5 best hvac air filters

HVAC air filters, also known as furnace filters, are an essential component of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and protecting the HVAC system's components. Here is some information about HVAC air filters:

Purpose: HVAC air filters are designed to trap and remove airborne particles and contaminants from the air that circulates through your HVAC system. This includes dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and other particles that can affect indoor air quality.
Types: There are various types of HVAC air filters available, ranging from basic fiberglass filters to high-efficiency filters.Common types include:
- Fiberglass Filters: These are the most basic and affordable filters. They are effective at capturing larger particles but may not be as efficient at removing smaller particles.
- Pleated Filters: These have a larger surface area due to their pleated design, making them more effective at capturing smaller particles and providing better filtration.
- HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are highly efficient at removing even very small particles, including allergens and fine dust.
MERV Rating: HVAC filters are rated using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale, which ranges from 1 to 20. A higher MERV rating indicates better filtration efficiency. However, it's essential to choose a filter with a MERV rating suitable for your HVAC system, as higher-rated filters can restrict airflow.
Replacement: HVAC air filters need regular replacement. The frequency depends on the filter type, your location, and factors like pet hair and smoking indoors. Typically, filters should be changed every 1-3 months.
Benefits: Using the right HVAC air filter offers several benefits:
- Improved indoor air quality by removing allergens and contaminants.
- Protection of HVAC system components from dust and debris, reducing maintenance costs.
- Enhanced energy efficiency as clean filters allow for better airflow and reduced strain on the system.
Sizing: It's crucial to choose the right filter size for your HVAC system. Most filters have their size printed on the frame, and you should replace it with the same size to ensure proper fit and function.
Allergies and Health: High-quality HVAC filters, such as HEPA filters, can help reduce allergens in the air, making them beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Maintenance: Regularly checking and replacing your HVAC air filter is a simple but effective maintenance task that can extend the life of your HVAC system and improve its efficiency.

In conclusion, HVAC air filters are essential for maintaining indoor air quality and protecting your HVAC system. Choosing the right type and size of filter and replacing it regularly can lead to better indoor air quality, increased system efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hvac air filters on the market

Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 300, Clean Living Basic Dust, 6-Pack (exact dimensions 15.69 x 24.69 x 0.81)

Filtrete

Based on 73 reviews Check latest price

Product description

You run a tight ship at home, from floor to ceiling and everywhere in between. Unfortunately, ordinary home non electrostatic air filters aren’t super effective at capturing unwanted particles. The good news: The unique design of the electrostatically charged Filtrete Basic Dust & Lint Air Filter attracts and traps more particles from your air through your heating and cooling system, making quality control a breeze. With each cycle through the filter, your indoor air becomes a little bit cleaner.

From the Manufacturer

The Filtrete Dust Reduction Filter attracts and captures household dust and is ideal for high-velocity equipment. For residential use only.

OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC: 3-month pleated 1 inch 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 large particles such as lint, household dust, dust mite debris and mold spores
MPR 300 has a rating of MERV 5
The higher the MPR, the more micro particles-such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria and viruses-your filter will capture from the air passing through it
Change filter at least every 90 days for optimal performance of your heating & cooling system or HVAC system
A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool -- wasting energy. Sign-up for a filter change reminder program that works for you

User questions & answers

Question:	Why do mine come out black after a relatively short amount of time
Answer:	Yes
Question:	The product description lists 2 sizes- 14x24x1 in large font and 14x14x1 in small font. Which size will I receive? What are the actual dimensions
Answer:	total length of the flame sensor is around 3.7 inch, 95mm.
Question:	Are these UV resistant
Answer:	Yes, it is.
Question:	What is the merv rating
Answer:	Yes, it does!

Product features

Filtrete Healthy Living Filters

Because every breath is important, Filtrete Healthy Living Air Filters proactively capture dust, bacteria, viruses and allergens from the air passing through your filter. Help create a cleaner, healthier, and fresher home environment by capturing unwanted particles from your household air.

