Article, In A Short!
Are you looking to buy the best furnace filters for allergies and asthma? Of course you are! Don’t say, “I can’t breathe” in your house anymore while you actually have ways in to clean your air and have a fresh stream of oxygen to make you live, literally!
The pandemic that has a lot of things but probably the most important ones were that we need to make sure that the air we breathe in is clean enough. And, just like you are always using a mask on your nose to keep the virus away, so should you mask your house with an air filter to keep allergens and other contaminants away.
Substances in air can cause allergies to you and you need to keep them in check. Which is why using a good air cleaner- or filter in this case- should be top of your mind. And, if you use a furnace as part of your HVAC arrangement, ensure that it has the best possible air filter that will keep smoke, dust, and allergens away.
This article provides you with an in-depth review of the top quality furnace filters for your home or office!
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Top 10 Best Furnace Filters Review
Aprilaire 216 air filter is one of the best filters that you get especially if you want a healthier fresh air stream for your house. I know that you want to add several dimensions of dust free indoor environment and that’s the reason why you should consider replacing the filter you have with the Aprilaire 216.
You can buy this with confidence because it’s genuine and has been manufactured in America by one of the country’s leaders in healthcare solutions. Also, you can buy several other models and purifiers that come with this brand.
Features and benefits
First, it captures nearly 96%, of particles including some viruses. With an MERV 16 filter, you can even prevent bacteria, viruses and dust mites from finding their way into your house. So, if you have an allergy or asthma or any of the respiratory condition, you should not have to worry about anything because you’ve got enough help.
As a bonafide partner of the American Lung Association, this brand assures that you get the best quality of air purifiers for your home. First, these filters clean air keeps you healthy and reduce bad odor as well as reduce any chances of contracting allergies and asthma.
It has the Self-Seal technology for better performance and this patented feature reduces the amount of air that bypasses. Therefore, you get superior protection, and your home is safe.
Then, it’s easy to control and install using the interlock rail system. You just do it without any metal reinforcement. And furthermore, the Clean Coil Commitment ensures that you do not have to keep cleaning your air filter.
Whenever you want to live in an allergy and virus-free home, you should get a furnace filter like this one.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Captures viruses and bacteria
- Easy to maintain
- Durable
- MERV 16
Cons
- The fabric can easily separate in case of extreme heating.
MERV 13 is a good rating especially when you want to filter unnecessary dust and allergens from residential air. Furnaces and air conditioners must always be installed with the high-quality filters. They need to withstand the pressure and hot air without allowing dangerous particles pass through. And, this one will dramatically reduce viruses, bacteria and other sorts of allergy-causing particles.
You can get different sizes depending on your furnace and what exactly you want. The good thing is that all you need to do is measure directly so that you understand which one fits well. And apart from that, you get a wide variety of sizes and dimensions that are going to fit on the frame.
And because pollen, dust, odors, smoke and allergies can badly affect the quality of air that gets into your house, it’s important that you look at the MERV so that at least you going to have one that’s able to filter away all unwanted contaminants.
This unit comes with an MERV rating of 13, which is not only healthy but also good enough for air pressure.
When you buy this Airx filter, going to get a pack of 6 and that’s you going to serve you for long without requiring to go back to the market again. And, all this is at an amazingly affordable price of less than $100.
Pros
- Comes in a pack of 6 filters
- Has an ERV rating of 13, which is of the highest especially for residential filters
- It’s available in more than 10 sizes.
- It has got high plate count which makes it good for retaining contaminants without getting damaged or requiring replacement.
Cons
- Some users claim and complain that the model is not fitting well enough.
Finding a furnace air filter made in America is a top priority especially if you want high quality. The good thing with American products is that they go through several gateways before they can be released into the market as high quality. Filterbuy MERV 13 is one of their top products that you can buy and as you will see here, it comes with several other features for you.
Features and benefits
For less than $40, you get a carton air purifier that not only cleans your hair but also ensures that only the helpful part of air penetrates.
