Which Furnace Air Filter is Best for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the right furnace air filter for your home, there are a few factors to consider. Disposable electrostatic filters are a great option for homes with children, pets, or smokers, as they have a MERV rating of 10 and are affordable in standard sizes. However, custom sizes can be expensive if replaced regularly over several years. 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 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. Before choosing a filter, you will need to consult the owner's manual or operating manual, as not all ovens accept a thicker product.

The Filtrete AC oven air filter is presented as our best overall oven 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 oven filters is a breeze with Nordic Pure MERV 12 pleated air conditioning oven filters that block a high level of dust and other airborne contaminants that could otherwise end up in the oven 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 the best air quality, use this filter in conjunction with other allergen reduction measures, such as a vacuum with a HEPA filter and an air purifier to keep airborne allergens at bay. If you have pets, check out the Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 pleated disposable air filter.

This high-efficiency electrostatic filter attracts particles and traps them in place. This disposable pleated filter is available in a variety of sizes 1 and 2 inch thick to fit a wide range of ovens. The manufacturer recommends replacing it at least once every three months. Designed for residential or commercial use, the Honeywell Home MicroDefense AC Air Filter 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 2 sizes, the dimensions of 16 inches by 25 inches by 4 inches and 20 by 20 inches by 1 inch, so measure your current filter to ensure that the Honeywell Extended Use filter fits. Affordable and durable, the Aerostar Home Max MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter has a MERV rating of 8 and comes with 4 filters with V-pleats for a larger surface area and additional airflow. If you're looking 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. In addition to these options, there are many other furnace air filters available on the market today. 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 ovens cannot draw air through a dense HEPA filter.

Many oven filters need to be changed every 2-3 months, so many options come with 4-6 filters per purchase. When selecting an oven filter for your home, consider factors such as size and thickness of the filter, MERV rating, special features such as odor control or Bluetooth capability, and how often you will need to replace it. With so many options available on the market today, finding the right furnace air filter for your home doesn't have to be difficult.

Hannah Sawatzki
Hannah Sawatzki

Hipster-friendly pop culture maven. Hipster-friendly web practitioner. Infuriatingly humble bacon nerd. General social media fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast.