Best Furnace Filters for Allergies in 2021 – Best for Breathing Problems

Do you own a furnace at your home for heating up the entire house? Then you must be familiar with the effects of not having a good furnace filter! A furnace filter with good MERV is essential to provide you the pure dust-free air.

If you want to keep the inside air free from allergens and pollutants, you must use a good furnace filter. The MERV stands for maximum efficiency reporting value. The more the MERV value of a furnace filter the smaller particle it can filtrate. To keep yourself safe and sound from the allergens and other respiratory diseases that may cause due to polluted air you must set a high-efficiency filter to your forced-air furnace or change the current one.

In this article, we are going to introduce to you our best furnace filters for allergies that can protect you from harmful germs, dust, allergies, and dander. Just read out the entire article carefully to get a solution for your allergies that caused from the furnace.

How to choose best furnace filters for allergies

Choosing the best furnace filter for allergies is not everyone’s cup of tea. Furnace filters for allergies are more accurate in capturing the microscopic particles. Following factors can lead you to the best air filter for the home furnace.

• Filters with higher MERV rating:

The higher MERV rating of any filter indicates that it can capture the microscopic particulates and keep the inside air allergen and pollution free. A filter with a high MERV rating can assure a decent protection from airborne disease.

• Filters that are specially made for allergens:

You should look for the filters that are specially manufactured for allergy-free fresh air. These filters do the job of catching the debris and all tiny particles easily.

• HEPA filters:

High-efficiency particulate air filter comes with very fine mesh that is capable of allergy-prone dust and dirt.

What size furnace filter do you need?

The size of furnace filter depends upon the size of furnace you are currently using. You should check the size of your furnace and the available filter ranges. Then you can pick up a suitable filter from the available ranges. Though the sizes vary according to the type of the furnace, there are some most common sizes of filters. They are 14×20, 10×20, 15×20, 16×24, 18×30, and 20×30 and so on. But to be more specific, measure the length and width of your furnace and the depth as well. Then you will get the accurate measurement of your furnace to buy a suitable filter for it.

Our 10 Picks of best furnace filters for allergies

1. Aprilaire 213 Air Filter for Aprilaire Whole-Home Air Purifiers : Our Best Pick

A healthier fresh air environment will be the last thing you want in your home. You can add the new dimension of a pure dust-free air indoor just replacing the filter with Aprilaire 213. Let’s check what our first best furnace filter for allergies bring to you:

Features and benefits

● The Aprilaire 13 comes with MERV 13 that is capable of capturing the mold spores, pollen, dust, pet dander, and harmful bacteria. This furnace filter filtrates almost all of the allergy-prone elements. In the season of allergy-prone diseases, you need to take extra care of indoor air. During reduced air flow, the indoor air becomes poisonous and allergic. As it is standing still in a certain region, the possibility of getting fresh air is less. These best air furnace filters keep the indoor air pure and breathable by capturing the pollutants of the furnace.

● The furnace filter covers a wide range of the model. Besides, you can use this by checking its dimensions if it fits your furnace or not. The Aprilaire Self-Seal technology provides high performance. It also reduces the air bypassing region in the filter. The less the places for bypassing the air the more it can filtrate the allergen prone dust and microscopic particle.

● It comes with an Aprilaire Interlock Rail system. Thus, it is very easy to install. You can install this furnace filter with just three steps. You need to unpack it and then slide this filter into the rail. Lastly, you need to close the door.

● The filter comes with 2000 cube feet per min airflow capacity. Even the manufacturer provides this filter with a 10-year commitment of clean-coil. To improve the quality of your indoor air, this Aprilaire purifier is best for any kind of furnace. It is one of the best furnace filters for pet dander and other contaminants.

Pros
✓ Good for capturing the pollen and pet dander.
✓ Comes with a long-term commitment of clean-coil.
✓ Very easy to install.
✓ Comes with a great price.
✓ Provides better filtration from allergy prone particles.

