Quick Summary: When looking for the best furnace filters, you want one that is universal so it can replace many other filter types. We selected the Lennox X6670 MERV 11 Box Replacement Filter. This is a Lennox filter, but it can also be used for Honeywell and Carrier air cleaners. Filters are measured by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV rating).
Air pollution is rampantly becoming a danger to the existence of creation. The figures shockingly keep on increasing day by day showing that humanity is in a severe crisis and might continue to be like this in the future as well.
Even a person’s own home-the personal space of refuge is now polluted and according to some studies, indoor air quality is worse. Positive steps are being taken through modern technology to fight away this severe problem and one of the most impactful devices for this is a furnace filter.
Furnace filters can be termed as a “background item” which means that even though it is not apparent all the time, still it adds quality to the overall environment of our house. The main function of a furnace filter is to purify the air within closed spaces.
It is a proven fact that the air surrounding us is filled with countless minuscule particles, viruses, bacteria, and whatnot-this all can only be removed through the best furnace filters.
Moreover, these filters also reduce that repugnant odor that is created in living spaces because of moisture and humidity so that residents can enjoy fresher and cleaner air.
That’s why we’ve gathered the top rated furnace filters and prepared more in depth reviews of the best furnace filters the market offers so that you can decide more easily.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Furnace Filters
- Reviews of 10 Top Furnace Filters
- How to Choose the Best Furnace Filters
- Furnace Filter vs Air Filter
Reviews of 10 Top Furnace Filters
To find the best furnace filters, we closely examined the reviews and ratings from consumers and experts. From all the different furnace filters we looked at, these 10 stand out as the best based on their quality, availability, and price.
Best Overall
1. Lennox X6670 MERV 11 Box Replacement Filter
What You Will Love: The Lennox X6670 MERV 11 Box Replacement Filter is a universal filter as it fits many models.
This Lennox X6670 is a MERV 11 filter. It is a genuine Lennox replacement filter. It also replaces Honeywell filters. This Lennox filter give 98 percent filtration efficiency.
It captures 0.3 sized microns before the muck up your coils. This is an alternative to the 1 inch filters. It is high efficiency and it has a larger capacity to hold more dust.
The dimensions of the filter are 16 inches high x 25 inches long x 5 inches wide. The actual size of the filter is 15.65 inches x 24.65 inches x 4.31 inches.
There is no limit to the filters this one can replace. It replaces the Lennox x6670 healthy climate hcf16
It will also fit the Lennox air cleaner models HCC16-28, HCXF16-16, HCF16-16, and HCF16-10. It fits Carrier air cleaner models EZXCAB016, FILCABCC0016, MPKA0016, MACPAK, MPKA, and MAC.
It also fits Honeywell air cleaner models F25A1043, F25F1042, F35F1008, F100F1012, and F150E1026. It will also fit any cleaner that accepts filter size 16 inches x 25 inches x 5 inches.
It can replace Honeywell filter models FC35A1001, FC100A1029, and FC200E1029.
Pros:
- It is a universal type of filter that replaces many other filters
Cons:
- Some reviews report that this filter is not 5 inches thick
Best Budget
2. Honeywell FC100A1037 Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaning Filter
What You Will Love: The Honeywell FC100A1037 Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaning Filter is one of the most efficient filters you can buy.
This Honeywell FC100A1037 Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaning Filter is one of the cheap furnace filters you can buy. It is made from polypropylene.
This filter is 20 inches x 25 inches x 4.5 inches. The actual size of the filter is 19 15/16 inches x 24 7/8 inches x 4 3/8 inches.
This replacement filter has a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 11. MERV ratings are how an air filter is rated for its overall effectiveness.
The higher the MERV number is, the more effective the filter. For in-home use, you will get the best use from a MERV ratings of 5 to 12.
This filter can be used with Honeywell Air Filter models 20X25, 25X20, 25X22 F100 and F200, and Space-Gard 2200.
Honeywell air filters are among the best furnace filters because they are the more effective than most standard filters made of 1 inch fiberglass.
Honeywell air filters help to rid your home of dust and allergens that contaminate your home and can contribute to poor health.
Honeywell filters have been known to last up to a year. You can install the filter easily. This filter does not add noise to your system.
Pros:
- Ultra efficient
- Honeywell is a company with a great reputation
- Filters will last up to one year
Cons:
- Many reviews state that the item shipped does not look like the item in the picture
Best Furnace Filters for Allergies
3. Filtrete 14x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1000, Micro Allergen Defence
What You Will Love: The Filtrete MPR 1000 Micro Allergen Defence is perfect for those who suffer from allergies.
The Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter MPR 1000 is 3m furnace filters. It protects your home and you by reducing the
It holds on to all the particles in the air that typically set off allergies such as dust, mold spores, pollen, smoke, and pet dander.
