When it comes to being comfortable in your home, having an air conditioning system is crucial. Without the ability to control the temperature of your living spaces, you may go crazy when the weather gets too hot and unbearable. Depending on your local climate, the effects could be much worse than you can handle.
However, while air conditioning is a pleasant side effect of modern life, you have to make sure that you maintain your system properly. While components like coolant and compressor parts are essential, what about your best air conditioner filter?
Today we want to look at the top filters as well as go over the various elements to pay attention to when buying one. Filters will help ensure that you get the most out of your air conditioning system, so don’t skimp on this critical component.
What is an Air Conditioner Filter?
Whenever you’re moving air through any type of system, it has to be clean. Unfortunately, particles like to hover in the air at all times, whether it’s dust, pollen, skin flakes, or pet dander. Over time, if these elements are not filtered out, they can dramatically affect both the performance of the system as well as the quality of the air you breathe.
Air conditioning filters are there to scrub the air clean while your system is running. Whether you’re recycling air from inside your house or drawing from the outside, it’s imperative that you remove as many particles as possible. If not, then they can clog the system and create issues with those who suffer from asthma and allergies.
In short, an air conditioning filter is a crucial component that improves quality of life and ensures that you get the best performance overall.
Top 6 Best Air Conditioner Filter – Comparison
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Image |
Product Name |
Dimensions |
Editor Rating |
Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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TOPIC Nordic Pure Pleated MERV 12 Air Filters (6 Pack) |
20 x 25 x 1 inches |
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Amazon Basics Merv 11 AC Furnace Air Filter (6 Pack) |
20 x 25 x 1 inches |
6,362 ratings | |
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Filterbuy Air Filter MERV 11 Allergen Defense (2 Pack) |
20 x 25 x 4 inches |
1,460 ratings | |
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Honeywell Home Media Air Filter MERV 11 (1 Pack) |
16 x 25 x 4 inches |
2,840 ratings | |
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20 x 25 x 4 inches |
8,619 ratings | |
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Filtrete Air Filter, MPR 300, MERV 5, Clean Living Basic Dust 3 (6 Pack) |
20 x 25 x 1 inches |
22,489 ratings | |
6 Best Air Conditioner Filters – In depth Guide
1. Nordic Pure Pleated MERV 12 Air Filters:
Overall, these are probably the most high-quality air conditioner filters we’ve seen. With a MERV rating of 12 and a multitude of sizes available, you’re sure to get everything you need from these filters. That being said, if you have a high-velocity conditioning system, you might have to switch to something less efficient.
What we like most about these filters is that they have multiple treatments. First, they are pleated to offer more surface area for trapping particles. Second, the material is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, which helps to kill mold and other allergens. Finally, the pleats are electrostatically charged to ensure that you trap as many particles as possible.
These frames are also recycled, and they’re made in the US.
Pros
- Multiple size options
- MERV rating of 12
- Pack of six will last
- Hypoallergenic material
- Antimicrobial for added safety
- Electrostatically charged to trap more
- Recycled frame is eco-friendly
- Ideal for allergens, dust, and pet dander
Cons
- May have to be changed monthly
- In rare cases, sizes may be incorrect
2. Amazon Basics Merv 11 AC Furnace Air Filter (6 Pack):
The Amazon Basics Air Filter is an economical choice that uses electrostatic-ally charged filter media to capture lint, dust mite debris, and household dust. You can save on furnace maintenance without cutting corners when you buy affordable but effective furnace filters. It has a MERV 11 rating for residential use, which is considered a sufficient base level when shopping for residential air filters.
However, this filter may not be effective enough if you’re specifically targeting mold spores or allergens such as pet dander and pollen. So, you should changing the filter every 90 days can reduce the amount of dust and small debris circulating through your home’s HVAC system.
The price per filter is slightly higher, given the filtration limitations. Some filters with a higher MERV rating have thicker, more tightly woven filter material to trap fine particles. But we consider it an efficient choice if you want to filter and deodorize your home’s air supply.