Change your Filter. Keep the things you love.

Man’s best microscopic dander spreading friend.

Change your Filter. Keep the things you love.

A bright bouquet of pollen and allergen aggravation.

Change your Filter. Keep the things you love.

The soothing scent of soot and smoke particles to set the mood.

Change your Filter. Keep the things you love.

A cool breeze that carries dust and microscopic debris around your home.

FilterBuy 20x20x1, Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filter, MERV 8, AFB Silver, 4-Pack

FilterBuy

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The AFB Silver MERV 8 furnace / air filter is the most commonly purchased replacement filter by FilterBuy. The AFB Silver filters pollen, mold, dust mites, and other particles that are up to the size of pudding mix that you might buy at the grocery store. We recommend the AFB Silver Merv 8 filter for basic home and residential use. It will protect your AC / furnace system, while offering adequate filtration to keep your home dust and pollen free. Whenever you are choosing an air filter, make sure that you compare the nominal and actual size of the furnace filter that you are replacing. In this case, the 'nominal' size of the filter is 20x20x1 while the 'actual' size of the filter is 19.75 x 19.75. Generally, the nominal size is rounded and in bigger print while the actual size is in smaller print and in parenthesis to the side. The AFB Silver MERV 8 filter is designed to last 3 months, or 3 times the average fiberglass filter. The filters ship directly from the manufacturer to your doorstep, allowing AFB the ability to offer a premium product at a reasonable price. Each quantity purchased is for a pack of 4 filters. Note that AFB filters come in AFB Bronze (Merv 6), AFB Silver (Merv 8), AFB Gold (Merv 11), and AFB Platinum (Merv 13). The most commonly used filter for home or business use is the AFB Silver (Merv 8). If you have pets or allergies we recommend the AFB Gold (Merv 11). If you have asthma or other respiratory illness, we recommend the Merv 13. FilterBuy: Breathe Better.

20x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter for AC HVAC or Furnace (Pack of 4 Filters). AFB Silver MERV 8, comparable with MPR 300 / 600 (clean living and dust & pollen).
MADE IN THE USA: Manufactured by FilterBuy in the USA using 100% American made components.
TRAPS 90% OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES: Say goodbye to dust, debris, lint, pollen, and pet dander. Say hello to better indoor air quality!
LONG-LASTING: Designed to last up to 3 months. Ideal for residential and commercial use.
HIGH QUALITY: Filter frames are made of beverage board, which stays strong through humidity and temperatures up to 200° F. Synthetic media provides significantly higher particulate efficiency than standard cotton media.

User questions & answers

Question:	Do these filters have the tiny pinholes in the pleats like filtrete filters
Answer:	I don't know. They are MERV 8 so they filter 85% of 3-10 micron particles. I use then for my central air conditioning.
Question:	Looking for 21x 23 filter
Answer:	Yes
Question:	Do you have a filter 6x24x
Answer:	i have the 20 by 20x1 pleated...very well made, haven't used one yet cause current one is still good
Question:	Carbon clean 16, mod.hcf20.16merv
Answer:	No

FilterBuy 14x30x1 Air Filter MERV 8, Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Filters (6-Pack, Silver)

Based on 339 reviews Check latest price

The FilterBuy replacement air filter 14x30x1 (actual measurements: 13.69" x 29.69" x 0.75") ensures that your furnace, air conditioner, or HVAC system is circulating the cleanest air possible to help preserve your budget and healthy lifestyle
MERV 8 synthetic media (comparable with Clean Living Dust Defense MPR 300 - 600) is recommended in most scenarios due to its capability to trap 90% of airborne particles, protecting your home or business from debris, lint, pollen, mold, dander, and other forms of dust 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 paired with dual wire backings outperform traditional cardboard compositions by improving structural integrity with their ability to endure temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit
All components are 100% manufactured within the United States and designed with recyclable materials providing an eco-friendly alternative to enhancing air quality

User questions & answers

Question:	What is exact measurement of filter. 14x
Answer:	yes
Question:	What is the actual size of a 14x30x
Answer:	yes it does... nicely actually.
Question:	This item shows “ delivered” but it was not delivered to my address. Where is it
Answer:	I only have one beta fish so change it out every three months.
Question:	what is the actual size of the 14x30x1 filter
Answer:	There is a usb adapter plug in this air pump set. If you didn't receive the plug,please contact us via amazon message.

