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Best Furnace Filters for Allergies
If you have a furnace and suffer from allergies, you likely wonder what brands are the best furnace filters for allergies. There are many allergy-reduction HVAC filters on the market; however, these particular types are suited best for capturing pollen, dander, dust, and contaminants in the air, which trigger allergies.
Keep reading to find out more about the best furnace filters for allergies and determine which options work best for your furnace and your type of allergies.
Filter King’s MERV 11 Furnace Filter
Our MERV 11 furnace filters are great for anyone with allergies. Not only do they filter out more contaminants than the MERV 8 filter, but they are an affordable option. Our pleated filters work harder than the typical fiberglass filter, and you don’t have to change them as often. You can go anywhere from three to five months before switching to a new filter.
And if you want to make your filters last even longer, check to see if your furnace can hold a thicker filter. We offer the standard 1-inch filter, as well as 2-inch and 4-inch options. The thicker the filter, the longer it will last between changes. If we don’t carry the size you need, we offer custom filter sizes.
Regularly inspect your filter and if it’s visibly dirty, change it regardless of how much time has passed.
Filter King also offers MERV 10 carbon filters for those who want to combat odors and MERV 13 filters for those who need the highest levels of protection from allergens at home.
Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter MRP 1000 Micro Allergen Defense
This particular type of air filter is better than fiberglass filters and is washable. You get more use out of this model to ensure your filter stays cleaner, longer.
It uses special 3-in-1 technology to effectively trap small particles in the air and provide your home or business with fresh air free from allergens. The filter’s material attracts several types of particles and filters at 1000 MPR, including the following.
- Pollen
- Smoke
- Smog
- Dust
- Dander
This model has a MERV 11 rating and helps prevent bacteria and viruses from entering your HVAC unit and being spread through the building.
This filter should be cleaned periodically and replaced approximately every 90 days if you have a 1” filter and every year for the 4” version.
Pros
- Provides long-lasting protection
- Washable
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Limited filter capacity
- One filter
This filter is ideal for homes needing regular levels of allergen filtration.
AIRx Filter Allergy MERV 11 AC Furnace Pleated Air Filter
This AC Furnace filter replacement provides MERV 11 filtration to provide a clean inflow for your HVAC unit to prevent your space from spreading allergens.
This high-quality replacement filter has a moisture-resistant double-wall beverage board and traps 1.0 to 10.0-micron particles such as:
- Lint
- Pollen
- Dust mite debris
- Mold spores
This multipack can be wiped down periodically for better effectiveness and needs replacing seasonally. In addition, it also provides odor reduction and is ideal for homes with smokers or where there are pets.
Pros
- Provides a high level of filtration
- Kills odors
- Collects dust mite debris
Cons
- Thin
- Need frequently replacing for all sizes
This filter style is perfect for homes with odors such as pets and stale smells.
Aerostar AC and Furnace Air Filter MERV 13
This top-quality air filter is ideal for allergen defenses. It prevents a wide range of pollutants from accumulating in air ducts and spreading throughout a home or a business. Some of the things it filters from the air include the following.
- Fine dust
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Dander
- Pollen
This particular model is comparable with the Honeywell Allergen Elite and provides a MERV rating of 13. The filters need to be replaced every 60 to 90 days for the best protection from airborne pollutants.
This particular filter may help prevent a variety of allergy-related problems such as asthma and seasonal allergies.
However, keep in mind that it’s recommended that you change your air filter every 30 days during peak summer and winter months to provide the best level of filtration for your HVAC unit.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Highly effective
- Durable
Cons
- Needs frequent replacement in the summer and winter
- Not moisture resistant
This filter is ideal for homes in dry climates where there’s dust and pollen.
Filtrete AC Furnace Healthy Living Ultra Allergen
If you have heavy filtration needs for allergies, this is a great choice. This particular model offers a MERV rating of 12 and filters the following from the air.
- Sneeze/cough
- Bacteria/Viruses
- Smoke
- Dust
- Pollen
This filter is made with 3-in1 3M technology that traps the particles in the air to prevent them from circulating through the environment.
These filters last up to 3 months and are ideal for most climates and most seasons of the year. This filter is intended for residential use and connects to the Filtrete Smart App, so you know when you need to change your filters.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Smart App
- Filters Sneeze/Cough
Cons
- Isn’t moisture resistant
- Isn’t washable
This is a good all-around filter for preventing allergens in the air.
All-Filters Electrostatic Washable Permanent A/C Furnace Air Filter
If you’re looking for a permanent air filter so you don’t have to purchase one every few months, then this is a great option.