And, because you want durability, you’re going to get high quality and long lasting design that can last up to 90 days. This is suitable especially for homes, businesses, and offices. In fact, it is an industrial grade design which means that you’re going to enjoy using it for quite long.
The filter frames and construction is made of beverage board and this means it will not get destroyed by humidity or high temperatures. In fact, it doesn’t matter if you are going to run air of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, but still it is not going to break. The synthetic media and she was that you get more efficiency than the ordinary cotton media.
Then, remember that this filterbuy MERV 13 comes with hospital-grade synthetic media that not only attracts airborne particles but also reduces the number of allergens in the air. You see most allergens are just over a micron and this means they require all spaces to be closed down. Viruses and bacteria are even smaller which is the reason you should get a hospital-grade media like this one which will ensure or smoke organisms and dust stays away from your house.
Pros
- This filter lasts three times the average fiberglass filter
- Each pack comes with four filters
- The high quality beverage board withstands humidity and temperature up to 200° f. Removes dust smoke bacterial viruses from the air.
- MERV 13
Cons
- Might not last long especially with constant use.
If you want a filter for your furnace or HVAC cooling system, then you need to find one that captures at least 90% of the airborne particles. Not every filter you get is good enough. So, find one that removes pollen grains, spores, dust, bacteria and viruses from the air.
Remember, most of the diseases that people suffer especially those that are respiratory are actually preventable if you use the right filters. So, look for filters with high performance because this way, you will increase your chances of preventing allergies and asthma.
Here are some of the features advantages as well as the coins of the 3M filtrete ultimate allergen reduction filter 1900.
Features and benefits
First, the filter is certified as asthma and allergy friendly by the American Asthma and Allergy Foundation which makes it a trustworthy brand.
The filter relies on both mechanical and electrostatic charging to remove and capture unwanted materials and particles from your air. There are charged fibers that act as magnets to make sure that the air flows through it gets to the other end without any dirt.
Due to the technology used to capture dust, viruses, bacteria and all microscopic particles, this filter is able to trap up to 93% of unwanted particles. With an MERV 13 rating, this filter is not only going to be good enough for you but also make your family healthy again!
Smoke particles as well as dust are going to be removed and this means that it will outperform most fiberglass filters. In fact, it is washable and not electrostatic which means it works well with your home appliances. It doesn’t matter whether you are using a HVAC system, a furnace, or an air conditioner but these filters will do a great job for you.
Pros
- It is easy to install.
- It gives you value for money.
- Available in eight sizes.
- Traps up to 93% of large particles.
- It has an MERV rating of 13.
- It’s mates or guidelines of the American lung association.
Cons
- Don’t count on the smart and Bluetooth feature
When it comes to finding a good air filter for your home heating system, you should remember that your home is your sanctuary. The air you breathe there must be purified to the best quality
Capture and filter away all dust, viruses, allergens and bacterium that might cause unwanted health issues to you or your family members. Then, rest and be comfortable to live in the sanctuary!
The Filtrtrete AC Furnace Filter MPr1500 is one of the best and most affordable ways to clean your air.
Features and Benefits
First, once you buy this filter, you get an item that lasts about 90 days which is far better than the majority of brands you find in the market today. And, the efficiency and durability as well as maintenance cost will be quite low.
And, to make sure that you maintain your house as a sanctuary, get a filter that actually does the work well. For instance, this filter is going to remove all viruses and bacteria as long as they are larger than 1 microns in diameter. This gives you up to 4 times the performance of ordinary filters.
This electrostatic air filter comes with a micro particle performance rating of 1500. Therefore, you can capture any particle that does not exist 0.3 and 1.0 micron. Also, the electrostatic air filter will capture lot of particles including the sneeze or cough which will reduce the chances of contracting respiratory illnesses from other members of the house.
Again, the filter comes with a Filtrete Three-In-One Technology from 3M. This ensures that all unwanted air particles are trapped. It also cleans the air even more thoroughly and as a result, you don’t get sick from the dust bacteria viruses and other particles in the air.