Cons
✗ The old stocks fabric becomes separated during high heat

Verdict
If you are having allergy patients at your home, the clean and quality air is must for the sufferers. This furnace filter comes with a higher MERV rating. So, it will be best for allergies.

2. Aerostar 20x30x1 MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter : Best for Smoke

Again, there is a 13 MERV air furnace filter. But it is from a different brand, Aerostar. Being 13 MERV, it is helpful to catch all the dirt and pollens produces from the furnace clog. Aerostar is always committed to providing the best quality product produced from the quality materials. Let’s check what more it comes with.

Features and benefits

● The furnace filter is capable of capturing the potential allergens that are emerged in the room’s air. The filter is made of disposable fiberglass. So, it is very effective in removing the allergen and pollens from the air. Thus, it makes the air breathable and such no irritations are felt by using these filter.

● This furnace air filter comes with an ideal size so that it can easily fit most of the common furnace. This filter is the ultimate defense for the harmful bacteria and viruses. You just need your house allergy free and have healthy air to breathe. To avoid the unwanted allergies and other airborne diseases, this Aerostar furnace filter will be one of the best picks.

● The filter is quite cheaper. Actually, it provides high-quality performance by keeping the air free of pollens and spore. No skin allergies, respiratory disease and no frequent visit to the doctor. To keep the house warm, a furnace is a must and to keep the air purified a furnace filter is essential. It also ensures that your HVAC unit works perfectly and efficiently.

● It is one of the top furnace filters for a smoke. It saves energy by consuming less of it. Also, it doesn’t require frequent maintenance. So, It can last longer than the estimated. Thus, it is lightweight and made of pleated material. The manufacturer is aware of the advanced technology and improves the quality of the furnace filter with the advancing technology.

Pros
✓ Made with synthetic material for fine filtration.
✓ Is capable of catching the allergens from 0.3 microns to 1 micron.
✓ Affordable and durable.
✓ Capable of preventing the pollens and dirt and harmful bacteria.
✓ Energy saving furnace filter.

Cons
✗ Need replacement frequently.

Verdict
If you are looking for a budget friendly furnace filter, the Aerostar will be a good option. Even it provides Higher MERV rating which will take care of your clean air environment.

3. Nordic Pure 20x20x1M12-6 MERV 12 Pleated : Best for Pets

The Nordic pure 20X20X1 is our next pick . The best thing about this Nordic pure filter is, you can choose what you want to remove from the room’s air. The furnace filter comes with the following filter.

Features and benefits

● The filter can be a great solution for your pet’s allergies and other diseases. Thus, this furnace filter can remove the dander from the air of the indoor environment. It is very important to keep the indoor air safe to fight this airborne disease. From children to the pet, every little member of your family will be safe from the allergen by using this filter. Furthermore, it can prevent the skin diseases of the feathery animals.

● The most important feature about this furnace filter is it comes with a range of MERV from 7 to 15. No other filter doesn’t allow such a large range. It simply indicates that you can adjust the level of filtration with this features. Thus, you can customize your furnace filter on the basis of the dirt and dust. As you are here for best furnace filters for allergies, you can use the MERV 15 to capture all the allergy prone bacteria and viruses.

● The Nordic believes in keeping the environment safe. That is why the filter framed with recycled paper. Thus it is easily disposable and doesn’t have a harmful effect towards the environment. Even it comes at an affordable price. There is no hidden charge. One filter can perfectly fight against the dust particles for more than one month successfully.

● This model is capable of removing 90 percent of the pollutants and harmful particles from 1 micron to 3 microns. So, the majority of the contaminants can be filtered by using this air filter. This model emphasizes on MERV 12 mainly. So, It can filtrate molds, dust mites and tobacco smoke which is very dangerous for the asthma patients.

Pros
✓ Best furnace filter for dust control
✓ Comes with a range of MERV system.
✓ Removes allergens and bacteria perfectly.
✓ Maintains a healthy air environment inside the house.
✓ Removes allergen for the feathery animals.
✓ Committed to the best product at an affordable price.

