Best Filter for a Healthy Furnace
Aqua-Flow Premium Washable Filter
It isn’t always all about air quality. Protecting the furnace is a filter’s primary task, and a non-pleated filter that provides plenty of airflow may be all you need. The Aqua-Flow frameless filter comes in pre-cut sizes or in a roll, and you can cut it to fit. It’s MERV 6, better than many non-pleated filters.
Best Anti-Allergen Filter
Filtrete 1900 Premium Allergen, Bacteria and Virus Air Filter
To control airborne pathogens, including bacteria and mold spores, you need a high-efficiency filter. The disposable Filtrete 1900 Premium Allergen, Bacteria and Virus Air Filter features a pleated design as well as electrostatically charged fibers. Its MERV rating of 13 betters that of most other residential filters. It can catch aerosol from sneezes as well as smoke, pollen and other debris.
Best Odor-Removing Filter
Filtrete MPR 1200 Allergen Defense Odor Reduction Filter
Got a problem with smelly pets, smokers in the house or persistent odors from the kitchen? The Filtrete MPR 1200 Allergen Defense Odor Reduction Filter includes an active carbon layer to neutralize odors.
This disposable MERV 11 filter removes microparticles and allergens. It’s mid-range in price, so you can keep several on hand without breaking the bank.
Best Washable Filter
Trophy Air Washable Filter
Washable filters cost about three times as much as disposable ones. But considering they can last for years, while disposable ones need changing every two to three months, they’re a good investment.
The MERV 8 Trophy Air Washable Filter, made from easy-to-clean aluminum, is electrostatically charged to remove dust particles, pollen, mold spores and even smoke. Buy two so when one needs cleaning, you can replace it and take your time with washing and drying.
Best HEPA Filter
Aerostar Pleated Air Filter
People who are particularly sensitive to allergens and need the extra protection of a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter should consider the Aerostar Pleated Air Filter.
Its MERV 13 rating puts it squarely in HEPA territory. It’s capable of filtering out particles as small as 0.3 microns, but the furnace filter needs to be changed every 90 days to work as advertised. Fortunately, it’s not that expensive.
Best Filter for High Humidity
FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated Furnace Filter
When the air is humid, particles cling more easily to filter media. That makes it more likely for high efficiency filters to clog and reduce furnace performance.
The FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated Furnace Filter offers enough stopping power for pollen, allergens and mold spores while providing plenty of air circulation for the furnace. The synthetic fiber filter media prevents mold colonies from growing, a concern in humid environments.
Best Filter if You Have Pets
Aerostar MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
Pets bring joy to the household, but they also bring pet hair, dander and odors. The Aerostar MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter can filter out particles as small as one micron. Because it does this with an electrostatic charge, it also provides plenty of airflow for the furnace.
On the mid to low end of the price scale, this filter needs replacing every 60 to 90 days — more frequently during periods of peak usage.
Best Smart Filter
Filtrete Smart 1500 MPR, MERV 12
Yes, bluetooth-enabled furnace filters are a thing. The Filtrete Smart 1500 MPR, MERV 12 filter boasts an electrostatic media that catches particles as small as 0.3 microns, effectively removing dust, mold spores, pollen and smog. It lasts from six to 12 months, longer than many filters.
If you install the app on your iPhone or Android device, it will warn you when it needs changing. If you sign up with Dash Replenishment, it will even automatically order its replacement.
Best Filter for Dust Control
Filtrete 1,000D Micro Allergen Dust Plus Filter
Home inspector Arie Van Tuijl recommends a minimum MERV rating of 11 for dust control, but filters tend to clog at that efficiency in a dusty environment.
The MERV 11 Filtrete 1,000D Micro Allergen Dust Plus Filter can hold twice the number of dust particles as most comparable filters, or the equivalent of 50 dust wipes. The filter media is electrostatically charged for efficient dust removal while minimally impacting airflow.
Best Furnace Filter Value
Filtrete MPR 300 Clean Living Basic Dust Filter
Homeowners without air quality issues who are most concerned with protecting the furnace don’t need a high-efficiency filter. The Filtrete MPR 300 Clean Living Basic Dust Filter works for them. The MPR corresponds to MERV 5, on the low end. But this electrostatic filter is one of the least expensive on the market, and it outperforms comparable non-electrostatic filters.