--- title: "This is Our Top Pick When Choosing an Air Filter for Your Home’s Furnace or AC" description: "When choosing the best air filter for your home furnace or AC unit, it's important to know what to look for. Here is our top recommendation." date: "2024-10-03" modified: "2024-10-03" authors: - name: "Timothy Dale" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-air-filters-for-furnace-and-home-ac/" categories: - "DIY" - "Heating" - "Heating & Cooling" - "HVAC" - "Interior" - "Major Systems" - "Repair & Maintenance" - "Reviews" tags: - "ac & cooling" - "choose" - "Commerce" - "DIY" - "heating" - "maintenance" - "MPR" --- # This is Our Top Pick When Choosing an Air Filter for Your Home’s Furnace or AC ![The Best Air Filters for Furnace and Home AC Options]() *Photo: Amazon* Air filters for furnace and home AC are designed to trap dust, dirt, bacteria, and other small particles. Depending on the MERV rating of the house air filter (which measures how well a filter removes particles), it may even be able to trap viruses and other microscopic debris. By removing contaminants from the air, the furnace filtration system improves indoor air quality and protects the internal components of the furnace and AC from the pollutants the return duct takes in. Furnace and air conditioner filter replacement is essential for the ongoing health of the HVAC system. Our top choice is the [Simply Filters 14x25x1 MERV 11 Air Filter,]() which is designed to trap dust, mold, pet dander, pollen, and even auto exhaust. Additionally, this replaceable air filter has a pleated and electrostatic construction for trapping contaminants, and it works with most furnace and AC brands. Use this guide to learn more about air filter replacement and discover our selection of the best air filters for furnace and home AC. Available in a range of sizes, this pack of six disposable air filters by Simply Filters is our top choice. Each air filter has a pleated and electrostatic design that attracts and traps dust and debris as small as 1 micron. The MERV 11 rating indicates that the air filter is effective against pollen, dust mites, mold, dust, pet dander, auto exhaust, and small allergens, though it does not filter ultrafine particles such as tobacco smoke, bacteria, or viruses. The high pleat count improves capture coverage while optimizing airflow and air filtration efficiency for up to 3 months before the filter needs to be replaced. When it’s time to replace the air filter, refer to the airflow arrows on the filter frame to ensure it’s installed correctly. For best results, it’s recommended to use this air filter in conjunction with an air purifier or other allergen-reducing measures. **Get the Simply Filters air filters for furnace and home AC at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**Walmart**]()**, or** [**Simply Filters**]()**.** ## More Air Filters for Furnace and Home AC That Are Worth Your Money Choose one of the [best furnace and AC air filters]() for home use from the products listed below to protect the HVAC system and improve indoor air quality. - **Filtrete 16x25x4 MERV 12 Air Filter**, available at [Amazon](), [Lowe’s](), or [Walmart](). - **BestAir 16x25x4 MERV 11 Air Filter**, available at [Amazon](), [The Home Depot](), or [Walmart](). - **Aerostar 16x25x1 MERV 13 Air Filter**, available at [Amazon](), [Walmart](), or [Target](). - **Filtrete 20x25x1 MERV 12 Air Filter**, available at [Amazon](). - **Nordic Pure 20x25x4 MERV 12 Air Filters**, available at [Amazon](), [The Home Depot](), or [Nordic Pure](). - **Filterbuy 20x20x1 MERV 8 Air Filter**, available at [Amazon](), [Walmart](), or [Filterbuy](). ## What to Consider When Choosing an Air Filter for Furnace and Home AC Furnace and air conditioner filters are integral to the ongoing operation of the HVAC system, so it’s important to find out [what you might not know about HVAC air filters](). Learning more about air filters for furnace filtration can help you determine what to look for when choosing a furnace filter’s replacement, including the type of air filter and MERV rating, as well as furnace and air conditioner filter sizes. ### Types of Air Filters for Furnace and Home AC Before picking up the first air filter you find, it’s a good idea to determine which type of air filter is best for the home and existing HVAC system. Even the [best HVAC brands]() typically offer a variety of air filter options to choose from, so it’s recommended to learn more about home air conditioner filters, including washable, disposable, fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic, and polyester air filters. - **Washable air filters** can last for years before needing to be replaced, though you will still need to remove and wash the reusable air filter about once every 3 months to prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from clogging the filter. - **Disposable air filters** typically need to be replaced every 3 months, though filters in some homes may last longer than others depending on the number of people, number of pets, and how frequently the home is used. Some homeowners choose to invest in one of the [best air filter subscriptions]() to ensure the HVAC air filter is replaced on schedule. - **Fiberglass air filters** are a suitable option for rental properties or vacation homes that are not used very often. While fiberglass filters are inexpensive, they typically have a MERV rating of only 2 or 3, meaning they have little to no effect on air quality. - **Pleated air filters** are made from polyester or cotton paper and are available as washable or disposable, depending on your needs. These air filters can range in efficiency from a MERV rating of 6 to 16, so it’s important to pay attention to the differences between specific products. - **Electrostatic air filters** are also available as either disposable or washable. These are good AC filters that use a self-charging electrostatic cotton or paper fiber to trap dust, hair, and other small particles. You can expect most electrostatic air filters to have a MERV rating between 8 and 10. - **Polyester air filters** are usually reusable, allowing you to keep the same air filter for years before needing a replacement. However, these air filters generally have a MERV rating of only 8 or 9, though this may be a suitable filter efficiency level depending on the home. ### MERV Rating Even the [best energy-efficient air conditioners]() will suffer if they are not equipped with an appropriate air filter. Deciding on the right air filter can be difficult, though, without understanding the terms used to measure the filtration quality and efficiency. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, which is a number assigned to a product based on its density and filtration capabilities. Andrew Hulsebos, service director for [Reiner Group](), a heating and air conditioning company in northern New Jersey, says that the MERV rating system ranges from 1 to 20, and that higher numbers indicate a higher level of filtration. “For residential use, air filters are typically rated between MERV 5 to 13.” Higher-efficiency filters are mainly used in commercial settings or health facilities that are equipped with powerful HVAC systems that are capable of drawing the air through the dense filters. ### Filter Size Furnace and AC air filters are available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses, so it’s necessary to check the HVAC system operating manual to determine the right size for your system. Generally, if the filter needs to be bent, jammed, or otherwise forced into position, it’s too big. Similarly, the air filter may be too small if it doesn’t come within an inch of all four corners of the air handler slot or frame. The easiest way to determine the right size air filter for the home is to check the existing air filter. The measurements are usually listed on the frame of the filter, making it easy to find the size. Alternatively, you can measure the existing air filter with a tape measure, or even measure the air intake slot to find out the appropriate size air filter for the HVAC system. ## FAQs Homeowners will want to stay on top of a range of maintenance tasks to keep the home functional and comfortable, but knowing exactly what needs to be done isn’t always obvious. Before purchasing replacement air filters for furnaces and home AC, it’s worth checking out the answers below to some of the most frequently asked questions about HVAC air filters. ## Author Timothy Dale is a home improvement writer who has been in the industry for several years. In his work for BobVila.com, he has written a number of how-to articles related to yard maintenance, vehicle repair, and home renovation, not to mention a wide variety of buying guides and articles on DIY projects. He always ensures readers get the information they need to tackle their next project. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [Twitter]()