Pros
- 4 times more efficient than ordinary filters.
- Captures pet dander, smoke, bacteria and virus as well as any other particles in the air.
- It is so easy to clean and maintain.
- You can stay with it for more than 60 to 90 days without replacement.
- MERV rating of 12.
Cons
- Make sure not to depend so much on the smart technology
By now, you might have already fallen in love with the Filtrete brand and its high quality air filters. But, that is not the only thing that they offer because every unit comes with its own specifications that you might like. For instance, the Filtrete Smart Replenishable Mpr 1500 AC furnace air filter is one of the best that you can rely upon. It comes with smart capabilities and it will remove a huge chunk of the dust and allergy causing particles from your air.
Features and benefits
This fiberglass smart filter comes with a pack of two and it’s possibly the first ever BlueTooth-enabled air filter for your house. The work of the Bluetooth and smart features is to make sure that you have the power to track how you are filter is doing. And, you do not have to keep removing it to check whether it requires replacement or it is working properly because you are smart technology will do that for you.
The filtrate smart app is available on Android and iOS devices, and; this means you are compatible with most of what it has to offer. It’s from your phone that you will do much of the control.
Apart from the smart capabilities of this Filtrete smart air filter, you’ll enjoy detection of air pressure. You can balance the optimum airflow that gets to your house. And, this is done right from this smart application. With the proprietary 3M algorithm, you are able to calculate how the filter life is doing by simply working out the optimal airflow and particles captured. In short, you can tell the life of your filter by just clicking your phone.
The 3M technology ensures that you can detect and filter away-unwanted particles from the air including bacteria viruses and pollen grains. If you get to live healthily by ensuring that, you breathe fresher air.
Pros
- Has Bluetooth capability.
- The app is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
- Removes bacteria cough and sneeze as well as pet dander and smoke particles.
- It’s made of durable fiberglass.
- It has 3M proprietary technology to increase the ability to remove unwanted particles from the air.
- MERV rating of 12
Cons
- Unfortunately the technology does not always work
AirX filters wicked clean air is a brand from greenwood Indiana in the US and they have a position for quality. They are members of the National Air Filtration Association (NAFN) and believe in producing high quality indoor appliances especially air filters.
AirX allergy pleated air filter is probably one of the best you can find for less than $50. And, yet it comes with so many interesting features that you are likely to love.
Features and Benefits
Probably, the first thing that comes to your mind whenever you looking for an air filter is to find the correct MERV value. And this pleated filter comes with MERV rating of 11 and has up to 6 filters in the pack. This means you’re going to remove most of the stubborn dust, smoke, and pollen particles. And, as if that’s not enough, you prevent dangerous pathogens and allergy causing bugs to penetrate into your house.
Then, once you find the best MERV rating for your fuel tank the next step is to find out for that can actually fit in your furnace. And, this will happen if you choose the correct size. The good thing is that this anti-allergy filter comes with more than 13 sizes for you to choose. So, you will certainly get one that fits well in your appliances.
It contains more pretty than the ordinary filter and this ensures that it is more efficient and captures more particles than the competition. Therefore, you can easily trap pollen, smoke particles, debris and allergens.
And, the thickness of this filter is another factor that contributes to the efficiency and affection of your furnace air distribution. Not only is it going to fit well in your HVAC systems or the fan is but also it’s going to trap as much as possible.
Pros
- Comes with a pack of 6 filters.
- Has an MERV rating of 11.
- The price is competitive.
- Last for up to two months.
- It is easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- The packaging might be a turn off
Glasfloss industries have got some of the best air filters at a competitive price. This MERV 10-rated filter comes with several features that you’re going to like. For instance, the material is of microfiber which allows it to capture lots of impurities in air.
Remember, this American filter aims at providing the ideal clean air for your residential and commercial building. And, as you might find you can compare the smooth airflow with a filter rated MERV 8. But, in this case, you’re going to get better filtration and performance.