This washable air furnace filter is perfect for saving money and ensuring your air is clean and free from allergens and airborne particles.
- Dust
- Pollen
- Smoke
- Lint
The filter is made from high-quality polyester and traps 95% of airborne dust. It has a limited lifetime warranty and a sturdy aluminum frame.
Keep in mind that the best way to ensure the air is clean and fresh is to wash and completely dry the filter every month to ensure it’s trapping the air particles effectively.
Pros
- Washable
- Permanent
- Durable
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not as effective with viruses
- Need frequent cleaning
This is an ideal filter for someone with moderate allergies who wants to save money.
Selecting the Best Furnace Filter for Allergies
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the side effects of allergies is to have a good furnace air filter. However, the best furnace air filter for allergies is up to each individual person.
There’s no singular air filter that works the best for everyone. For example, many people like to have the disposable version because they provide a higher MERV rating. In addition, you’ll need to consider what allergens trigger your particular allergies.
For example, some people have allergies triggered by mold spores or pet dander. First, these allergies need a filter with a higher MERV number and can filter out small microscopic organisms and dust and lint.
If you live in an area with extreme climate conditions, you’ll also want to consider that too. Not all filters are ideal for all climates. Do some careful research to determine if the filter you want can handle the volume of allergens and the climate you reside in before you make a purchase.
MERV Ratings
The MERV rating is Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value determines filtration effectiveness by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter collects microscopic particles such as viruses, germs, and fine debris. When you’re choosing the best furnace filters for allergies, you’ll want to select a filter with a MERV rating between 11 and 13 for the best results.
Use the filter’s MERV rating to help you select the most efficient model. If you want the best allergy-reduction HVAC filters, you should aim for the highest MERV number.
Different Allergens
Considering the best furnaces for allergies can depend on your particular allergies, there are some things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to find out what particles the filter can handle. Some can filter microscopic organisms and allergens that are very small and provide ideal protection for these sensitivities.
Some common allergens that a good air filter can attract and prevent from circulating through the HVAC system include mold, pet dander, fine dust, viruses, germs, and lint. The filters capable of removing most contaminants, allergens, and other respiratory irritants from the air are generally more expensive and only found with disposable filters.
If you have mild allergies, a good alternative to expensive disposable air conditioner filters is reusable or washable filters. Some need to be replaced every season but can be washed or wiped down in between replacements, and others can be permanent and washed every month.
Types of Furnace Filters
There are a few different types of furnace filters to choose from on the market. If you’re especially concerned with allergen filtration, you’ll want to avoid the basic, least expensive filters for sale. There is an assortment at many retailers, so make sure to know which filters you need before making a purchase.
Disposable Non-Washable Filters
Perhaps the most common and least expensive are the disposable non-washable filters. These filters usually come in a multipack because they need to be replaced frequently and may need to be changed as much as once per month in areas with excessive dust and smog.
Additionally, people living in very humid climates need to replace these filters frequently to help avoid the spread of mold spores and prevent the filter from clogging the airflow to the HVAC unit.
If the airflow to the HVAC unit is blocked, it forces the unit to work harder and can even cause it to break down. Always check these filters frequently to determine if they need replacing. A good rule of thumb is to check every month.
Disposable Washable Filters
If you want the efficiency of a disposable furnace filter but want the option to wash the filter to help it do a better job and to make it last longer, these hybrid models are ideal. Some you can actually wash and dry, yet others can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Before you buy your filter, find out if you can either wash or wipe it down with a damp sponge or rag because not all filters hold up to water or humidity. That also means these types of filters work great for areas in the country with high humidity, such as the Deep South.
Permanent Washable Filters
If you want to save money and time over the long haul, you may consider these options. These filters provide years of filtration and can be removed and washed monthly for the best results.
Some are made with durable aluminum frames and polyester filter material that holds up to water, wear, and tear.
Generally, these filters need to be dried completely before they are used again. If you have severe allergies, this might now be the best option.
Although they last a long time, they only filter about 95% of the allergens from the air and don’t offer the same protection from viruses as the other disposable high MERV types.
Conclusion
If daily medication isn't enough to treat your allergy symptoms, consider changing your air filter. With the right filter for allergens, you improve indoor air quality. For best results, opt for a high MERV disposable model. You might choose the washable type if you live in an area with high humidity and lots of dust and debris. If you want to tackle odors, too, opt for a carbon filter.
If you want to save money, you should consider a permanent filter that can be washed frequently. Always research to make sure you get the best option for your needs to help save money and prevent allergy flare-ups
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