Cons
✗ Smaller in size.
✗ Doesn’t meet the standard size criteria.

Verdict
This pleated filter is capable of removing the allergy-prone dirt and debris. For a fresh and odorless air environment, you can go for this filter without any hesitation.

4. Filtrete MPR 1500 Healthy Living Ultra Allergen : Best for Defending Disease

The Filtrete MPR Ultra Allergen Reduction filter is capable of capturing all the allergen and pollens from the dust. If you have allergy and patients at your home, this filter will be a great choice for you to keep your indoor air allergen and germ-free. Just scroll down to know about its important features:

Features and benefits

● The first thing to mention about this filter is, it is capable of removing the microelements that are responsible for creating the diseases like a cough and asthma. Even it can remove viruses and bacteria that is not more than 1 micron. When the air in your house passes through the filter, the air is filtered and safe to breathe without any doubt.

● The filter will improve the air environment of your house. A fresh and clean environment where you can breathe easily without being worried about the disease. Besides, it removes four times smaller particle and viruses to ensure improved purification. Even all the microscopic elements are captured in this furnace filter easily.

● The filter comes with an electrostatic charge system. This electrostatic charge can easily attract the airborne particles and keeps the air non-allergic and clean. It includes a higher value of MPR (Microparticle performing rating) It has 1500 MPR value. It prevents a cough and sneezes debris, smoke, and viruses to get into the air. 0.3 to 1 micron sized particles can be captured by using this filter.

● The filter can give the best performance for three months. After that, you need to change the filter to get the best result. Also, the filter is designed with 3in 1 technology that not only prevents the contaminants from mixing with the air but also prevents the harmful bacteria and viruses with the help of electrostatic charge.

Pros
✓ Includes electrostatic charge to capture more precise element.
✓ Comes with the high-quality material to ensure additional safety.
✓ Can remove particles up to 0.3 microns.
✓ Comes with 1500 MPR value.
✓ Suitable for the house with allergic people.
✓ Can remove sneeze and cough causing particles.

Cons
✗ A little expensive

Verdict
This Filtrate filter comes with high quality MPR value which indicates its efficiency on removing the micro particle. For eliminating allergens and pollens you can keep this in your list.

5. Lennox Carbon Coated X6672 Healthy Climate Filter : Best for Industrial Use

If you are looking for a filter that will last longer and make your investment worthy, the Lennox Carbon Coated X6672 will be the best pick of all. A filter which lasts long and gives the highest performance to allergens. Go through the features to know what more it brings to you:

Features and benefits

● The Lennox X6672 is a high-quality filter that provides general surgery level filtration than adequate for using to your furnace at home. The hospital inpatient filter is capable of capturing the microscopic elements and releasing the healthy fresh air to your home. The carbon coated fiber matrix is capable of removing the odors from the air.

● The filter comes with MERV 16 that removes all of the allergens and asthma prone virus and bacteria from the air. MERV 16 with the combination of carbon matrix provides best outcomes. It has the capability of reducing the ozone by 50% with just one pass. Though it is made for the household furnace to maintain a healthier air environment, it gives purification like industrial filters.

● Being a MERV 16, it removes ultra-fine particles about 90%. It captures the particle of 0.1 microns that is very effective for removing allergens and preventing coughs and asthma. It removes the micro-particulates from the air stream very nicely so that there is no risk of causing airborne diseases. It removes more than 95 % of sub-micron particles which is 0.3 micron.

● Certainly, it is a high-quality product that comes with a long time. This filter is pricey but gives you outstanding results if you are looking for the best furnace filters for allergies. Its carbon coated matrix ensures additional purification to reach you the supreme and purified air. However, it will easily last from five to six months for a normal house on dusty days.

Pros
✓ High-quality filter with supreme purifications.
✓ Capable of removing 50% of the ozone in one pass.
✓ Provides general surgery level purifications.
✓ MERV 16 filter removes .1 micron particles.
✓ Long lasting filter with best results.
✓ Disposable filter.

