11 Best Furnace Filters For Allergies

In truth, not all air filters can prevent allergens in your home. If you’re still having itchy eyes, runny nose, and shortness of breath, check your furnace. It may be that you are lacking the best furnace filters for allergies.

Of course, it’s cool to keep the home tidy and dirt-free, but for micro-particles that your eyes can barely see, you’ll need a quality air filter to provide clean airflow around your home.

So how can you find a furnace air filter that’s worth your time and money? In this guide, we’ve reviewed the highly-rated models that are perfect for your healthy lifestyle. Scroll down to see more!

Top 11 Best Furnace Filter for Allergies

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When it comes to finding the best furnace filters for allergies, your health interest should come first. Hence, If your current filter isn’t doing it’s job by protecting your family’s health from dust and pollutants, evaluating your options won’t cause a stir. Would it?

For this reason, we have compiled this buying guide to help you determine and select the best furnace filters for allergies that ticks the right boxes. Features such as MERV rating, furnace efficiency, size, and cost are major determinants to getting the best choice.

 1. Filtrete MPR 1000D Micro Allergen PLUS — Super DustBuster

Filtrete AD02PL-2PK-6E 20x20x1 Micro Allergen PLUS...
  • Holds as much dust as 50 dusting wipes (Dry dusting wipes in normal use conditions)
  • OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC 3-month pleated 1 in. home air filters for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system
  • DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
  • ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES particles such as lint, pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and smog
  • Filtrete 1000D MPR has a rating of MERV 11

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you live in a place with enormous dust, switching to this super dustbusters is your best option.

The Filtrete Allergen Defense filter will flush pollutants from the air you breathe, by converting your furnace system into a whole-house air cleaner.

The washable furnace filter is designed to capture unwanted allergens such as pollen, pet dander, lint, and household dust, thus allowing you to breathe cleaner air.

With its electrostatic media, you’re afforded a higher filtration of more particles than a lot of models. But one downside about this filter is that it diffuses the clogged dust back to space when you fail to replace it on time.

Pros

  • MPR 1000D, MERV 11
  • Grabs much dust as 50 dusting wipes
  • Excellent furnace filter for allergies
  • 3M electrostatically charged media
  • Micro allergen defense

Cons

  • Too large to fit into the furnace
  • May not work well with the old system

One positive about this model is that it catches twice as much dust as an average filter. The filter is slick and easy to install into the furnace. But to maintain unfettered airflow, make sure you replace them every 30-90 days.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2. Filtrete MPR 1500 — Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Filter

Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500,...
  • OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC 3-month pleated 1 in. home air filters for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system
  • DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
  • ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES microscopic particles such as smoke, cough and sneeze debris, bacteria and viruses--and large particles, including lint, household dust and pollen
  • 1500 MPR has a rating of MERV 12
  • The higher the MPR, the more microparticles--such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria and viruses--your filter will capture from the air passing through it

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Aside from an increase in MERV, the Filtrete MPR 1500 is one step higher than its predecessor. It is one of the best furnace filters perfectly designed to curb severe indoor allergies and asthmatic triggers.

Each filter offers an ultra allergen reduction media that attracts and captures more microscopic particles such as smoke, sneeze debris, bacteria, and other viruses affecting your lungs.

Because they are electrostatically charged, they perform better than none-electrostatic filters. A switch to these will boost cleaner air around your home and improve your health.

 

Pros;

  • MPR 1500, Merv 13
  • Best for severe allergies
  • Electrostatically charged air filter
  • Attracts tiny and large microscopic particles
  • Captures virus causing allergens

Cons

  • Filter is bigger, doesn’t fit furnace
  • Smart Bluetooth connection doesn’t work properly

 The Ultra Allergen 1500MPR is a great filter that is endorsed by the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest to combat indoor allergies. The filter is Merv 13 rated, allowing you to breathe much better 24/7. It’s sold in a pack of six and can be purchased from Amazon.