These filters work by attracting and capturing particles in the air that you can’t see with its electrostatic charge.
Adding these filters to your heating and cooling system allows you to turn it into an air cleaner for your entire house.
These filters will last about three months. The dimensions of these filters are 20.3 inches x 14.8 inches x 6.4 inches.
One thing to keep in mind is these filters are not individually wrapped. If you buy a set of two or more, you will need to store the other filters somewhere that they will not get dirty.
These filters are easy to install with clear instructions on the package.
Pros:
- Manufactured by 3M
- Filters dust, mold spores, pollen, smoke, and pet dander
- Adding this filter to your HVAC system turns it into a house air cleaner
Cons:
- The filters are not individually wrapped
Best Furnace Filters for Pets
4. FilterBuy 20x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter
What You Will Love: The FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter comes direct from the factory allowing it to be cheaper to purchase.
The FilterBuy 20 x 20 x 1 MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter is the best discount furnace filters you can find.
These filters are made in the US with 100 percent American made components. Buying directly from FilterBuy allows you to save. FilterBuy is a family owned business that has been operating in Alabama since 1958.
These filters will last three months. They can be used in commercial and residential spaces. They are AFB Silver MERV 8 pleated air filters.
They are comparable with MPR 300 and MPR 600. The Filter Buy filters will trap 90 percent of particles in the air like pollen, lint, pet dander, and dust.
These filters frames are made from beverage board. This allows them to hold up against humidity and temperatures as high as 200 degrees.
The filters have 12 pleats per foot which gives the filter a larger surface area to trap the contaminants in the air.
One thing to keep in mind is that the filter size listed in rounded up. To make sure you select the correct filter, you should measure the opening of your furnace and round up.
Pros:
- Will last three months
- Filters dust, mold spores, pollen, smoke, and pet dander
- Factory direct purchasing to save money
Cons:
- Reviews state that the filters are not the size they claim to be
Best Furnace Filters Mold
5. 20x22x1 MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters
What You Will Love: The MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters are rust proof and water repellent.
The MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters by Filters Delivered can efficiently improve the quality of the air in your home.
They are 20 inches x 22 inches x 1 inch, with the actual size being 19-1/2 inches x 21 7/8 inches x 7/8 inches. They are sold as a six pack.
These filters protect the air in home from particles like lint, dust, pollen, dust mites, and mold. Filters Delivered recommends that you change your filters every three months.
Not only will changing your filters regularly keep the air quality at its peak, but it will reduce your energy costs because your HVAC system will run more efficiently.
They are made in the US. The filters are 100 percent synthetic which helps protect it from moisture and damage. The frame is two pieces which provides double walled thickness on the outside.
It is resistant to rust and water. It also has coats of high strength adhesive to help protect the filter frame.
Pros:
- Made in the US
- 100 percent water repellent frame
Cons:
- Some reviews state this filter is not the size as advertised
Best Furnace Filters For Cigarette Smoke
6. Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1200, Allergen Defense Odor Reduction
What You Will Love: The Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter MPR 1200 has a unique layer of active carbon to help reduce odors.
The Filtrete MPR 1200 AC Furnace Air Filter is about 25 times more effective than other national air filters at removing odors from the home.
These filters have an active carbon layer that helps eliminate smells like smoke, pets, mildew, and even cooking.
This is one of 3M furnace filters that has exclusive technology to trap particles in the air to let clean air through.
The Filtrete 1200 has a Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) that is equivalent to a MERV 11. The 3M carbon technology blends activated carbon and fibers that are electrostatically charged.
Activated carbon has tiny pores that can trap odor and gas. This lessens the odors in your home from pets, smoke, chemicals, and mildew.
Your filters should be changed every three months. If your filter gets too dirty, it will prevent air from flowing through it and your HVAC system has to work harder.
This is less efficient and will cause your energy bills to increase. This filter should be used only in residential homes.
Pros:
- Uses activated carbon to help remove odors
- The MPR is equal to MERV 11
Cons:
- Some reviews state that the carbon is clumped on the filter and flakes off of it
Best Mobile Home Furnace Filters
7. 19x36x.25 Mobile Home Furnace Filter
What You Will Love: The 19 x 36 x .25 Mobile Home Furnace Filter is the best filter for a mobile home furnace.
This filter is intended specifically for a mobile home furnace. It is made of foam. It is 19 inches wide x 36 inches long x 1/4 inch thick.
It is intended for use in a Coleman Presidential II furnace too. You need to use the retainers which are built in to mount it. This filter can be washed and lasts a long time.
This is an inexpensive filter but if you do not get the right size filter, it will not fit your furnace. Be sure that you have the right size filter for your furnace.
