You can still live happily with your pets, even if you have allergies. The secret lies in installing an efficient air filtration system that works to trap pet dander and other annoying allergens. This is why we will tell you about the best furnace filters for homes with pets, so you can breathe better.
Buying and installing the right one will keep your indoor healthy and fresh. Keep on reading to find out more about the best furnace filter.
Check out our top picks.
Our Top Pick
2.
Aerostar Allergen and Pet Dander MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
3.
Filtrete MPR 1000 AC Furnace Air Filter, Micro Allergen Defense, 2-Pack
Best Value
4.
FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter with Activated Carbon
Reviews of the Best Furnace Filters for Homes with Pets
1. Nordic Pure 16x25x1 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter
If you suffer from allergies, this will be an excellent filter thanks to the antimicrobial and hypoallergenic features. It attracts indoor allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust that makes breathing harder and activates symptoms of allergy. The surface is designed to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria that affect your health negatively.
It has a decent MERV rating of 12, so it attracts airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. It can last up to 3 months, depending on the season and condition of indoor air.
With an extra-charged and pleated surface, this filter will attract various allergens from the indoor air. There are plenty of sizing options available, so you’ll want to see what size is needed for your application.
You’ll receive a pack of 6 filters, and there are other buying options available, so you can pick the most suitable one. However, this filter doesn’t remove the bad odors, which might be a useful feature, especially for allergic people.
What We Like
- MERV rating of 12 to remove airborne particles.
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial surface.
- Electrically-charged surface to attract airborne allergens.
- Different buying options available.
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t remove bad odors.
Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter
2. Aerostar Allergen and Pet Dander MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
This electrostatic pleated filter attracts the allergens like pet dander, lint, pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. It effectively traps them to prevent the symptoms of allergy and asthma. It has a MERV rating of 11, and its nominal size is 12x24x1 inches.
Thanks to its high performance, you can enjoy fresh air in the house for up to 90 days without having to change the filter. In some cases, you might have to replace it sooner, especially if there are multiple pets in the house or the air is loaded with airborne allergens. Nevertheless, this won’t be a problem because it comes in an affordable pack of 6 filters.
There is a little difference between the nominal and actual size, so you might need to use foam to seal it in place. The filter can be challenging to remove.
What We Like
- Affordable pack of 6 pleated filters.
- Electrostatic filter attracts allergens and pet dander.
- It can last up to 90 days.
- It has a good MERV rating given its price.
What We Don’t Like
- You might need to use foam to seal it properly.
- Removing the filter isn’t easy.
Aerostar Allergen and Pet Dander MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
3. Filtrete MPR 1000 20x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter
With the exclusive 3-in-1 filtering technology, this filter will trap airborne particles like pet dander to let clean air flow through. It has an MPR rating of 1000, which is equivalent to a MERV rating of 11.
This washable 1-inch filter lasts for up to 3 months. The 4 and 5-inch filters can last up to 12 months without having to be changed. It’s easy to install and measures 20x25x1 inches.
However, compared to other filters, this one is quite expensive as you will receive a pack of 2. You should be careful while installing it as it might easily break.
What We Like
- Exclusive 3-in-1 filtering technology.
- The washable filter with a good MERV rating.
- It lasts for a long time.
- Easy to install.
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other filters.
- It can be broken while it’s being installed.
Filtrete MPR 1000 20x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter, Micro Allergen Defense, 2-Pack
4. FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter with Activated Carbon
You’ll receive 6 filters to improve the quality of the air inside your house. Each one has a MERV rating of 8 to catch pet dander and other allergens that can make you feel sick and affect the efficiency of the blower fan.
There are several sizes available, so you can pick the right one that fits perfectly into your furnace. The filter is designed to last for up to 3 months, so a single pack will last more than a year.
In addition to trapping pet dander, hair, dust mites, and pollen, the activated carbon reduces bad odors, so you can enjoy the fresh air. It’s efficient enough to catch up to 90% of the airborne allergens in your house.
The filter might be too dense, so you will have to adjust the thermostat settings accordingly. Moreover, this might affect the strength of the airflow inside your house.
What We Like
- A pack of 6 filters.
- Various sizes are available.
- Activated carbon to reduce bad odors.
- Traps allergens with a MERV rating of 8.
What We Don’t Like
- You’ll need to adjust the thermostat setting.
- It might affect the airflow because it’s too dense.
FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter with Activated Carbon
5. AIRx ALLERGY 20x25x1 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
This filter is designed to trap pet dander, mold, dust, and lint with an actual size of 19.5 x 24.5 x .75 inches. It has more pleats than other filters, which means that it’s more potent at catching and trapping airborne particles. It comes in a pack of 6.
You won’t struggle to install this filter. It’s made of high-quality materials that last for long. It lasts for about 3 months but usually has to be changed sooner if you have multiple pets in the house.