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3. Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander Pleated Air Filter — Best Overall

Sale
Aerostar 20x25x1 MERV 11 Pleated, AC Furnace Air...
  • Nominal size: 20x25x1; Actual size 19 3/4"x 24 3/4" x 3/4"; This MERV 11 filter is comparable with MPR 1000-1200 & FPR 7.
  • Designed to filter microscopic particles such as lint, dust mites, spores, pollen, pet dander, fine dust, and smoke
  • Simple to install and a cost-effective step towards a healthier home environment. For best results, change your filters every 60 to 90 days but increase frequency to 30 days during peak summer and winter months
  • 100% synthetic electrostatic media for high efficiency with low air flow resistance
  • Aerostar filters are manufactured by Filtration Group, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of filtration solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For a mid-range furnace filter, the Aerostar Allergen offers a lot of value for the money and is unique in its own features. The design is nice, the body is wrapped in a zig-zag pleated pattern, and the performance is solid.

While the exterior is rigidly fitted with sturdy frame, the interior comes with electrostatic synthetic materials that rid your home of airborne allergens. You should consider buying this electrostatic air filter if you suffer from constant sinuses, dry nose and sniffling and other asthmatic symptoms.

The provision of a healthier home environment that this filter provides make it a good choice for your indoor air. However, the downside of this filter is that they are an inch lesser than your furnace dimension and require some adjustment while fitting to your furnace.

Pros

  • MERV 11 rated
  • Contains more pleat than average filters
  • Electrostatic filter
  • Less energy consumption
  • Captures between 1-10 microns

Cons

  • Inch lesser than furnace dimension
  • Frame material is flimsy

Aerostar is a great and cost-effective filter to have at home. Apart from it’ sturdiness, the filters are well energy efficient, saving your utility bills.

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 4. Nordic Pure Filter — High Quality Filter

Sale
Nordic Pure 16x25x1 MERV 12 Pleated AC Air Filters...
  • Nominal Size: 16 x 25 x 1, Actual Size: 15 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 3/4 (15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75)
  • Measure your air filter for the exact size and compare it to our actual size to ensure proper fit.
  • Ideal for high efficiency air filtration and will help those with moderate allergies and asthma.
  • Nordic Pure MERV 12 is equivalent to MPR 1500-1900
  • Made in the USA

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you suffer from severe asthma, and desire a filter with quality and undiluted air ventilation, the Nordic Pure pleated filter is one of the best you can find. This pleated filter comes with an electrostatically-charged synthetic material that draws airborne particles to it like a magnet.

This filter will practically turn your home to a sanctuary, by protecting you from allergy causing plant spores, smoke particles, fine dust, pet dander and viruses. With these filters placed in your furnace, your home will enjoy fresh breath.

The positive reality about this air filter is that it’s frame is sturdy and snugs well on the furnace slot. The downside however, is that the frames are not marked to help customers differentiate between MERV grades and sizes. Nordic Pure manufacturers make use of the same frame for all their various products.

Pros

  • MERV 12, FPR 9
  • Electronically charged media
  • Captures particles as small as 0.3 microns
  • Sturdiness
  • Energy Saving

Cons

  • Cardboard frame is undersized
  • Frame is unmarked with MERV number

Nordic Pure air filters arrest micro-particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. While it doesn’t kill germs, the filter media prohibits the growth of bacteria or mold on its surface.  For this reason, we discourage adding chemicals to the air filter to kill germs.

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5. FilterBuy Pleated Air Filter — Protection Guaranteed

Filterbuy 20x20x1 Air Filter MERV 13 Optimal...
  • 20x20x1 replacement air filters for your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or HVAC system (actual size: 19.50" x 19.50" x 0.75")
  • MERV 13 synthetic media (comparable with MPR 1500 - 1900 & FPR 10) protects homes from bacteria and more by trapping 98% of airborne particles without impacting air flow
  • High-quality construction features an electrostatically charged, pleated design that captures more harmful particles and prolongs the products lifespan by 3 times that of fiberglass models
  • Industrial-grade beverage board frames with dual wire backings outperform standard cardboard designs
  • All components are manufactured within the United States and designed with recyclable materials

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The FilterBuy brand is a trusted name in keeping homes clean and healthy. And their MERV 13 triple protection furnace filter certainly lives up to its reputation. Thriving in the business of air filtration since 1958, this family-owned furnace will boost the airflow in your home and office.

