6 Things You Need to Know Before Buying an Air Filter for Your Home

There’s way more that goes into choosing an air filter than selecting the correct size. From lifestyle factors (think pets and cooking habits) to other air concerns, there’s a lot to consider. Here, we share what to know and look for as you shop for air filters.

1. Understanding the Different Types of Air Filters

At the most basic level, air filters protect your home’s heating and cooling system. They are a necessary element to help keep your machine running properly, and their effectiveness depends on the material, design and particle-capture rating.

Much like buying a car, make and model comes into play when buying an air filter. You’ll see descriptions like pleated, high-efficiency, electrostatic, flat, panel and fiberglass. These all refer to the fibrous material and engineering that makes up the filter’s media. You’ll also see the terms MPR or MERV, which act like grades of particle-capture ability. The higher the number, the greater number of particles your filter will capture from your air.

Most Filtrete™ Air Filters (MPR 300 and above) are pleated with media that incorporates an electric charge to trap teeny-tiny particles. These high-efficiency air filters outperform fiberglass, panel and non-electrostatic filters. The number of pleats is also something to look at: more pleats is a good thing. It means there’s more surface area to capture unwanted particles without restricting airflow.

Flat or panel filters, typically made of fiberglass, have a very low ability to capture particles of any size.

2. Tips for Choosing the Right Air Filter

Size and system requirements are a good place to start. The slot on your HVAC system will dictate the specific dimensions you need to buy. Height and width are key to know, as well as depth. 1” is a common filter depth, however, newer homes may require depths of 4”,5” or 6”.

Another consideration: whether you want a connected experience that eases the filter replacement process. If you do, Filtrete™ Smart Air Filters are the way to go. Each one is outfitted with a pressure sensor, which connects to the Filtrete™ Smart App on your mobile device via Bluetooth®. Active filter tracking is at your fingertips and you’ll be notified when it’s really time to change your filter.

3. Uncovering your Home’s Unique Air Needs

Every home is different, from the size and location of bedrooms and bathrooms to the type of heating and cooling system. So many differences can exist in one neighborhood. Air quality varies, too — think region and lifestyle factors. For example:

● Do you have pets?
● Do you have a wood-burning fireplace or love seasonal candles?
● Do you cook a lot of meals at home?
● Are you undergoing or soon to start a construction or remodeling project?
● Is air pollution prevalent near you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have reasons to explore more than a basic filter.

4. Making Sure You Get the Right Size Filter

Yes, size really does matter when it comes to air filters. Height. Width. Depth. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with what you need for your specific HVAC system. You can either look at the one that is currently in the slot for guidance, otherwise the owner’s manual should point you in the right direction.

If you’re worried you might forget what you need, let the Filtrete™ Smart App be your guide. This handy digital tool works for all Filtrete™ Filters. Simply scan the barcode on your traditional filter and start a countdown timer. You can even order right from the app! It makes replacing a breeze.

Air filters do not last forever. It’s important to change yours regularly. For 1” filters, we recommend changing it at least every 90 days. For deep pleat filters (4”, 5” or 6”), you should change it once a year.

5. Exploring the Benefits of Filtrete™️ Air Filters

We’re obviously biased about the quality of our air quality solutions, but that’s because we’ve delivered cleaner air to millions of homes for more than 30 years.

We’re proud to be an industry leader. In fact, Filtrete™ Brand is the most recommended brand* for indoor air cleaning filters on the market.

Our filters are designed with exclusive 3-in-1 technology from 3M, so they capture unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through the filter. They help protect your HVAC system and improve indoor air quality by cleaning the air as it passes through the filter.

The outcome: maximum filtration with optimal airflow in your HVAC system.

6. Finishing Touches to Make Sure your Home is Ready for Cleaner Air

Don’t let everyday activities and home concerns affect your indoor air quality. With just a few simple changes, you can ensure that your air is at its freshest all year-round.

Start by pairing quality air filtration with an efficient vacuum cleaner, humidifiers and strategically placed plants throughout your home. You’ll soon notice the difference in the air you breathe.

Remember, air filters play a crucial role in maintaining a cleaner and healthier home. Take the time to choose the right type and size, and make sure to regularly change them. This way, you can maintain cleaner air for you and your family.

*Filtrete™ Brand is the most recommended brand of HVAC Air Filters based on the U.S. Filtrete™ Brand Health Tracker, Ipsos, June 2022