Cons
✗ It is pricey than others.

Verdict
The Lennox comes with highest MERV rating among the list. Needless to say, it will give highest protection from the micron particulates. If you don’t have the problem with extended price, you should go for that.

Read Also: 10-20 problems and solutions related to air purifier.

6. Flanders PrecisionAire air filter – Best for Heating/Cooling Space

The Flanders Precious is one of the most used furnaces air filter. The filter is made of fully disposable material and capable of eliminating allergic materials and microparticles from the air inside your house. To know about its popular features just go ahead:

Features and benefits

● The filter comes with a chipboard frame which makes the filter more durable. Also, the metal retainer stays strong even in heavy load. The filter is suitable for the furnace and the other HVAC unit of your house. Besides, it can fit the variety of HVAC unit as long as the dimensions are compatible. It can be used on your coil and fan too for cleaning the air.

● The filter is suitable for house and offices. It can capture basic dust, dirt, pollen, and spores that create irritations to the skin. Though it comes with a MERV rating of 4, it is perfect for normal air environment. It will take care of the allergens and remove the contaminants by 80% which is fair enough for kids and allergy sufferer.

● The best thing about this purifier is it responds neutrally to a heating and cooling system. As you are here for your furnace, you don’t need to worry about the effect of temperature on this filter. You can use this conveniently. The filter is very user-friendly. You can replace your filter with just a few steps. It reduces the airborne disease and takes care of your health.

● The Flander provides the quality product to ensure the maximum protection from allergies. This filter reduces the dirt and debris off the air. If you are having a high-efficiency furnace that meets the size of this filter, you can have this filter. If you are not sure about your furnace size, just measure the opening of the furnace in inches. Then you’ll get the actual size.

Pros
✓ High-quality furnace filter for home and office.
✓ Easy to install and remove.
✓ Made of disposable material.
✓ Durable and reliable.
✓ Suitable for a high-efficiency furnace that allows MERV 4.

Cons
✗ Need to change after 1 month.

Verdict
Those who are looking for a filter for cleaning the room air only and for medium cleaning purpose, can keep this filter in their short list.

7. Nordic Pure M12-2 AC Furnace Air Filters – Best Synthetic Furnace Filter

Our seventh product is from the Nordic Pure again but with a different and affordable model of course. This is a MERV 12 furnace air filter can be used for both residential and commercial purpose. Let’s check its features given below:

Features and benefits

● This model comes with a different size and fits the furnace of this size. Likewise, the previous Nordic filters, it is an outstanding filter catches the all harmful particles from the air and leaving the environment fresh, odorless and germ-free. The filter can be used for commercial places too. Thus, it can be easily used in the hospital, office and educational institute to get a healthy environment.

● The furnace filter is made from the synthetic material that is resistant to the growth of any bacteria. It will improve the air of your home in every pass by catching all the contaminants and leaving the indoor environment harmless and breathable. The maximum efficiency reporting value of this furnace filter is 12. Thus it can capture the pet dander, pollens, molds, spores, and viruses.

● This is an electrostatic filter. So, the electrostatic charges can attract the debris and clogs of the air while passing through the filter. The filter can capture about 90% of the particles with 1 to 3 micron wide which is safe enough for allergens. This anti-allergen filter also captures the danger of the animals and micro particulates.

● The filter comes with a range of MPR from 1500 to 1900. This high-efficiency anti-allergen air purifier keeps your home free of allergens and provides safe air to your kids and the pet who has more tendency to get affected by airborne diseases. The filter comes with a size of 16x 25. But originally it is a half inch less than the given size. So, you should buy this filter keeping the size issue in mind.

Pros
✓ Comes with a high MPR rating.
✓ Made of high-quality synthetic materials.
✓ MERV 12 blocks all the allergens.
✓ Improves the condition of air in the environment.
✓ Made of environment free material.
✓ Keeps the air environment to the optimum level.

Cons
✗ Smaller than the given size.