Built precisely for those who suffer from asthma in mind, these filters seize airborne allergens and viruses carrying particles. The pleats provide a wide surface area to trap loads of particles from the air. And added to this is the variety of its synthetic media, which provides an increase in efficiency than regular cotton media.

The filters capture 98% of airborne particles, including large and microscopic allergens.

While elevating the performance of your furnace system by efficiently filtering out practically all harmful household particulates, it also conserves energy, lowering the cost of your utility bill.

Pros

  • MERV 13 rated
  • High quality pleated filter
  • Gets rid of 98% airborne allergens
  • Budget friendly
  • Energy saving 

Cons

  • Filter inch is a bit lesser than advertised size
  • Restricts airflow in old furnace

FilterBuy is one of the most affordable options in this list. And for its modest price, you will get a very efficient and affordable air filter to enhance airflow from your furnace.

 CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6. Lennox X6670 OEM Filter — Healthy Climate Air Filter

X6670 Lennox OEM Merv 11 Filter Media 16"X25"X5"...
  • Filter dimensions: 16" x 25" x 5" (Actual Size: 15.65" x 24.65" x 4.31")
  • Genuine Lennox OEM Furnace Filter
  • 98% efficient filtration media capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns before they can collect on your coils

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The only reason why this hasn’t been in the top is that it’s very expensive. However, Lennox OEM is a genuine replacement furnace filter for Lennox air purifier. It doesn’t matter what lingers in your indoor air, this filter will cut down on it and other particles around

It offers a 98% filtration efficiency by capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger ones with its magnetic electrostatic filter material.

While the frame perfectly snug’s well on the furnace dimension, you may find it’s filters quite flimsy to handle

Pros

  • MERV 11 rated
  • Electrostatic disposable filter
  • 98% interaction efficiency
  • Perfectly fits furnace box with no issues
  • Long Lasting

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Outer frame is flimsy, not strong enough

The X6670 Lennox filter is the best 5″ Merv 11 filter available. While these aren’t the strongest built or the sturdiest filter, they work fine as expected.

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7. AIRx ALLERGY Pleated Air Filter — Super Protection

AIRx Filters Allergy 20x25x1 MERV 11 Pleated Air...
  • ✔️ MERV Rated Furnace Filter Replacement Air Filter: AIRx Filters 20x25x1 (Actual: 19.50 x 24.50 x 0.75 in) MERV 11 air filter assures the effectiveness of your home HVAC system resulting to efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning
  • ✔️ Contaminant Reducing Replacement Furnace Air Filter: AIRx Filters 20x25x1 air filter replacement (Actual: 19.50 x 24.50 x 0.75 in) traps 1.0 - 10.0 micron of particles such as lint, dust, pollen, dust mite debris, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, and smog
  • ✔️ High Quality Air Filter Replacement Material: AIRx Filters 20x25x1 (Actual: 19.50 x 24.50 x 0.75 in) air filters are 100% made in the USA using high quality air filter moisture resistant double-wall beverage board
  • ✔️ Superior Air Filter Replacement Construction And Specs: AIRx Filters 20x25x1 air filter uses electrostatically charged 100% synthetic gradient media can perform at temperature ranging from 180F (82C) continuous service, peak 225F (107C)
  • ✔️ Multi-Pack OEM Furnace Filter Replacement Compatible: AIRx Filters 20x25x1 MERV 11 air filter can replace and/or comparable with Allergen Defense MPR 1000 1085 1200, Odor Reduction MPR 1200 20x25x1 air filter

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The AIRx filter is a verifiable proof that you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to buy a good product that does the job perfectly. We recommend this air filter for you, not because it fizzles pollutants from your indoor air, but because it is a mix of quality and value for money.

AiRx Allergy Filter is one of the best at trapping and locking air particles, protecting your loved ones from contaminants and making your home a healthier haven to live in.

Each air filter not only protects you from allergens and debris, they also protect your furnace from clogging with dust at a reduced energy cost.

Pros

  • 1200 MPR, MERV 11
  • Budget friendly
  • Expanded pleats than most filters –
  • Energy saving
  • High quality

 Cons

  • Inch lesser than Standard size
  • Cardboard don’t fit snugly into furnace

This filter media contains more pleats than most air filters, which translates to better energy efficiency and more air particle captures. However, the downside is that the cardboard frame doesn’t fit snugly in the furnace.