The increased number of pleats will also improve the airflow inside your house. It’s smaller than standard filters. It also doesn’t last as long because more pleats will attract more debris.
What We Like
- Pleated filter to trap airborne particles like pet dander and germs.
- It comes in a pack of 6 filters.
- Easy to install.
- Traps more allergens than other filters.
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t last as much as other filters.
- Smaller than standard filters.
AIRx ALLERGY 20x25x1 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
What is a Furnace Filter?
A furnace filter is just like an air filter used whether you have a central heat and air conditioning system, a separate AC, or an HVAC system and a separate furnace for heating. The air will flow from the air handler to cool your house in the summer or warm it in the winter. It’s crucial to make sure that there is nothing that would obstruct the smooth flow of air, as this will put extra pressure on the unit, eventually damaging it.
A furnace works by forcing the air inside through return ducts. It heats the air until it reaches the desired setting on your thermostat, and then releases it through a series of pipes into different rooms with the help of a blower fan.
The furnace filter protects the blower fan from dust, pet dander, hair, and other particles that can make the fan work slowly. It also prevents the contaminants from being circulated inside the house. A good filter is a must-have for people who suffer from asthma and allergies, especially if they have pets inside the house.
Why Should You Use a Furnace Filter?
A lot of people think that furnace filters aren’t that necessary. Here are a few reasons why you should think about buying on.
- This filter keeps the air clean all the time. It removes dander, hair, dust, mold, and bacteria to guarantee that the indoor air in your house is always fresh and clean.
- It prevents various particles from getting trapped inside the ducts and on the blower fan. This will guarantee that the blower fan will work as efficiently as it should be.
- It can reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergy. If you’re allergic to pet dander, you will immediately notice the difference once you install a good furnace filter.
- Replacing the furnace filter guarantees that germs and bacteria won’t grow in your furnace and then fill the rooms in your house, allowing you to breathe better. This will reduce the risk of allergy symptoms and other health issues like eye infections, coughing, wheezing, and eczema.
Different Types of Furnace Filters
Various types of furnace filters work for different purposes.
Flat-Panel Fiberglass Filter
This affordable filter usually has a MERV rating from 1 to 4. It’s made of several layers of fiberglass placed on top of each other. It doesn’t clean the air, but it prevents the particles and allergens from finding their way to the blower fan.
Pleated Filter
A moderate filter will have a MERV rating between 5 and 13, while a high-efficiency one will have a rating between 13 and 15. It’s quite affordable, but very fine particles might still find their way through.
HEPA Filter
This will usually have a MERV rating between 17 and 20. It’s incredibly efficient at trapping up to 99.97% of the pet dander and other allergens. Nevertheless, refitting it can be expensive, although it’s one of the best options to buy for a house with pets.
Washable Filter
This is an affordable option that has a MERV rating between 1 and 4; however, some models can have a higher MERV rating. It lasts longer than other disposable filters but should be completely dry to prevent the growth of bacteria. These washable filters are electrostatic, attracting the particles from the air.
How to Choose the Best Furnace Filter for Homes with Pets
Here are a few things to think about before buying a filter.
MERV Rating
This refers to the minimum efficiency reporting value of the filter. A higher rating means that the filter can detect and trap smaller particles. The lowest rating is 1 while the highest one is 20. Filters with high ratings are more expensive.
Generally speaking, to get rid of pet dander and hair, a recommended MERV should be above 7. A higher MERV can also detect bacteria and germs.
Filter Size
You must make sure that the filter you’re buying fits properly into the furnace outlet; otherwise, it will be useless. You should also think about the thickness of the filter.
There’s a difference between the nominal and actual size of the filter. To make sure that the filter is right, you should measure the outlet and make sure that the filter fits snuggly. In some cases, you might need to use foam to seal it in place.
Filter Type
Since there are several types of filters available, you need to compare the initial cost versus efficiency and the cost of maintenance. Every type of filter comes with different pros and cons, so you should think about them before deciding on a specific kind.
Replacing your Filter
You need to think about how easy and how frequently you need to replace your filter. A good filter should be easy to install and remove for cleaning and replacement. Some filters are designed to last longer, so they’re good value for money.
A high MERV rating means that the filter will trap more particles. This means that it should be replaced more often. To guarantee that your reusable filter will last for long, you should follow the right cleaning instructions.
Wrap Up
Having a pet in the house doesn’t mean that you have to sneeze and cough all the time, especially if you’re allergic. The right furnace filter will improve the quality of the air inside your house and guarantee that your furnace is working efficiently.
We chose the Nordic Pure 16x25x1 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter as our top pick because it’s designed to trap pet dander and other airborne allergens. It features a unique surface with hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and germs. Moreover, there are other options on the list that you can take a look at to make sure that you’re breathing fresh air all the time.
Nordic Pure 16x25x1 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter, Box of 6
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