Features and Benefits
This MERV 10 rated filter is not only going to do well for your air purification needs but also it has a smooth airflow. So, no dust will find its way into your house but awesome you’re going to enjoy just how smoothly it works.
The filter also captures and removes all dust, pet dander, mites, smoke, viruses and several bacteria. And because of this, the microfiber filtration process is able to save you a great deal in terms of health expenditure.
The filter is comparable to any mpr whose rating is between 600 and 800. Also, you can use Honeywell of fpr rating from 5 to 6.
The company is ready to give you a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. In fact, in case you’re not satisfied or happy with what you buy, you can just notify them and then they will reach out to you.
Pros
- Durable.
- Easy-to-use.fits well with your furnace.
- MERV rating of 10.
- Made of microfiber.
- Smooth airflow.
- One of the most affordable filters.
Cons
- You may want to look at the sizing carefully.
Sometimes you want a rugged and disposable pleated air filter that offers you industrial-grade performance. This synthetic fiber offers the medium through which your air passes leaving out all forms of allergens. In this case, Flanders Corporation has one of the best brands for you and you are going to like the features as well as the pricing.
Features and benefits
The NaturalAire Pre-Pleat 40 Air Filter will not only offer you good performance and protection from debris and pathogens but also keep your house safe. The low-pressure drop pre-filter protects your HVAC system from accumulating too much of dust or unwanted waste. The pre-filter also offers you industrial and pharmaceutical quality when it comes to holding the dust. It has a minimum reporting value rating of 8 and this means that most of the particle the breeze is going to be left out.
The kind of filtration reduces harmful allergens in the air as long as they don’t have a diameter below 3.0 microns. This means that most of the fibers, dust mites, pollen and pet dander are going to be left outdoors as the air gets inside.
But inasmuch as this happens, you’re not going to sacrifice a flow for filtration whatsoever. In fact, the goal of the MBR V8 performance is to make sure that air pressure is not in any way reduced or does not affect the one indoors. Therefore, the air pressure resistance is actually 40% lower than the other brands. Its ability to hold of dust is one of the highest you can get in the market today.
Plus, apart from the NaturalAire Pre-Pleat 40 Air Filter being durable, it is easy to install. The long lasting efficiency and ability to control air pressure makes this filter a good bargain. Then, the filter is made using study synthetic media that does not melt or get damaged with the HVAC conditions. The frame and construction is study to make sure that it does not get damaged.
Pros
- MERV 8 rating.
- Reduces harmful allergens by 85%.
- Offers air pressure resistance of up to 40% better than its competition.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Keeps away allergens pollen dander and smoke.
Cons
- You may want to take care especially when choosing the size.
What Are The Most Common Home Allergens?
Allergens are tiny substances that the body perceives as foreign, fight them thus creating an allergic reaction. Whenever the body realizes that there are foreigners in it, it tries to fight them away and in this process, a person may feel sick or develop complexities.
People perceive allergens differently and it’s for this reason that certain substances don’t affect you but they would affect your family member. The best bet you have is to make sure that you remove all causes of allergy including foods, mold, dust, and pollen grains that may cause any allergies to any family member.
You need to understand that the environment you leaving her so many animals plants and other organisms. Some of them are microscopic but they cause sneezing, postnasal drip, watery eyes, or headaches.
The air you breathe has got so many allergens including dust mites, animal dander, cockroach parts, and several other tiny things. The problem with them is that the body will try to fight them in such a way that it will awaken illnesses in you. For example, seasonal allergic rhinitis is a condition triggered by pollen grains. In some cases, the smell of certain plants or any odor causes the allergy.
So, understanding the location, nature and type of allergens in your house is very important. In fact, the best you can do to manage allergies is to make sure that you understand and control indoor allergens. If you use appliances that reduce the level of exposure to this allergy-causing substances and organisms, you’re on the right track to beating allergies.
Here are some of the most common allergens that he may find in people’s houses.