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8. Honeywell FC100A1037 — Most Prestigious Furnace filter for allergies

Honeywell FC100A1037 20"x4"x25" Merv 11 Filter...
  • Replacement media air cleaner filter
  • Helps remove small particles from the air
  • Meets industry safety standards
  • Measurements are 20 x 25 inches
  • Longevity (months)- 12

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Wouldn’t it be cool to establish a reunion of fresh breathing experience for you and your loved ones? The Honeywell FC100A1037 is a Merv 11 rated high-quality filter that is great for cleaning airflow in residential homes.

Like a caring foremother, this 1885 prestigious  filter will calm your cardio of bad breath, tickle your infant head, and filtrete clean airwaves into your lungs.

Not only does it last for 12 months, it’s efficient than standard fiberglass filters. They’re not only easy to install, but also adaptable to aHoneywell, Aprilaire, Space-Gard and Trion Air Bear air purifiers.

Although very costly, buying in large quantities is significantly cheaper than buying them individually. The filter meets industry safety standards and comes with product dimensions.

Pros

  • MERV 11 rated
  • Highly efficient filter
  • Exact size as advertised
  • Fast delivery
  • Long Lasting

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Filter is packed in cardboard box

Honeywell is a great filter with a rich history. Their filters are easy to install and scarcely have any complaints with size.

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9. BestAir A201-SGM-BOX-11R — Energy Conserving Furnace Filter

BestAir A201-SGM-BOX-11R AC Furnace Air Filter,...
  • Filters out unwanted particles including dust lint, mold particles, pollen, bacteria, and virus carriers while allowing cleaner air to flow through
  • Designed to perform with high efficiency and minimum pressure drop; conserving energy and lowering costs to your HVAC system
  • Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 11; generating better filtration and fewer particles and contaminants that pass through the filter
  • Using best tech & design, BestAir Furnace Filter traps up to 95% of Airborne Particles (0.3 to 10.0 microns); Compared to a standard 1" fiberglass filter, we are 25-30% more efficient when capturing large household particles passing through the filter

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Whether you are looking to replace your Aprilaire, Spaceguard, or Lennox furnace filter, look no further. The BestAir filter is designed to conserve energy and lower costs to your furnace.

It also offers a Merv 11 rating for better filtration and can trap up to 95% of contaminants that pass through the air. And by using the best technological design, the media can capture airborne particles of about 0.3 to 10.0 microns which is higher than what fiberglass filters could muster.

BestAir filtration media prioritizes particulate size capture of most airborne allergens. The negative side of this filter is its tendency of the filter to arrive smashed during shipment.

Pros

  • Merv 11 rated
  • Trap up to 95% airborne particles
  • Finely separated in individual pack
  • 23-30% efficient in capturing large particles
  • Shrink-wrapped in plastic sturdy box during shipment

Cons

  • Filter may arrive smashed during shipment
  • Wrong size dimension

Best air filter comes with great packaging, as filters are clearly separated in a wrapped plastic and shipped in a sturdy box. You’ll hardly find these filters anywhere apart from Amazon.

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 10. True Blue Allergen Air Filter — Best Low Budget

True Blue Allergen 10x20x1 Air Filter , MERV 11,...
  • 10 x 20 x 1 Pleated air filter
  • Filters sub-micron airborne allergens like dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, dust mite debris, microscopic allergens, smoke and smog
  • Performance allergen reduction filter
  • Lasts up to 120 days
  • Minimum efficiency reporting value or MERV rating is 11

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The True Blue Allergen is specially designed for homes with allergies and pets. With this filter in your furnace, you’ll go from nightly allergies to morning sniffles.

The filter is electrostatically charged to attract and snatch sub-micron and large air particles. It also provides an 100% synthetic media that inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi and mold on its surface.

In addition, it’s extra inch pleated frame offers greater coverage area for optimal airborne particle entrapment. The end result is a far more effective filter that is 53 times effective than fiberglass.

