What You Need to Know About Furnace Filters

by Calista

Furnace Filters

Furnace Filters

A variety of quality furnace filters are on the market for homeowners of diverse needs and specifications. Furnace filters are either disposable, requiring monthly to bi-monthly changing, or permanent, which can be cleaned as needed. However, most customers will find that the cheaper, disposable furnace filters cost more long-term since they require constant changing. An average-quality, permanent filter can be purchased for an approximately equivalent cost to a year’s supply of .

Individual needs of the consumer are the main factor to consider when selecting a furnace filter. Customers with heating-season allergies will need to find a filter designed specifically to eliminate airborne allergens such as pet dander and dust. Some of the the highest-rated allergen filters are the Filtrete Advanced Allergen Filter and the Honeywell Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaner.

Quality is a major factor in selection, and is easily evaluated using the industry rating standard known as MERV: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This rating is determined based on factors determined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). A MERV rating ranges from 1-12, with good filters averaging at 8 or above. Filters with a higher MERV rating tend to cost more, but a customer requiring a higher level of air filtration due to allergies or asthma may find that the costlier filter is worth the price.

One of the most popular furnace filter brands on the market is the Filtrete. In addition to high MERV ratings on all their products, Filtrete created their own system for rating filter effectiveness known as Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR). This measures effectiveness in filtering the tiniest particles, sized between 0.3 and 1.0 microns. In theory, this quantifies effectiveness for the sake of comparison, with an MPR of 1000 generally denoting double the effectiveness of a filter rated 500. The highest-quality Filtrete filter is given an MPR of 1500, whereas typical competing filters are rated between 55 and 295.

Filtrete produces a number of high-performance models, including the Dust & Pollen Filter, Micro Allergen Filter, Ultra Allergen Filter, and Advanced Allergen Filter. The Micro Allergen Filter is specifically designed to remove pet dander, which tends to stay in the air much longer than regular dust particles, and is tougher to filter because of its smaller particle size. The Advanced Filter has the highest MERV rating at 12, and consistently receives positive consumer reviews. Filtrete claims the filter is 93% effective in removing even the smallest air impurities, including pet dander, smoke, and even illness-causing bacteria.

Furnace Filters:

Filtrete 300DC-6 Dust Reduction Filters, 300 MPR, 16 x 20 x 1, 6-PackFiltrete 300DC-6 Dust Reduction Filters, 300 MPR, 16 x 20 x 1, 6-Pack"3M" FILTRETE DUST REDUCTION FILTER * 300 MPR * 16" x 20" x 1" * The Filtrete dust reduction filter attracts and captures household dust and is id... Read More >
Filtrete 9831DC-6 Dust and Pollen Filters, 600 MPR, 16 x 25 x 1, 6-PackFiltrete 9831DC-6 Dust and Pollen Filters, 600 MPR, 16 x 25 x 1, 6-Pack3M 9831DC-6 - 16X25X1 Allergen Filter, Electrostatic filter material captures particles and provides cleaner air, home, and duct work. Effective at capturing large airborne allergens like mold, spores, pollen, and large particles like dust and lint. Up t
Filtrete 9803DC-6 Micro Allergen Reduction Filters, 1000 MPR, 20 x 25 x 1, 6-PackFiltrete 9803DC-6 Micro Allergen Reduction Filters, 1000 MPR, 20 x 25 x 1, 6-PackFILTRETE TM MICRO ALLERGEN REDUCTION FILTERFor people who want to help reduce allergens. And microscopic particles from the air in their homes. 3M (MPR) Micro particle performance. Rating 1000. Captures large airborne allergens like household
Honeywell CF200A1008/E 4-Inch Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaner Filter 16 x 25 x 4 InchesHoneywell CF200A1008/E 4-Inch Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaner Filter 16 x 25 x 4 InchesYou can improve the air quality in your home with Honeywell's whole-house air cleaner filters. Today's tightly-built homes trap dust, allergens and more, which explains why poor indoor air quality ranks among the top five environmental risks to public hea
Honeywell CF100A1025 4-Inch High Efficiency Air Cleaner Filter 20 x 25 x 4 InchesHoneywell CF100A1025 4-Inch High Efficiency Air Cleaner Filter 20 x 25 x 4 InchesYou can improve the air quality in your home with Honeywell's whole-house air cleaner filters. Today's tightly-built homes trap dust, allergens and more, which explains why poor indoor air quality ranks among the top five environmental risks to public hea

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