If you do not have the right size you might have to cut the filter or force the filter in the furnace to make it fit.
Pros:
- Washable
- Long lasting
Cons:
- You might have to cut it
Best for High Merv Rating
8. AIRx HEALTH 20x25x1 MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter
What You Will Love: Airx pleated air filter is one of the finest products and generates germ-free and dust-free air. Made with double-wall beverage board along with 30 gauge galvanized metal grid-this filter works efficiently to create a healthy atmosphere for you and your loved ones.
Let the air you breathe be cleaner and healthier with Airx Pleated Air Filter.
Precise Function
No dust or particle can escape these filters. Particles of the smallest size ranging from 1.0-3.0 micron can be easily processed out by these filters. Therefore, the air produced from these filters is pure and clean from irritants, smog, bacteria, and viruses.
Non-stop clean air production
These filters function using electrostatically charged 100% synthetic gradient media which cleans the air completely and also ensures that the airflow is not stopped during the process.
Design
Contrary to other filters, this one is designed with an extra thickness of 3-5 inches. Due to this feature, these filters fit easily and conveniently in every HVAC system.
Pros:
- Filters out the smallest particles
- Designed with the extra thickness of 3-5 inches
- Has a MERV rating of 13
Cons:
- Not budget-friendly
Best for Optimal Performance
9. Filtrete 16x25x4, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1000
What You Will Love: This high-quality furnace filter makes your house cooler or warmer quickly with cleaner air. Its 11 MERV rating is a testament to its quick and efficient service. These filters are perfect to use in a furnace, air conditioner, and also HVAC system.
Filtrete furnace air filter will enhance the overall ambiance of any living area by cleaning the air from germs and dust particles.
Advanced System
This ultra-advanced filter system works with exclusive 3 in 1 technology which essentially traps every dust particle and germ in the air and then cleans it out. By adding these filters to your furnace or air conditioner-you will get purified air instantly.
High ranging MPR
These filters work extra fast with a 1000MPR. This high MRP rating helps in capturing micro-particles which usually other filters are unable to detect. Hence, by the end, you are inhaling air that is free from lint, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and smog.
Easy To Install
The heavy-duty structure of these filters makes it an easy device to install and place in any cooling or heating system.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Filters dust, mold spores, pollen, smoke, and pet dander
- Works with 1000 MPR
- Filters out micro-particles
Cons:
- Difficult to remove
Best for Heavy Duty
10. Nordic Pure 20x25x5 MERV 12 Pleated Honeywell Replacement AC Furnace Air Filters 2 Pack
What You Will Love: Nordic Pure furnace filters will clear out any and every dust particle from the air for you. This filter not only creates a cleaner environment for you, rather it keeps the environment clean because of its eco-friendly structure.
You don’t have to put up with impure, sickening air anymore. By installing Nordic’s furnace filter you will be able to experience instant improvement in your lifestyle.
Eco-Friendly Design
Nordic’s special furnace filters are framed with the help of recycled beverage board paper. This quality makes these filters beneficial and safe for preserving nature and the environment.
High-Function
This filter is electrostatically charged which means that it attracts every single unwanted air particle and removes it thoroughly from the air. Similarly, it ensures that no bacteria or mold grows in the system and timely detects airborne particles.
Additional Benefit
These filters work wonders for pet owners as it also filters out pet dander. Pet dander is one such factor that further pollutes the air around you but with Nordic’s furnace filter it is no more a worry.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Filters dust, mold spores, pollen, smoke, and pet dander
- The filter is electrostatically charged
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Poor packaging
How to Choose the Best Furnace Filters?
When looking for the best furnace filter, there are some specific qualities that you should look for in the furnace filter that you would like to purchase.
You want a furnace filer that will remove the most particles from the air in your home. You want a filter that is universal, so it can fit in multiple HVAC units. You want one that gives you maximum value for the price.
How a furnace filter is made?
It is important to understand how the filter you purchase is made. It is also important to understand
Others are made from
It is important to understand how the filter you purchase is made. It is also important to understand
Others are made from
Which is better, a disposable or permanent furnace filter?
One of the benefits of a permanent filter is that it can be washed and cleaned and last much longer. They do, however, need to be cleaned and maintained on a monthly basis. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before they can be used again.
Disposable filters are just that, disposable. There is no cleaning them. You just throw them away. Permanent filters are better at capturing large particles like dust. It may not capture pet dander, bacteria, or smoke very well.
They typically have a MERV rating of 1 to 4. Disposable filters are more effective in capturing small particles like pet dander, allergens, and smoke. They usually have a MERV ratings up to 16.
Permanent filters are typically expensive because they last for years. Disposable filters are much less expensive.
