What Is The Best Furnace Filter

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best furnace filter 2021. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When y'all purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There are many nooks and crannies of a house that demand maintenance only often get forgotten, including furnace filters. Furnace filters are essential for the function of a furnace and healthy air quality. The air conditioning HVAC system in a home uses filters to keep out airborne particles, mold spores, grit, and dander, but to keep it running at its all-time, replacements are required.

FullHD_best-furnace-filters-min.jpg - a few seconds ago — There are many different types of filters, including pleated, electrostatic, polyester, and HEPA

Epitome credit: Shutterstock/VidEst

Choosing the Best Furnace Filter

Prior to delving into the many air filter options out there, information technology's proficient to know what to look out for. Aside from knowing simply the type of furnace that needs a filter replacement, details similar the minimum efficiency reporting value, filter type, and replacement schedule are of import to keep in listen. Here are the essential things that should be considered when perusing for a filter.

What Is Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

When shopping around for furnace filters, minimum efficiency reporting value, abbreviated MERV, will almost always come up. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines this every bit a system for understanding how many particles filters tin can trap—specifically between 0.3 and 10 microns.

The rating organization starts at ane and works its way up to sixteen, which is the highest rating, meaning information technology tin trap the smallest particles. This can make a huge difference in air quality, as tiny particulates, pollutants, and other debris that shouldn't be breathed in can exist prevented from entering homes.

Types of Furnace and Air Filters

At that place are many kinds of furnaces that can be installed, and thus at that place are filters that fit each. The almost common filter types to know are pleated filters, electrostatic filters, polyester filters, reusable filters, constructed filters, and HEPA filters. The kind that'due south needed will depend on the furnace, what size and materials work best with its system, and who is living in the home. Heavy-duty filters with major filtration systems and a loftier MERV rating aren't necessarily needed in every house, but if someone living with asthma, allergies, or immuno-compromised is present, these are ameliorate suited.

Why Filter Maintenance is Important

The commencement thing that usually comes to mind is air quality, just that's not the only reason why filters need to be cared for and maintained. If they're non cleaned or replaced, information technology can lead to blockages in airflow, as these filters protect not just the air, but the fan within the arrangement. When filters get chock-full and muddied it tin too cause an HVAC organization to overheat, which non simply affects the output of hot or cool air but can impairment the furnace itself, too.

How Frequently Should Filters Be Replaced?

It's true that every furnace and filtration organization is different, but a good rule of thumb is to replace filters every couple of months. But it actually depends on the type of filter that'south used and to exist safest, check the furnace user manual or the filter instruction transmission for specific guidance. Some brands and MERV ratings may need more frequent changes than others. If a system is being used more than regularly, the need to change out filters will increase.

Thomas' Top Picks for the Best Furnace Filters

This list of furnace filters contains air filters that can trap mold spores, pollen, pet dander, dust, and other airborne small particles and aerosol for clean air in the home. They all accept a diverseness of different MERV numbers, sizes, and features that make each one unique.

All-time Filter for Pet Dander: Aerostar 16x25x1 MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter | Buy At present

Best Air Filters for Pollen: Filtrete 16x25x4, Air conditioning Furnace Air Filter | Buy Now

Best Long Lasting Furnace Filter: No Toil Castle, One-Year HVAC Furnace Filter | Purchase Now

Best Synthetic Air Filters: FilterBuy 16x25x1 Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Filters | Purchase Now

Best Filters for Allergies: Filtrete 16x25x1, Furnace Air Filter | Buy Now

Best Washable Filter: Vega Air conditioning Air Furnace Filters | Buy Now

Best Reusable Furnace Filter: Grand&N 16x25x1 HVAC Furnace Air Filter | Purchase Now

Best Pleated Furnace Filter: Nordic Pure 20x25x4 MERV 12 Pleated Ac Furnace Air Filters | Purchase At present

Best Furnace Filter: Aprilaire 216 Replacement Furnace Air Filter | Purchase At present

Best Air Filter for Smoke: FilterBuy 20x20x1 Air Filter MERV thirteen, Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Filters | Buy Now

Read on to get information about the best furnace filter options out there and larn what thousands of reviewers accept had to say about each.

ane. Best Filter for Pet Dander—Aerostar Pleated Air Filter

This pleated filter set is on the higher end when it comes to its MERV rating. At 13, it can cake out particulates that are betwixt i.0–3.0 microns. Smog, mold, pollen, mites, and pet dander are no match for this half dozen-pack from Aerostar. They're highly protective and simple to install, making information technology a seamless process for keeping the air quality in a home every bit clean as possible. While they're bully for combatting many pollutants, dozens of shoppers lauded them for their ability to relieve allergies triggered by pet dander and fur.

