Furnace Air Filters Reviews – Setting It Straight

Most people are confused by the terminology of furnace air filters and air conditioning air filters. What is the difference if there is any? Well, the truth is both are referring to the same thing. It all depends on where you are living. Sometimes furnace can also be referred to your heating devices. Basically, furnace and air conditioning air filters are used to trap air borne particles and allergens. If you have step into Lowes or Homedepot recently, you will find that there are endless aisles of air filtering options for you to choose from. Not to mention, the Internet also has a variety of furnace air filters that are up for sale. Aside from that, consumers tend to be misled by countless of information regarding air filters that may be true or false. Therefore, this article will help to set a few facts straight in regards to furnace air filters.

Furnace air filters: Myth debunked

Are you receiving endless supply of advices from different people concerning your furnace air filters? More often than not, these good intention advices serve more harm than good. Well, below are a few facts that every home owner should know.

• Furnace air filters need to be changed once a month: If you are using disposable air filters, then, the answer is true. You are required to change the air filters every month. By changing your air filters frequently, you will increase the filters’ effectiveness in trapping particles and allergens. This is crucial if somebody in your family have allergies and asthma. However, just by changing your air filters every month is not sufficient to maintain the air quality in your home. You also need to service your furnace unit by a licensed contractor.

• It is always better to purchase HEPA air filters: Well, this is not necessary true all the time. Sales person may try to convince you into buying HEPA air filters since they are a lot pricier than the others. Do not follow blindly. Each type of filters has their advantages and disadvantages. The rule of the thumb is to purchase an air filter that will cater to your individual needs. Types of furnace air filters include electrostatic furnace air filters, pre-cut media air filter pads, pleated air filters, activated carbon air filters, fiberglass panel filters, electronic furnace air filters and HEPA air filters.

• Brands are the most important criteria when it comes to choosing furnace air filters: Obviously, the answer is false. It is not relevant as most furnace air filters’ brands are interchangeable. The most important aspect you need to take into consideration while choosing air filters for your furnace is the MERV rating. If you are concerned with pet dander, larger dust particles and allergens, a MERV rating of 8 is the right choice. However, if you want to trap finer particles and allergens, you should opt for a filter with a MERV rating of 12 or 14. MERV filters rating of 16 are meant for those who are smokers and these are also capable of catching airborne bacteria.

Best Three Furnace Air Filters

As mentioned in this article earlier, there is no such thing as the best furnace air filters on the market. It all boils down to your personal needs and preferences. However, some useful suggestions based on professional and other consumer reviews may be helpful. Below is a list of three most positively reviewed furnace air filters by customers.

1.  Blueair Central Furnace Filter System with MX2 Particle Charger

A great value for your money

Manufactured by one of the leading brands in furnace air filters, Blueair has come up with an air filter that will increase the efficiency of your furnace unit in trapping dust particles and allergens. It consists of a two parts filtrations system, a disposable 1 inch filter and a MX2 ionizer. This product has a MERV 8 rating. They are sold at $199.

Pros:

• Double efficiency: What makes this product so efficient is the MX2 ionizer. The combination between the 1 inch air filters with the MX2 doubles the efficiency in trapping minute particles that are smaller than 0.3 microns.

• Value for money: For the amount that you are paying, you will be getting 2 Blueair 1 inch furnace air filters with the MX2 ionizer. Each air filter can be used up to 3 months. Therefore, you are getting 6 months of filtration. Aside from that, there is also a 5 years warranty given to the MX2.

Cons:

• Filters are expensive to be replaced: If you are planning to replace the same 1 inch furnace air filters by Blueair, you may find that they are quite expensive. However, you can choose to replace furnace air filter from other brands.

2. Envirosept Electronic Furnace Filters and Air Conditioning Filters

Very easy to install

These washable furnace air filters are priced at $364. Envirosept electronic furnace air filters are capable of eliminating pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, odor and smoke.

Pros:

• Easy installation: You will only need 10 minutes and a screwdriver to install this permanent air filter into your unit. It will slide in like any disposable or air conditioning filters. Besides that, this product is also manufactured in a variety of sizes for you to pick.

• Low energy consumption: According to reviews, the electronic filter uses a minimum amount of electricity almost similar to the quantity needed for a doorbell to work.

Cons:

• Power outlet: In order for the electrostatic charge to work, you will need to plug your furnace unit in the AC power supply. This may be a challenge if your furnace unit is far away from an electrical outlet.

3. Aircleen 1500 Furnace Filters

Consumes very little power

This is a permanent air filter that uses the Electro-fibre TM media to trap dust particles and allergens that are below 1 micron. Currently, they are priced at $259.

Pros:

• Effective: The Aircleen is a revised version of Airscreen 1000. Although it is considered to belong to the electrostatic furnace air filters category, however, the Aircleen 1500 is able to compete with those HEPA filters.

• Low power consumption: It uses less than 2 watts of energy and thus, allowing you to cut cost in your electricity bill

Cons:

• Requires a power outlet: You will need to plug your furnace unit to a power outlet.

Before you buy:

Besides considering the MERV rating, there are other aspects which you will need to pay attention. First of all is the size of your furnace air filters. Always make it a habit to know the exact size of your air filters. Next, your budget is also important when it comes to choosing air filters for your furnace unit. Do not just buy on impulse. Think about the amount of money which you need to spend in order to maintain the air filters.