MERV Rating: Should I choose the highest MERV rating available?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This determines how effective the air filter is going to be in your home. The higher the MERV rating number is, the more effective the filter.
For residential use, you should use a filter with a MERV between 5 and 12. So, typically yes, you want to choose a filter with a higher MERV rating.
MPR Rating
Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) is something that was developed and used only by 3M for 3M and Filtrete products. Their products are the only ones that will have
The way the MPR works is it is used to determine
The higher the MPR, the more particles that will be captured by the filter before they go into the air. So, the higher the number, the better the filter works.
Filter Sizes
Filters for the furnace are sized by width, length, and thickness. They are measured in inches. It is important that you verify that you are purchasing the right filter size.
Otherwise, the filter will not fit in your furnace and will not function properly. Often, the owner’s manual for the furnace will say what size filter you need.
There are common standard filter sizes and they are typically written as 10 x 20, 12 x 12, or 18 x 20, just to name a few. If you cannot find the size of your filter, you can measure your existing one.
All you have to do is measure the length and width, then measure the thickness from the back to the front.
Thickness
The typical thickness of a filter is usually anywhere from one inch to six inches. Most HVAC systems use a filter that is one inch thick. Many systems will take a filter up to six inches of thickness.
Usually, the thicker the filter, the longer it will last. It should also be more efficient. However, your system will be the determining factor in how think of a filter you should use.
Main Features
The purpose of a filter for your furnace is to protect the blower fan from being attacked by dust and junk from the return duct. It removes those
It helps the HVAC system do its job effectively and efficiently. This helps it run longer.
It also helps to keep your energy bill lower because the system does not have to work as hard when it is not gunked up by the particles in the air.
Furnace Filter vs Air Filter: Is The Furnace Air Filter The Same As The Air Filter?
The short answer is yes, they are the same filter. It does not matter if your house has central air and heating, or if your home has
If you have separate systems, the cooling system is usually HVAC or AC and the heating system is a furnace. They all usually share the same air handler.
The air handler is where the filter sits. Air goes through the air handler regardless if you are heating your house in the winter, or cooling it in the summer. It is important that you replace your filter regularly.
If your filter is dirty or old, it can prevent the air from flowing through the air handler.
This causes strain on your heating and AC unit, which makes it less efficient. It can cause long term damage to the unit, which will cost you in the long run.
If you have a heat pump, which is common in areas that only need minimal heating and cooling, the same compressor and air handler are used, so they use the same filter.
Often, furnace filters are referred to as whole house air filters, because they remove particles before the air flows through into your house.
While a furnace filter and an air filter are essentially the same filter, there are different filters from which you can choose.
There are disposable filters. These tend to be less expensive, since you replace them often. These filters should be replaced every three months. They use a flat fiberglass, or polyester mesh to remove tiny particles from the air.
Their primary job is to protect your HVAC system from gunk coming into it from the air. They trap the particles from the air before it flows through the HVAC system. They usually have a MERV rating of one to four.
There are reusable filters. These are also made out of flat fiberglass, or polyester mesh and they remove tiny particles from the air. These filters, however, are washed and reused.
These filters must be maintained regularly, otherwise they will damage the HVAC unit. They should be washed and thoroughly dried once a month. These filters will last several years.
Their initial cost is fairly expensive, especially when compared to the cost of a disposable filter.
However, since you are only replacing them one every several years, you end up spending less money on reusable filters. They also have a MERV rating of anywhere between a one to four.
Another option is pleated filters. Pleated filters are made from large fiberglass pieces, polyester, or other materials that are synthetic.
This material is folded into pleats to increase the surface area and capture more contaminants from the air.
These filters usually have a MERV rating of anywhere between 5 to 13. They also remove about 45 percent of the particles from the air you are breathing.
There are higher efficiency versions of pleated filters and they have a MERV rating as high as 16. They remove 85 percent of the contaminants from the air.
These filters may be too big and might not fit into your particular unit. These filters are typically affordable, work with a majority of the systems and provide amazing results in improving your air quality over other disposable and reusable filters.
Another type of filter is an Electrostatic filters. These filters have an electric charge which attracts air particles as the move through the filter.
They tend to perform better than most disposable and basic pleated filters. They often have a MERV as high as 15. However, please note, they may not be able to be used in all HVAC systems.
HEPA Filters are one more type of filter to consider. These filters have the highest MERV rating, coming in anywhere between a 17 to 20.
They are highly efficient at removing particles from the air. They have a 99.7 percent effectiveness at removing contaminants from your air.
They also require a large amount of force and pressure to get the air to flow through the HEPA filter. As a result, they cannot be used in many HVAC systems.
There are some HVAC systems that were not designed to handle HEPA filters. HEPA filters are also incredibly more expensive the many other types of filters.