House dust
House dust comprises of several substances from fabric fibers, to mold, spores, food particles, animal dander and insect parts. And, because of its diverse composition, house dust causes several allergies and you must remove it as soon as possible.
The particles and debris from dust mites, for instance, are the main cause of allergies in the dust. Soil alone doesn’t have much of allergy-causing substances, but; the particles from insects and microorganisms contain proteins that are likely to be inhaled and affect your healthy.
Dust mites
There are certain insects that love to stay in house dust and they are so small that they blend into one with the dust. Mites can be found in humid and warm places especially under beds. That’s why you’re likely to catch a sneeze or an allergy if you ever sweep or wash the area under the bed.
Quality HVAC filters control dust mites. But you also need to wash your beddings weekly with hot water or other disinfectant to kill all these mites. And apart from this, dust mite love to live in curtains and carpets. If you must have a carpet, then you must be ready to clean it frequently especially with recommended HEPA vacuum cleaners.
Pets
Did you know that about 6% of Americans are allergic to cats?
As a great animal enthusiast myself, I hate to say this, but; the majority of your allergies are actually caused by your pets. Cats, dogs and all the other domestic animals are members of a different species. In most cases, they act as hosts to allergens and other disease-causing pathogens.
I don’t mean to scare you, but; all you need to do is ensure your pets are clean at all time. Then, manage their wastes and fecal matter appropriately. For instance, cats and dogs shed fur frequently and this forms pet dander.
Pet saliva is also highly sensitive on people’s skins and once you inhale it, you’re likely to develop an allergy. In fact, when the saliva dries up, it sent into the air and then you breathe it into your mouth and the problem is the saliva contains a lot of mucus and proteins that may not be welcome in your body.
Pollen
30% of humans around the world suffer from pollen grain allergies. Pollen grains are shed seasonally by flowering plants. Pollen is basically the reproduction cell of a plant and they are equivalent to male sperms. Wind blows them away to the female flower part of a plant for reproduction and fertilization.
The problem is that pollen grains are microscopic granules that are picked by the air and you likely to breathe them in before they get to their destination. So, every time there is a flowering season, many people are likely to develop allergies. In America, ragweed causes almost half of all the allergic rhinitis during its flowering season.
Other Indoor air allergens
- Mold spores
- Dog dander
- House dust
- Cat dander
- Fabrics
- Cockroaches
- Rodents
- Houseplants
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Pets
- Horsehair
How To Pick The Best Furnace Filter To Avoid Allergies?
When you’re choosing the best furnace filter, you need to have in mind the filter‘s measurement and compatibility with your furnace. Then, it must be able to serve for a long time because you don’t want to have to do the depressing every other day.
Plus, when it comes to furnace filters for allergies, you have to be a little more precise in the brand you choose because the microscopic particles that cause allergies must be kept away from your home. It’s for this reason you have to consider the MERV rating as well as accreditation by the HEPA.
Here are a few factors you need to have in mind whenever you’re looking to buy top quality furnace filters:
Find filters with high MERV rating
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) simply tells how effective your air filter is. It ranges from 1 to 16 and filters with high MERV rating simply filter away more substances and particles.
According to the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the MERV scale represents the performance of a filter. So, the filter captures particles of size between 3 and 10 microns in diameter.
But, you need to understand that higher MERV does not mean that you have a better filter. In fact, when you get a filter with very high MERV of 16, it means that no substance is able to penetrate through the filter and this puts a strain on your furnace.
The airflow needs to be smooth and efficient and you don’t want to cause unnecessary pressure imbalance inside your house. For this reason, look for a filter with an MERV rating that resonates well with your furnace and requirements.
Anti-allergy filters
Keeping allergy-causing substances away from your home is one of the hardest necessities. But, you can improve the chances by ensuring that you use filters made specifically for allergens.
Look at the filters and you will see them labelled with different technologies of capturing unwanted airborne disease-causing pathogens. Sometimes you may even go for an electrostatic technology that will enable the filter to capture all the dust and pollen as well as smoke without causing a strain to the airflow.
