool Runnings Heating & Air Conditioning , says that select the wrong size filter can lead in air leak , cut a filter ’s efficiency and causing HVAC systems to perform poorly .
“ The best room to locate your proper filter size is to consult with your owner manual or check your HVAC building block ’s model and serial number with the manufacturer , ” he says .
Material
Roberson says that furnace filters typically come in fibreglass , pleated , and HEPA options . “ Fiberglass filter are not the best at capturing pocket-size particles , while pleated filter do well at get little mote and allergens , ” he say . HEPA filter are good for allergies , but are more expensive .
FPR and MERV Ratings
FPR and MERV are rat organization used to evaluate a filter ’s effectuality at trap contaminant . MERV military rank are the diligence standard , while FPR is a paygrade arrangement used only by Home Depot to evaluate the filter sold by them .
Most expert agree that the effective MERV ratings for residential are 8 to 13 . Filters in this range are capable to catch allergen and microscopic particles without reducing airflow . “ A filter with a MERV rating that is too high for the system can qualify airflow , ” Roberson says .
Your Questions, Answered
What filters do HVAC technicians recommend?
“ Good HVAC tech will advocate pleated filters with at least a MERV 8 rating as a start point , ” Huckstadt says . These stand out at immobilize modest particles and other allergens . Huckstadt personally uses a MERV 11 filter , as it captures most airborne particles ( likedust and dearie dander ) and microscopic particles ( like mold and bacteria ) .
Some experts , including Roberson , also commend using a HEPA filter if you ’re especially sensitive to aviation timbre as they capture airborne particles extremely effectively and help oneself to remove bacterium and viruses from the air travel .
Do pleated air filters restrict airflow?
Some pleated filter can cut back air flow because they typically have larger surface surface area compare to standard filter . That said , not all are designed the same , as there are high - end pleated filters uncommitted that offer up honest filtration while maximizing airflow .
Are more expensive furnace filters worth it?
harmonise to Huckstadt , an expensive furnace filter could be deserving the toll , as they can greatly boil down thelevels of mold , pollen , dust , and fume in your home . For those with austere allergies or in field that areprone to wildfiresor smog , it might be a just investment .
However , it ’s believably not necessary for everyone to splurge on the priciest example , as needs vary depending on the individual in the menage and where they live .
Who We Are
This article was written byNor’Adila Hepburn , a lifestyle writer who particularise in writing in - astuteness purchasing guide . To come up with this list , she researched the good furnace filter on the market and consulted industriousness expertsBrad Roberson , president of Aire Serv , a Neighborly caller , andRandy Huckstadt , an HVAC expert with JustAnswer , an expert on - demand program .