Pros

  • Merv 11 rated filter
  • Budget Friendly
  • Perfectly fit furnace dimension
  • Electrostatically charged filter
  • 100% synthetic fiber media

 Cons

  • Frame is flimsy, tend to fold over
  • Not separated individually in pack

True Blue Allergen filter reduces breathing challenges by capturing an enormous amount of dust meant for your lungs, while channeling them into it’s synthetic media.

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11. Aprilaire 213 Replacement Air Filter — Healthy Home Allergy Filter

Sale
AprilAire 213 Replacement Filter for AprilAire...
  • BUY WITH CONFIDENCE This genuine AprilAire 213 replacement air filter was designed and manufactured in the USA by AprilAire – the leader in indoor air quality solutions – to optimize the performance of your AprilAire Air Purifier Model: 1210, 1620, 2120, 2200, 2210, 2216, 3210, 4200, or Space-Gard 2200 with Upgrade Kit 1213
  • CREATE A HEALTHIER HOME by preventing airborne allergens from circulating through the air in your home. This AprilAire 213 replacement air filter traps common allergy triggers as they pass through the MERV 13 filter including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, and dust mites.
  • BETTER PERFORMANCE thanks to the patented AprilAire Self-Seal Technology which minimizes the amount of air bypassing the filter
  • EASY AS 1-2-3 TO INSTALL in the unique AprilAire Interlock Rail System. Unpack. Slide in. Close the door. Done. No assembly or cardboard or metal reinforcements needed.
  • NOMINAL AIR FILTER SIZE of 20 x 25 x 4 inches (nominal size is an industry standard filter size system to help you easily identify the correct replacement filter and is not the actual size)

Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Aprilaire 213 replacement filter is another impressive entry into this list. These filters are very effective at removing airborne contaminants that can negatively affect the quality of your indoor air and furnace equipment.

Each Aprilaire filter is fitted with a reusable metal frame and opens like an accordion when you slide it into your furnace. With this filter you can sleep comfortably without experiencing nocturnal asthma and tight breath. And not only does it rid your air of micro-particles, but it also stops odor and bad smell bad spreading throughout your house.

Although very pricey, you’ll get what you pay for with this filter. By installing this filter in your home, your sniffling and watery eyes will improve dramatically. The sizes come in different dimensions to fit your furnace.

Pros

  • MERV 13 rated
  • Long lasting
  • Reduces severe allergens by 95%
  • Endorsed by the American lung association
  • Easy to install

 Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Does not fit furnace without an adapter

The filter comes in different sizes and is used as a replacement for the various models of Aprilaire purifier and Spaceguard 2200 air purifier.. Installing these into the Aprilaire interlock rail system is very easy, just by sliding it into the door of your furnace.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

How To Select The Best Furnace Filters For Allergies

 Buying the best furnace air filters for allergies can be an unpleasant task, but knowing what you want can save you a lot of stress.

This section covers the factors to evaluate when purchasing your next furnace air filter.

1.  Merv Rating

For maximum allergy control, choose a filter with a MERV rating of at least 11. Air filters of this grade are efficient in handling larger particles and smaller airborne pollutants. However, for severe allergies and asthmatic conditions, we recommend you make use of the MERV 13 rated filters.

 2. Furnace Efficiency

 Not all furnaces are adaptable to air filter of high MERV rating. In fact, the wrong filter in your furnace can restrict airflow and cause it to break down. If your unit is old, do not aim for a highly rated filter, rather use a filter that is within the MERV 1-7 rating.  An old furnace when placed with an high-MERV filter may experience difficulties in filtering air. Aside from adding resistance to the airflow, a high-Merv filter will increase the pressure in the duct system and intensify your furnace energy use.

On the other hand, if your furnace is relatively new, using a high-grade filter won’t cause a fuss. High-MERV filters work well with your new system. The chances of airflow restriction and system malfunction in a new furnace is very low.

3. Size and Dimension

In general, knowing the size of your filter before shopping for a new one is very important. Wrong sized air filters can cause air whistling and place undue pressure on your system. When replacing your furnace, check your current filter for sizing. The filter dimensions should be on the frame of the filter. If it has crushed corners, it means it was oversize and you should aim for a lower size.

Buying a nominal size that is an inch closer to the filter is better than going for a bigger size.