Pros
- Won’t place a strain on HVAC systems
- Better capture rate than non-electrostatic filter media
- A MERV 11 rating for residential use
- Captures allergens between 3-10 microns including lint, dust, and pollen
- Wire mesh support, and electrostatic-ally charged synthetic filter material
Cons
- Only meets minimum recommended MERV rating
- Needs to be replaced at least every 90 days
3. Filterbuy Air Filter MERV 11 Allergen Defense (2 Pack)
When it comes to air filtration, you want to find a filter that gives you the best performance for your system. On the one hand, you want it to trap as many particles as possible, but on the other, you have to be sure that air can flow through. Think about it like this – a piece of cardboard will remove 100% of elements from the air, but it will have 0% air flow. Nothing at all will be the flip-side of that, with 100% flow but 0% filtration.
In this case, we have a set of filters that are on the lower end of the scale. They are rated with MPR 1000 – 1200 & FPR 7, which is a proprietary ranking for 3M products. This is one of the weakest options you can find, but that doesn’t mean that they are bad filters. Instead, they are intended for high-velocity systems where a thicker screen (that traps more particles) will inhibit the air flow too much, creating problems with your air conditioner and increasing your utility bill in the process.
Key features of these filters include the fact that they’re pleated (more efficient than flat models), they are electrostatic-ally charged to trap more dust and pollen, and they last up to three months. This is a pack of six, so you won’t have to buy more for over a year, making this a smart long-term investment.
Pros
- Pleated air filters
- Multiple sizes available
- MPR rating of 1000-1200
- Electrostatically charged to trap more particles
- Works well on pollen, dust, and lint
- Lasts up to three months
- Equivalent of MERV 11 rating
- Pack of six will last over a year
- Excellent for high-velocity air conditioners
Cons
- Not as efficient as other models
- In rare cases, the filters may have thin spots that won’t trap as much
4. Honeywell Home Media Air Filter MERV 11 (1 Pack):
One issue that you may have noticed with lower-end air conditioner filters is that they tend to last only a couple of months. While it may not seem like a short period, having to replace them four times a year can be somewhat of a hassle, particularly if you forget when you last installed your filters.
If you want something that will hold up for much longer, then you will appreciate these filters by Honeywell. While they aren’t suitable for high-velocity HVAC systems, they are incredibly efficient at trapping particles, and they are rated to last up to a year. This means that you can rest worry-free after installing these filters. With a MERV rating of 11, they trap up to 96% of particles from the air, making them ideal for dust, pollen, pet hair, and mold.
Pros
- High-efficiency air filter
- MERV rating of 11
- Densely packed pleats
- Traps up to 96% of particles
- Lasts up to one year
Cons
- Sizes may not be 100% accurate
- Not designed for high-velocity air conditioners
5. BNX TruFilter MERV 13 Air Filter – MADE IN USA – Air Conditioner HVAC AC Furnace Filters (2 Pack)
Our high-quality pleated MERV 13 filter solutions are specifically designed for your home or business. BNX MERV 13 air filters are made using a special electrostatically charged filter media that can effectively remove from 3 microns to 10 microns of harmful microscopic particles in the air. They can aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues. So, BNX is proud to manufacture American made MERV 13 filters in Houston, TX.
The BNX MERV 13 filter solutions undergo synthetic electrostatic charging which outperforms standard fiberglass filters and adopts the latest in electrostatic filtration technology to allow for industry leading superior low air flow resistance while maintaining the highest grade level of filtration.
BNX’s MERV 13 filter technology focuses not only on high filtration efficiency but also air flow resistance. Low pressure drop is important because it reduces power consumption on your AC equipment.
Pros
- A MERV 13 rating allowing it to capture 98% of airborne particles without impacting air flow
- Provides optimal defense with electrostatic-ally charged filter media and superior low air flow resistance
- Fiberglass filters and adopts the latest in electrostatic filtration technology
Cons
- More expensive than similar options
6. Filtrete Air Filter, MPR 300, MERV 5, Clean Living Basic Dust 3 (6 Pack)
If you’re looking for a higher efficiency air filter that is both affordable and long-lasting, you will appreciate these models from Filtrete. This American-based company provides you with some high-quality filters that have a MERV rating of 5. This means that they work well for most particles, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
The secret to these panels is that they come with densely packed pleats. More pleats mean more surface area, which helps trap more particles and leaves your air cleaner and better for your lungs. However, because they are so dense, high-velocity systems may struggle to get air through, which could cause your air conditioner to shut off and reset.
