The Best Filters for Furnace: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to furnaces, the right filter can make all the difference. From disposable electrostatic filters to HEPA filters, there are a variety of options available to suit your needs. But with so many choices, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your furnace. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of furnace filters, their features, and how to choose the right one for your home. A disposable electrostatic filter is a great option for homes with children, pets, or smokers.

These filters contain self-charging electrostatic cotton or paper fibers that attract and trap small particles. With a MERV rating of 10, these filters are affordable in standard sizes and are a good solution for most residential ovens. 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. With a MERV rating of 16-20, they block the highest level of particles in the air and provide better air quality.

However, they are not suitable for most residential ovens. Oven filters come in dozens of sizes, with the three most common sizes 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. As the filter becomes thicker, the oven must work harder to draw air through it, reducing its efficiency and service life.

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. Available in more than a dozen sizes, changing oven filters is a breeze with this option.

Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated Air Conditioning Oven Filters

block a high level of dust and other airborne contaminants that could otherwise end up in the oven or be recirculated throughout the home. These disposable pleated filters are hypoallergenic and feature electrostatic fibers that attract contaminants and resist mold and mildew growth. These AC oven filters are one inch thick and come in a variety of sizes.

Because these filters offer a high MERV rating of 12, they can clog more quickly than filters with lower scores. Depending on how often the oven works, you may need to replace them more often than every three months.

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 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.

AirX Odor Control 1-Inch Thick Disposable Pleated Filter

absorbs odors and removes unwanted odors while trapping other airborne particles such as dust and pollen.

The filter comes in several sizes and should be changed at least once every three months.

Affordable & Durable V-Pleat Filter

is affordable and durable with 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 Honeywell Home MicroDefense AC Air Filter. 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 - 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. In addition, this filter can help control odors.

With so many options available, finding the right oven filter can be difficult. When selecting an oven filter, consider factors such as size, thickness, MERV rating, special features such as odor control or Bluetooth capability, lifespan, number of filters included per purchase, type (pleated or electrostatic), smoke filtration capabilities, bacteria filtration capabilities, virus carrier filtration capabilities, microscopic allergen filtration capabilities, arrow direction indicators on frame for placement/airflow directionality. 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. In conclusion, when selecting an oven filter for your furnace consider factors such as size, thickness, MERV rating, special features such as odor control or Bluetooth capability, lifespan, number of filters included per purchase type (pleated or electrostatic), smoke filtration capabilities bacteria filtration capabilities virus carrier filtration capabilities microscopic allergen filtration capabilities arrow direction indicators on frame for placement/airflow directionality. One of the best choices overall is Filtrete Oven Filter, with its disposable electrostatic design multiple size options MERV rating of 12 3-in-1 technology to trap lint dust pet dander soot pollen mold spores.