Allergy Sufferer

For people who suffer with allergies, there are many different filters on the market for your furnace such as, Electrostatic, Pleated, and Activated Carbon. It can be confusing when the time comes to choose the right one for you. Having allergies myself, I look for a filter that captures airborne allergens such as, dust, pollen, mold, spores, pet dander, smoke, and bacteria that carries viruses. Also noting, that you will want to look for a filter that is recommended by the American Lung Association, the MPR rating, as well as the MERV rating.

The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating is used to describe the efficiency of a filter. In a test environment, particles that vary in size are released into the air stream which will flow through the test filter. Those particles are measured by a laser particle counter before and after they pass through the filter. Then the two counts are analyzed to determine the particle size efficiency of the filter just tested. The MERV Parameters Chart is used when assigning the MERV rating, which will be displayed on the furnace filter wrapper. Basically, the higher the MERV rating the better the filter.

The MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) lets you know how efficient the filter is at capturing the common allergens from pollution, such as, smog, smoke, as well as bacteria. Again, the higher the MPR rating, the better the filter is to help with your allergies.

If you want a filter that is permanent, consider an Electrostatic filter. These filters can be removed, and washes easily in the laundry tub. They are available in Advanced Allergen, Ultra Allergen Reduction, as well as the Micro Allergen.

Pleated furnace filters are great due to their design. The pleat design allows more area for air flow, which enables more particles to be captured. Much like the permanent electrostatic filter, there are several makers of the pleated filters which are also, electronically charged.

The Carbon filters not only filter out allergens, but are great for absorbing fumes and odors such as cooking, cigarette, and cigar smoke. If you chose to use this filter you will notice a difference in the smell of the air especially after cooking a fresh fish dinner.

I have basically tried them all, and have had great results in my home with the Filtrete Advanced Allergen Pleated furnace filter, which has an MPR rating of 1500. Typically these filters will last 3 months, and need to be replaced, but, you will see how well it works when you hold it to the light and compare it to a new one. This one works great in my home due to my pet and a family smoker. There is a furnace filter in each category that will meet your wants and needs.

Before you choose the type of furnace filter to fit your needs, make sure you also have the right size of filter. The size of the filter you need can be determined by looking at the size of the filter already inside the furnace. This can give you the dimensions you will need. There are many standard sizes, but some furnaces will take a custom size. The best choice for these odd sizes is a washable filter you can cut to size.

There are four main types of furnace filter available on the market. They are: pleated, HEPA, electrostatic, and activated carbon. All of these types have specific features that help to trap dust and dirt from entering the air stream.

Furnace Filter Buying Guide

A pleated filter is one that provides additional surface area for the dust and dirt to collect on the filter. The filter is contained inside a cardboard frame for durability. Pleated filters can be large, so this may not be the best choice for smaller furnace units. Pleated filters are also available with an electrostatic charge.

An electrostatic filter is a type of filter that carries an electronic charge. This helps to attract particles to the filter. The electrostatic filter is one that made from materials that can be washed, so the filter can be used permanently with regular cleanings.

To help prevent allergies and other irritants from getting into the air, choose a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter is often used to purify the air to reduce allergens in the home. These filters are more common in vacuum cleaners and stand-along purifiers because some HEPA filters can hinder the amount of air flow through the system. These filters, however, are still available for furnace systems.

The last type of furnace filter is the type that uses activated carbon. The activated carbon works to absorb allergens like a HEPA filter, but activated carbon can also provide absorption of odors and hazardous chemicals in the air. Activated carbon filters are often used in factories and labs where many hazardous fumes may be present.

Remember that any furnace filter should be replaced or cleaned once a month to maintain a quality air flow.