VIDEO: What HVAC Filter Should I Use?

If you’re a first-time homeowner, chances are, it’s gonna be the first time you’ve ever changed your HVAC filter, too. Or, maybe you’ve moved to a new home with a different type of furnace or HVAC unit than you had before. In either case, you’re gonna need to know which size, type and rating of filter you need for your home’s HVAC system.

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Watch our air filter buying guide video below for everything you need to know about how to choose the best HVAC filter for your home heating and cooling system. In the video, we’ll cover the following topics: how to choose an HVAC filter, what MERV rating you need, the best air filter for allergies, the difference between HEPA and MERV filters, how often you should change your HVAC filter, the best furnace filter for pet owners, best air filter for dust removal, air quality improvement, HVAC maintenance tips, energy-efficient air filters and more.

First, figure out what size furnace filter you need. Getting the right-size air filter size is essential for efficiency. If the filter is too large, it won't fit into the slot in your unit’s opening. Too small, and it won't catch all the debris and air impurities it’s supposed to be filtering out.

You’ll need to measure the length, width and thickness, typically denoted, for example, like this: 20x25x1. You’ll likely find the filter measurement printed somewhere on the frame of the furnace filter you’re replacing. Standard filters are 1 to 2 inches thick, but you can find thicker options that are 3 to 6 inches deep. But not all HVAC systems can handle the thicker filters, so google your unit’s manufacturer and model or check the manual if you have it. As a rule of thumb, if the filter fits snugly in your furnace’s opening, that’s a good start.

Now determine what MERV rating is best for your unit and household. MERV, or the minimum efficiency reporting value, assigns a rating to how well a filter removes particles on a scale from 1 to 16. The higher the number, the better a product filters your indoor air. But that doesn’t mean you should just get a filter with a MERV rating of 16, because the higher the filtration capacity, the harder your system has to work to push air through — reducing energy efficiency and shortening the life of your HVAC unit. Generally speaking, a filter with a MERV rating of at least 13 is recommended, provided your system can handle it. Again, check your manual.

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And, finally, consider the type of material your filter is made of. Filter material types include fiberglass, cotton, polyester, electrostatic, polypropylene, HEPA and others. Fiberglass ones are the cheapest but also typically the least effective. Electrostatic filters use static electricity to attract contaminants. Washable filters can be reused but are typically less efficient than disposable ones. And HEPA filters remove 99.97% of all particulate matter from the air but are more expensive, highly restrictive of airflow and, broadly speaking, unnecessary in the average household.

The most common types are pleated cotton or polyester filters, which are affordable and effective in trapping crud in their folds. That’s the type you’ll probably want to get, depending, of course, on your needs and preferences.

Now that you’ve filtered through your options, be sure to make note of the size, material and rating of filter you select — because you’re gonna need to do this three months from now … and three months from then … and three months from … well, you get it.