"I suffer from allergies and have multiple animals (developed them years later), and then when I leave the sanctuary (my bedroom, which is a no-pet zone), I usually get bombarded with nasal allergens," explained one reviewer, who connected to describe that their simply aid prior to these filters was antihistamines which they had to take daily to cope. "I am no longer bombarded with nasal allergens," they wrote.

BUY Now: $47.05, Amazon

two. Best Air Filters for Pollen—Filtrete Air conditioning Furnace Air Filter

Some seasons can be a savage time for allergy sufferers. But to combat symptoms and at least assure that the air quality at home is safe, Filtrete's air filters are a proficient identify to start. Each particular in this pack of two filters is made of electrostatically charged fabric and provides ample defence force against allergens and airborne particles, trapping dust, pollen, lint, and fume.

These filters fit a variety of sizes and some shoppers even noted that these are a great lower-cost replacement for brands similar Honeywell. "With Filtrete, we seem to go through less filters per twelvemonth," wrote i buyer. "We believe this filter has helped reduce our kid'due south asthma likewise, as we notice less coughing in our home, and less asthma flare-ups. Great filter."

Buy NOW: $forty.thirty (Was $44.99), Amazon

3. All-time Long-Lasting Furnace Filter—Castle One-Year HVAC Furnace Filter

Nigh professionals would not recommend going an entire year earlier irresolute out furnace filters, no matter how long the box states. But to help stretch the time between switching filters—if monthly disposable replacements are getting tiring—this fix of filters is a skilful bet. Castle's i-year filters trap contaminants, pollutants, and allergens thank you to their unique blueprint. It's made of open up-celled foam that has a viscid center to grab ahold of everything people wouldn't want floating around in their environment at home.

While information technology tin save buyers money and fourth dimension, many reviewers were able to clean and vacuum these filters to get a longer life out of them, likewise. "These MERV 8 filters are the best made," began one shopper. "Since purchasing mine I accept also replaced my begetter'due south filter with the same. He has severe COPD and emphysema and has reported a noticeable increase in air quality."

BUY NOW: $27.50, Amazon

4. Best Constructed Air Filters—FilterBuy Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Filters

About residential spaces do best with filters that sit somewhere between vii and 12 on the MERV scale, and this air filter from FilterBuy stands at an viii. The electrostatically charged pleats help it trap a wide range of pollutants, from mold spores and pet dander to dust and lint. The filters are also fabricated with recyclable parts, helping lessen the impact on the environment.

The frames holding the 0.75-inch-thick air filters together can resist upwards to 200° F of heat, which surpasses the ability of cardboard versions. "I had been ownership cheaper filters from our local dollar store and going from them to these the difference is phenomenal!" explained a reviewer. "I wasn't saving whatever coin because I was lucky if they held upwardly a full month… I notice a difference in the air quality throughout my dwelling and they do well at not recirculating any type of odors also."

BUY NOW: $29.08, Amazon

5. Best Filters for Allergies—Filtrete Furnace Air Filter

Equally far as MERV ratings become, 12 is pretty high up there and most crosses the threshold of what could be considered a "hospital-grade" filter. These air filters from Filtrete are built to last for up to xc days and grab a variety of airborne particles, including those every bit minor as sneeze droplets. While one may think that the highest possible MERV rating is the style to go, that can place a lot of pressure on an HVAC system if that blazon of filtration isn't essential. So it's best to determine what level of protection is really needed earlier opting for something college.

These are fifty-fifty available in a "smart filter" pack that allows users to connect with an app to cheque the status of the filters and come across when they need cleaning or replacing. "[The filter] has fabricated a positive deviation for anybody in our dwelling," wrote one buyer. "The other day, later our day was ending, we both had noticed how nice information technology was to be able to enjoy our dinners without the sounds of runny noses being sucked up. Or blown out into tissues, cloth napkins, or the closest slice of article of clothing, that someone can find."

BUY NOW: $38.99, Amazon

6. All-time Washable Filter—Vega AC Air Furnace Filters

If sustainability is a tiptop priority, this washable air filter set is a squeamish selection. The filters in this set trap pet dander, droppings, and other airborne particles to brand animate easy. In one case they've reached their capacity, they can exist tossed in the wash or vacuumed down and put dorsum in place. What's besides unique most these is buyers can trim different sizes to fit their filters, making information technology perfectly customizable to a multifariousness of furnaces.