Another unique feature of these filters is that they are made of specialized materials that are designed to hold up in extra humid environments. Sometimes, too much humidity can cause air filters to break down, but these will continue to go strong.
Pros
- Pleated air filters
- MERV 5 rating
- Traps 90% of particles
- Works well on pet dander and dust
- Pack of six will last a long time
- Many sizes available
- Durable construction holds up to most climates
- Last three months
Cons
- Filter frames can get damaged relatively easily
- May be too thick for high-velocity air conditioners
How To Choose The Best Air Conditioner Filter?
1. MERV Ratings:
This acronym stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, and it refers to how thoroughly the filter can scrub the air. MERV ratings generally go from 1-20, with higher numbers usually being better than lower ones. Simply put, lower numbers mean that the filter doesn’t remove as many particles from the air as those with a higher rating. The material will be a little looser, trapping only the largest components while allowing tinier pieces to flow through. One thing to understand about MERV ratings, however, is that you want to stick to the number that is recommended by your air conditioning system.
For example, if you have a conditioner that requires MERV 8 filters, you may think that installing a 13 or 14 rated model will be better. After all, it traps more dust and pollen, right? The issue with that is you could impact the flow of air through the system. Higher MERV ratings mean less air can flow, which can force your air conditioner to work harder and use up a lot more energy. In that case, the side effects can negate any benefits you get from the slightly cleaner air. In addition to MERV ratings, there are a few other terms that can dictate how well your filter operates.
- MPR – this acronym stands for micro-particle performance rating. This is a proprietary ranking developed by 3M, which makes a lot of air conditioner filters. MPR is listed in hundreds, with a range between 300-2800. Again, the higher it is, the more particles it traps.
- High-Efficiency – if a filter can remove up to 85% of elements from the air, it’s labeled this way. These models will typically have a MERV rating of 14-16.
- HEPA Filter – High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are usually the best at scrubbing the air. They can remove up to 98% of particles, and they have a MERV rating of 17-20.
However, they are not usually suited for air conditioners because they inhibit the airflow too much.
2. Pleated vs. Flat:
The shape of your air furnace filter can also impact its performance. When picking out the right model, you will either see flat or pleated models. The latter option is excellent because there is more surface area, meaning that the filter is more efficient at trapping particles and that it will last longer (because it doesn’t get dirty as fast). If you’re looking for cost-effective air filters, then flat versions are going to be the cheapest. However, they will usually have a MERV rating of 1-4, meaning that you’re not going to remove a lot of stuff from the air. Pleated versions, however, can be as good as 10-13, depending on how tightly packed the pleats are to each other.
3. Dimensions:
Finally, when choosing the right conditioner filter, you have to make sure that it will fit into your system. An easy way to do this is to measure the size of the screen you’re replacing. If you don’t get the right size, it won’t fit, which means that you will have to find another replacement. Air filters are usually listed by height, width, and depth. Each number is crucial because they will tell you if the screen is too large or too thick for your air conditioner. Also, while a smaller filter can fit, it may allow air to flow through uninterrupted, which can defeat the whole purpose of its existence. Overall, just make sure to match the size precisely each time.
4. Who needs an air conditioner filter?
If you have an air conditioner or an HVAC system, you need a high-quality air filter. Without this crucial component, you won’t maximize the performance of your air conditioner, and you may put yourself and your family at risk of developing allergies.If you have a filter in your system already, take a look at how dirty it gets after a while. Then imagine breathing all of that stuff in every day. That’s why you need an air filter.
Final Verdict
Compared to all of the other Best Air Conditioner Filter we’ve seen, we have to say that BNX TruFilter MERV 13 Air Filter models were the best of the best. We appreciate the fact that the material is both hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, making them more efficient and safer for both you and your family. While they don’t last quite as long as other units, they are still an excellent choice for most air conditioning systems.
Images Source: Amazon.com