Verdict
This filter made of quality material ensures durability. If you are looking for a higher MPR range, it will be perfect.

Read Also: Is Your House Making You Sick? 7 Ways to Purify your Home Air perfectly

8. Bryant/Carrier Humidifier Water Panel –best for the humidifier

Now we are going to present you a filter that is suitable mostly for a carrier humidifier. The filter will maintain a healthy environment by keeping the humidity level right and purified. To know more about this humidifier filter just look at the features:

Features and benefits

● This humidifier filter helps you to get the purified steam from the carrier humidifier. Thus it maintains the required humidity level that is necessary to get the desired humidity in the air. It will prevent the allergies that are caused due to dryness in the air by providing a good humidity.

● If you are having children at home, properly conditioned air should be provided to ensure their good health. This humidifier filter comes with a perfect size and it can fit your water panel very easily. It has several models to choose from your humidifier. Even it supplies enough humidity to the air to avoid the diseases.

● The filter controls the humidity perfectly. Also, it comes with an attractive packaging. Besides, it only provides the humidity that will keep your environment safe. Too much humidity and the lack of humidity, both of these situations may cause allergy and asthma. Too much humidity can catch you cold and lack of the skin diseases.

Pros
✓ Comes with a perfect size.
✓ Best filter for carrier humidifier.
✓ Controls the humidity rate.
✓ Made of high-quality material and long lasting
✓ Keeps the environment fresh and clean.
✓ Blocks the excess humidity to get you rid of allergies.

Cons
✗ More absorbent for those who need higher humidity.

Verdict
If you need to put a filter on your humidifier to clean and control the humidity level, this will be the best suit.

9. FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter – Best Budget Pick

The FilterBuy MERV 8 is originally made of USA and commits an outstanding quality to its user. This pleated filter provides sufficient surface area for better filtration. The filter includes the following important features:

Features and benefits

The FilterBuy MERV 8 is actually a package of four filters. It provides you maximum efficiency reporting value 8 which is capable of removing lint, pollen, and debris from the air. It can be compared to the MPR 300/600. If you are looking for the best furnace filter for dust control, this FilterBuy will be a good option.

The product is made of original materials that are made in the USA and comes with a long life. The filter is ideal for both residence and office. Though it comes with another different size, most of the common furnace comes with this size. If there is an allergy sufferer at your home, you need to change the filter frequently. So, a filter in an affordable price and required qualities will not be a burden to your budget for home appliances.

Basically, it removes 90% of dust, debris, germs, and another microparticle. If you need to keep the indoor air refreshed for your beloved children and pet, this filter will ascertain you with the highest possible performance within your budget. For better quality indoor air, you can use this filter for your furnace conveniently.

The filter is made of beverage board. Thus, it is hard enough to withstand in the 200℉. If the air contains excessive humidity, it can control it to a moderate level. Again, it is made of synthetic media that is capable of providing the higher particulates performance than others. Furthermore, it is durable and can capture airborne particles effectively up to three months. After that, you need to change the filter.

Pros
✓ Capable of removing all the allergy-prone elements.
✓ Comes with the high-quality frame.
✓ Pleated filter with the greater surface area.
✓ Great filter within the budget.

Cons
✗ Doesn’t last more than three months.
✗ Can’t filtrate the particles under 1 micron.

Verdict
Owning a filter which is 20/30 in size? Then, you should check this one. This filter comes with larger surface area to boost up the cleaning.

10. FilterBuy Honeywell Pleated Air Filter – Best Household Furnace Filter

The last furnace filter of the list is from the FilterBuy. But it is in a different size with two pieces packaging. Look below to know about its features and benefits.

Features and benefits

● A 16-inch length and 25 inches width furnace will fit perfectly to this filter. The filter comes with a package of two filters. So, you can use this two times. This is a Honeywell AFB Silver filter for the furnace. The actual dimension can 15.5 / 24.5 inches. So, anything under this dimensions will fit the filter doubtlessly.