Your filter should be a little bit smaller on both ends of the housing opening than being oversized, thus allowing you to slide in and out easily.

4. Cost

 High-MERV filters are more expensive than regular ones. Aside from having less airflow issues, they are better at improving indoor air quality. If you are investing on them, you will need to plan a replacement period of every three to nine months — so price is a big deal.

The cost of buying a pack of 6 to 12 is quite cheaper than when you buy a single filter. For a standard size MERV 11/13 filter, expect to pay around $5 for a smaller size and $12 for a bigger size. Also, antimicrobial and electrostatic additions can add to the price of a filter. Some air filters such as 3M Filtrete, Aerostar and Nordic Pure are brands whose price tag fall under this category. If you want filters that are effective in neutralizing bacteria formed on the frame surface, you’ll find them enticing.

 

Best Furnace Filters For Allergies FAQs

If you need more information on air filters? Our frequently asked questions below would be of help.

  • MERV, MPR, and FPR — Their Meaning and Differences

Every furnace filter in the United States is rated by the MERV, MPR, and FPR grading systems. If you look closely at the package of your air filter, you are likely to see a number and one of the above acronyms printed on it — that number is the rating. Below are the grading systems and how to differentiate them when buying your next furnace filter.

 

1. MERV – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value

MERV rating is a measurement system developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerator, and Air Conditioning Engineers, (ASHRAE) to analyze the performance of air filters. The typical rating for furnace air filters is between 1-20. But for residential homes, the acceptable range is between 1-16.

Here is how the MERV rating ranks:

  • MERV 1-4

Furnace air filters within this rating offer minimum filtration. They capture particles greater than 10.0 microns, such as pollen, dust mite, hair, and carpet fibers.

  • MERV 5-8

Captures between 20% – 69% of your indoor air particles equivalent to 3.0 – 10.0 microns. Such as hair sprays, fabric protectors,  pudding mixes, and mold.

  • MERV 9-12

For your allergies, you’ll need a filter within this Merv grade. These capture approximately 85% of large particles and 50% of small particles (1.0 to 3.0 microns). Such as flour, talcum powder, legionella (pneumonia), and mineral dust.=

  • MERV 13-16

More than 90% of large particles and 70% – 90% (0.3 – 1.0 microns) of small particles are captured with this grade of filters. Such as tobacco smoke, bacteria, cough and sneeze droplets. These filters are reserved for people with severe asthmatic conditions and places like hospitals, tightly built homes, computer server rooms and commercial kitchens.

  • MERV 17-20

Captures the smallest particles (< 0.3 microns). These grades of filters are not recommended for residential areas.

 

2. MPR – Microparticle Performance Rating

The MPR rating system was developed by 3M/Filtrete to grade their brands. It indicates the efficiency of an air filter at removing particles that are between 0.30 and 1.0 micron in size. A higher MPR will improve your furnace ability to capture more air particles. Improved filtration efficiency occurs when MPR exceeds a particular level.

But unless your home requires high-rated MPR Furnace air filters, we don’t encourage using them. Below is how the MPR compares to MERV.

  • MPR 300 (equal to MERV 6)
  • MPR 600 (equal to MERV 7)
  • MPR1000 (equal to MERV 11)
  • MPR 1500 (equal to MERV 11)
  • MPR 1900 (equal to MERV 12)
  • MPR 2800 (equal to MERV 14)

3. FPR – Filter Performance Rating

FPR was created by Home Depot for brands of furnace air filters sold in its stores. Used in rating furnace air filter’s quality and ability to trap certain particles, the rating scale is expressed in number and color, starting from 4 and ending at 10.

 Wrap Up

Indoor allergens are one of the major causes of chronic illnesses yearly. With the best furnace filters for allergies, you can make your home cleaner and safer.

We hope you’ll find the right information you need with this guide. Don’t forget to replace your air filter when dirty, as it allows you to keep a clean airflow always.

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AUTHOR
Melanie Mavery is an aspiring HVAC technician who is fascinated by the trends and opportunities in the HVAC industry. She spends most of her day writing content on home improvement topics and outreaching to prospects.  She's always looking for ways to support HVACs!