For some, washable beats disposable, and dozens of reviewers were thoroughly impressed with this reusable duo. "Nosotros needed to put a washable filter of some kind for our Air conditioning air intake (on the floor in our living room) because we have dogs that shed so much," explained a reviewer. "Since the installation, it has dramatically reduced the corporeality of dog hair trapped in air filter which helps with the efficiency of the entire heating/cooling system."

Purchase NOW: $25.99, Amazon

7. Best Reusable Furnace Filter—Chiliad&N HVAC Furnace Air Filter

This highly-rated air filter from K&N has a MERV rating of 11 and keeps mold spores, pet dander, dust, and particles as pocket-sized as hairspray from infiltrating the air. Rather than relying on disposable filters, when it'due south muddy, it can be removed, washed off, and replaced. It'due south likewise high-efficiency and will assistance boost the functioning of the appliance, non slow it downwardly with an ultra-thick frame.

Hundreds of reviewers swear by this i.18-inch-thick filter and have managed to reuse it for years, helping it live upwardly to its "lifetime" name. "Afterwards x years I finally replaced my old permanent air filters," wrote a shopper. "I decided to try these filters since I apply K&N air filters in all my cars, and have for over 20 years. I'm very satisfied after two months of employ. Fantastic quality and I have noticed much less dust in my house."

Purchase NOW: $39.99, Amazon

8. Best Pleated Furnace Filter—Nordic Pure Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters

Nordic Pure'south furnace air filter virtually reaches the highest MERV rating possible. Ranked at 15, pollutants such as mold spores, dust mites, germs, and other debris accept an incredibly depression chance of making information technology anywhere past this hardy filter. The pleats are non merely hypoallergenic, but they're likewise electrostatically charged and antimicrobial.

If a MERV rating of 15 is likewise high for what's needed, Nordic Pure as well sells filters in a range of lower levels, including MERV 12, MERV eight, and MERV thirteen with carbon filtration. "Works wonders for folks who take severe allergies," described one reviewer. "One tin can tell the difference immediately. Makes a huge difference in clearing upward nasal congestion."

Buy NOW: $91.xc, Amazon

9. All-time Furnace Filter—Aprilaire Replacement Furnace Air Filter

With the highest MERV rating possible, these Aprilaire filters are a great selection for anyone assail preventing even the smallest pollutants from getting through. Dust, pollen, asthma allergens, and even viruses are caught with ease in this filtration system, as its traps between 96–99% of airborne particles. Information technology is synthetic to terminal for six months, but, as ever, it'southward best to change out filters if circumstances arise that cause the HVAC system to run more frequently.

This filter also meets the 52.two standards of The American Club of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In essence, this is a premium choice for homes that need serious protection. "The 216 has the ability to remove significantly more particles of all sizes down to 0.iii microns," explained a reviewer. "I experience that the added cost is well worthwhile… and if I accept to replace them somewhat more frequently in order to ensure the best possible filtration for air in my dwelling, I consider that to be money well spent."

BUY NOW: $80 (Was $91.61), Amazon

10. All-time Air Filter for Smoke—FilterBuy Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Filters

Wildfires are a major threat, and fifty-fifty if they're not too close to the smoke can crusade serious health concerns for households. While these loftier-efficiency filters have a MERV 13 rating and can gainsay a wide variety of small particles, a handful of buyers actually appreciated them for their fume-blocking powers. Others noted that clammy moldy basements and pet dander-laden homes were instantly more liveable one time these filters were installed.

Though it'south a furnace air filter first and foremost, many configured it to work as an air filter when strapped to a box fan, which was useful during summer wildfires in many parts of the country. "The horrible air quality from the surrounding forest fires in the Pacific Northwest has been trying," wrote a shopper. "The smoke particles are very small and hard on filters and the human being trunk. But I taped one of these MERV thirteen filters to the back of a box fan I already had and it cleared the air fabulously."

Purchase NOW: $39.96, Amazon

All-time Furnace Filter 2021—Summary

Finding a loftier efficiency, protective air filter with a great MERV rating that happens to fit in the furnace in question is no piece of cake task, simply with options like Nordic Pure'southward Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters ($91.90, Amazon) and Filtrete'south air filters ($38.99, Amazon), mold spore, pollen, dust, and viruses can be beaten, and homes can exist better equipped for protecting occupants. Nosotros hope our review of the best furnace filters has been helpful.

For more than similar suppliers, including suppliers of flame retardant air filters, air filter cleaning services, electrostatic filters, and chlorine removal filters, consult our boosted guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

*Prices listed in this commodity were as shown on Amazon.com as of September 2021.

Sources

https://world wide web.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating-one
https://world wide web.hvac.com/faq/dissimilar-types-furnace-filters/
https://world wide web.ashrae.org/File%20Library/Technical%20Resources/COVID-19

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