The best filters for asthma, therefore, would have a higher MERV value and other technologies to make sure they clean the air as much as possible. Again, there should be thicker to provide a larger surface area to capture dust and unwanted substances.
HEPA Technology
HEPA filters are some of the best and efficient brands especially in reducing the number of pollutants in air. The mechanical air filter forces air through a fine mesh. High-Efficiency Particulate Air Cleaners (HEPA) filters use mechanical technology to remove smoke, gender, pollen, and dust mites from the air.
You might actually find it fascinating that HEPA filters are not only able to capture the ordinary known pathogens but also dangerous viruses as well! The New York Times and CDC have revealed that the covid-19 Corona virus cells are 125 NM which is within the range that is captured by the HEPA filters.
Size of your furnace
No matter how good a furnace filter is, it will be useless if it is not compatible with your ventilation system. The size of your furnace determines which filter you should use.
Measure the furnace in person to find a filter that is suitable for the range you have. Pay attention to the specific width and length as well as the depth of the filter if you don’t want any disappointments.
Odor eliminator
At least the world has changed and we no longer use the inefficient diesel engines that people used to rely upon in the past. So, you don’t have to worry about that huge ugly smoke finding its way into your house.
But still, there are so many odors outside, and; you don’t want them to make your house stink. Thus, you should look for air filters that have got odor removal features. Eliminate all the order along with the dirt and give your house a fresh air devoid of any smells.
Longevity
Filters ads claim they last between five and six months, but this is a great thing you need to find out. Using a furnace prove that they only support such filters for one or two months depending on how regularly you use it.
You need to look at the thickness and construction of your filters so that you can know whether they can actually withstand the air pressure and the accumulation of dust and pollutants. The majority of furnace filters will need to be replaced every 3 months and therefore they need them to stand that test.
And in the case that you want to go for the high-end filters that can genuinely last for more than 3 months, then you should be ready to dig a little deeper into your bank account.
Comprehensive Answers to Related questions
When you need to replace your air filter home and went to tell that you are furnace filter needs replacing
Although most ads for home air filters suggest you replace after 90 days, it’s important that you do it in 30 or 60 days. High-end pleated filters can take up to 6 months but only if you follow the guidelines closely. The less expensive fiberglass filters should be replaced after one or two months. If anyone in your home is asthmatic, then the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends you change your filter every 6 weeks just to keep it at optimum performance.
If you have pets, then you must be ready to change your filter every two months. However, you should remove and replace your air filter in case the HVAC system malfunctions or the equipment is damaged.
Also, in case the airflow is not smooth and some contaminants are finding their way indoors, then you should replace it immediately.
How often should you clean your furnace?
Experts recommend you clean your furnace every two years. But, in the case, you have children and animals as part of your family; you need to do it at least once a year to remove the hair, dander, dust and other pollutants that may accumulate.
High-end experts will charge somewhere between 200 and 400 dollars to thoroughly clean your furnace and heating system. And, if you want to economize, you might feel like the cleaning when it’s necessary. But it’s always important to remember that you are health comes first.
Which are the best tools to use when replacing a furnace filter and cleaning the furnace?
Every HVAC technician must have the right tools for the work. An expert will always carry hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, tape measures, wrenches, flashlights, battery powered drills, and multimeter. Others include tin snips and shears, crimpers, tamper gun, thermometer, reciprocating saw, and caulking gun. In some cases, you may need a vacuum pump and a leak detector.
Wrapping Up on the Best Furnace Filters
Living in a clean allergy-free environment should be your top priority especially if you want to keep your family healthy. Respiratory diseases mostly come from the air we breathe. And, you need some of the best furnace filters that can remove the allergens and unwanted substances so that you only breathe fresh and clean air. Make sure to guarantee your family a stream of hope and fresh air devoid of any disease-causing germs by adding one or two of our recommended filters to your cart today, will you?!