Product features

AFB Silver MERV 8

Other High-Quality Pleated Filters

With 12 pleats per foot & beverage board frames our filters have greater surface area to trap more airborne particles and withstand exposure to moisture/dampness.

FilterBuy 16x25x1, Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filter, MERV 8, AFB Silver, 4-Pack

FilterBuy

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

16x25x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter for AC HVAC or Furnace (Pack of 4 Filters). AFB Silver MERV 8, comparable with MPR 300 / 600 (clean living and dust & pollen).
MADE IN THE USA: Manufactured by FilterBuy in the USA using 100% American made components.
TRAPS 90% OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES: Say goodbye to dust, debris, lint, pollen, and pet dander. Say hello to better indoor air quality!
LONG-LASTING: Designed to last up to 3 months. Ideal for residential and commercial use.
HIGH QUALITY: Filter frames are made of beverage board, which stays strong through humidity and temperatures up to 200° F. Synthetic media provides significantly higher particulate efficiency than standard cotton media.

User questions & answers

Question:	Do you have 16x30x
Answer:	No
Question:	Filter I ordered will not fit my furnace it is 25-16-5 is there a slightly smaller size
Answer:	Probably. Do you have the old one?
Question:	Received wrong size
Answer:	If there is (or) was a filter there, size is usually mentioned there on the side. Length (height)x width (depth)x thickness. If not you may have to physically measure the same and order. I hope this helps. You may also call the company and they can provide the information after finding out the specs or the model number etc.
Question:	Does this filter work with rheem rgpj heater furnace unit
Answer:	These filters are not made specifically for a type/ brand of furnace. You need to get the size off the old filter or furnace specs

Product features

AFB Silver MERV 8

Other High-Quality Pleated Filters

With 12 pleats per foot & beverage board frames our filters have greater surface area to trap more airborne particles and withstand exposure to moisture/dampness.

FilterBuy 20x20x1 Air Filter MERV 8, Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Filters (6-Pack, Silver)

Based on 759 reviews Check latest price

The FilterBuy replacement air filter 20x20x1 (actual measurements: 19.5" x 19.5" x 0.75") ensures that your furnace, air conditioner, or HVAC system is circulating the cleanest air possible to help preserve your budget and healthy lifestyle
MERV 8 synthetic media (comparable with Clean Living Dust Defense MPR 300 - 600) is recommended in most scenarios due to its capability to trap 90% of airborne particles, protecting your home or business from debris, lint, pollen, mold, dander, and other forms of dust 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 paired with dual wire backings outperform traditional cardboard compositions by improving structural integrity with their ability to endure temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit
All components are 100% manufactured within the United States and designed with recyclable materials providing an eco-friendly alternative to enhancing air quality

User questions & answers

Question:	Cellulose or fiberglass
Answer:	Measures 2 1/4" tall by 3" wide
Question:	Why am i seeing ads for the wrong size filter, it's not what i bought last time
Answer:	When I purchased this item, I DID receive a Zoo Talkers compatible bear.
Question:	does it come 20by20by
Answer:	He’s the standard size of an Imaginext action figure, about 2 inches tall.
Question:	I the 20x20x1 intake on my hvac is a very tight fit and filtrete filters are about 1/8 inch too large. will filterbuy work better
Answer:	very small. not sure the exact size bought for grandson

Product features

AFB Silver MERV 8

Other High-Quality Pleated Filters

With 12 pleats per foot & beverage board frames our filters have greater surface area to trap more airborne particles and withstand exposure to moisture/dampness.