The job of an HVAC air filter is to trap debris and protect your heating and cooling equipment from damage. It can also improve indoor air quality by capturing allergens, microbes, and other particles. With the prevalence of wildfire smoke, air filters are even more important. The best filters for treating smoke-filled air are those with a MERV rating of 8 or higher.
These filters are usually pleated media made from fiberglass paper, polyester, and plastic, and can reliably capture pollen, mold spores, and many types of household dust. Some filter brands and retailers use alternative scales, such as Home Depot's Air Filter Performance Rating System (FPR) or the MPR (on 3M Filtrete air filters).Filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher are often labeled as “allergen filters”. However, other filters with the same MERV rating should capture allergens just as well. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is a much stricter standard than MERV, but these filters tend to restrict airflow too much for most residential forced air systems.
HEPA filters are commonly used in air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. HVAC filters are usually located in a slot next to the boiler or air controller. Some air conditioning systems have filters inside the return air ducts spread over several rooms in the house. If you're not sure what size filter you need, check the existing filter (or filters) first or consult your equipment's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer. You'll often find a filter of the exact size in stock at a hardware store, but sometimes you'll have to order it online. When selecting a 16x25x1 filter, it's essential to pick one with the right MERV rating for your air conditioning system.
3M's 3-in-1 filter technology allows maximum airflow while still capturing most particles. When HVAC filters get dirty and clogged with debris, air can't flow freely through the ducts, making your home less comfortable and eventually breaking your HVAC equipment. High-quality pleated air filters are available in several different allergen classifications to provide you with the best filtration level options to meet your air quality needs. Filtrete filters have a very sturdy frame and include a metal wire grid that keeps the filter material in place. We also control the extent to which each filter restricts air flow, using a differential pressure transducer installed in the air filter.
If you have pets, children, or allergy sufferers in your home or business, replace filters more often to maintain higher indoor air quality and keep your energy costs down.
