When it comes to choosing the best air filter for a furnace, there are many options available. Disposable electrostatic filters are an affordable and effective solution for homes with children, pets, or smokers. These filters have a MERV rating of 10 and come in standard sizes, but custom sizes can be expensive. HEPA filters are dense and can reduce the airflow entering the oven, so they are generally used only in commercial ovens or hospitals.
High-efficiency pleated air filters with a MERV rating of 16-20 are not suitable for most residential ovens. Oven filters come in dozens of sizes, with the three most common sizes being 16 by 20 inches, 20 by 25 inches and 16 by 25 inches. The thickness of the filter varies from one to five inches, and in general, the thicker the filter, the more particle blocking capacity it will have. The Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter is presented as our best overall furnace replacement filter.
Its high-efficiency MERV-12 rating makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to trap as much debris as possible in the air. Changing furnace filters is a breeze with Nordic Pure MERV 12 pleated air conditioning furnace filters that block a high level of dust and other airborne contaminants that could otherwise end up in the furnace or be recirculated throughout the home. The AirX ALLERGY MERV 11 pleated air filter is designed with additional density to trap airborne allergens that can trigger allergy symptoms. It's also good for blocking smoke and odors. The MERV 11 filter is dense and helps prevent allergens from recirculating through your home's ducts.
For pet owners, the Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 pleated disposable air filter blocks a large amount of particles in the air, including pet hair and dander. The disposable pleated filter is hypoallergenic and features electrostatic fibers that attract contaminants and resist mold and mildew growth. These AC furnace filters are one inch thick and come in a variety of sizes. Because these filters offer a high MERV rating of 12, they can clog more quickly than filters with lower scores. Depending on how often the furnace works, you may need to replace them more often than every three months. For a more durable filter, check out the Honeywell Home MicroDefense AC Air Filter that lasts up to 12 months before you need to replace it.
This 4-inch thick disposable filter features deep pleats and electrostatically charged fibers that capture and retain a large amount of particles in its crevices. The filter is only available in two sizes, so measure your current filter to ensure that the Honeywell Extended Use filter fits. Affordable and durable, this option has a MERV rating of 8 and comes with 4 filters with V-pleats for a larger surface area and additional airflow. According to a CNN article, HEPA filters with MERV ratings of 17 to 20 are best at reducing the spread of viruses, but most household furnaces cannot draw air through a dense HEPA filter. When selecting an air filter for your furnace, consider factors such as size, thickness, MERV rating, special features, and lifespan. The Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter is our top pick overall due to its disposable electrostatic design, multiple size options, MERV rating of 12, and 3-in-1 technology to trap lint, dust, pet dander, soot, pollen and mold.