● It has a tough frame can withstand to high temperature. For everyday home use, this filter is perfect. It will remove all the clogs and debris produced from the furnace and leave purified fresh air into the house. To maintain a healthy air environment it is very important to eliminate the dirt from the air. Thus, it will prevent all the airborne diseases.

● The filter has MERV 8. So, it can capture pollen, lint, molds, debris, and allergens. Even it maintains the humidity of the air by controlling them. Again, the filter is a great help for the allergy sufferer with a reasonable price. It also captures pet dander, if you are having the pet at your home.

● The filter can remove about 90 % of dirt and release clean air for a healthy environment. If you have a newborn, you must take care of the air pollutions. The children get easily affected by airborne diseases. This filter will keep the air environment odorless and breathable.

Pros
✓ Easy to set and replace.
✓ Comes with 8 MERV.
✓ Can eliminate pollens and pet dander.
✓ Can create the nonallergic environment.
✓ Can withstand any heating condition.
✓ Long lasting furnace filter.

Cons
✗ It is little bit pricey.

Verdict
If you are looking for a filter that will withstand higher heat of the furnace and will perform efficiently, you must check this one.

Features to Look Top furnace filters

Air quality plays a vital role in your everyday health. If you are leaving in winter major country, you must use the furnace to keep your house warm. And naturally, the indoor air gets affected to dirt and clogs emitted from the furnace. If you have allergy patients and children at home, it becomes more problematic. To get rid of this dilemma you need to get the best furnace filters for allergies. Five important features of a furnace filter to consider before purchase is given below:

1. MERV Rating:

The mass efficiency reporting value is the measurement of how narrow particles and dirt a filter can eliminate easily. Thus, it is the rating by which one can understand the minimum size of the particulates to be eliminated by a filter. The more the MERV of any filter the narrower the particles a filter can filtrate. But for allergy, a filter with MERV 8 is Ok and above 12 is best. Those who have allergy issues are very sensitive to the airborne disease. So, find a filter with a higher MERV according to your problem.

2. MPR Value:

The micro-particle performance rating is another parameter to count on the particulates a filter can remove less than 1 micron. MPR 800 to 1200 is good. But to get best result 1200 to 1500 MPR will be perfect. However, your furnace needs to fit the filter and be compatible with the filter. In some furnace, the allowable MERV and MPR rating is given so that the furnace gives the best performance. So, you need to check first, if your furnace got some instructions like that before purchasing.

3. Proper measurement:

The dimensions are a great fact for choosing a furnace filter. Measure your furnace in inches. It is because most of the filters are in inches. When you get the exact dimension, look for the filter of that size. You should check the length, height, width carefully to avoid a money waste bye getting the wrong filter. Some filters appear in less than the given size. So, read the product description carefully.

4. Odor removal:

If you notice that you get burning smell in your room, you will probably need a filter that will eliminate the odor along with dirt. So, check which filter comes with this features and will give you a fresh environment.

5. Durability:

Some of the filters provide you 5 to 6 months service and after that, you need a replacement. But there also such furnace that will work effectively from 1 to 3 months. But most of the common furnace filter needs a replacement in every three months. If you are looking for a filter that will be effective for more than three months, you need to spend more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I select the furnace filter for me?

It basically depends on the purpose of your using filter and the size of your furnace. Please, measure the opening of your furnace to get the exact fitting.

2. What type of filters is more effective for allergies?

Filters with good MERV and MPR is efficient as anti-allergens. Try to get a filter with MERV 8 or above.

3. How often do I need to change the furnace filter?

Generally, you need to change your filter in every three months. But it partly depends on the manufacturer instructions given with the filter. Some filters need to change after one month and some of them after five months.

Wrap Up

A clean and germ-free air environment can keep your family healthy and disease free. So, we have picked the top ten furnace filters to provide you the best filter for allergies and dust. For anti-allergen air environment, I will suggest you get something with higher MERV if you don’t have the budget issue. You must look after Meanwhile, you must have shortlisted your favorite filter. Just go and get one and tell us about the experiences. Best of Luck!