When you have pet allergies, it helps to know that using an air filtration system can help you live with pets without having an allergic reaction. Finding the best furnace filters for home with pets allows you to play and sleep with these furry little creatures without worrying about the dander they release into the atmosphere.
These pollutants are one of the leading problems for allergy sufferers and asthma patients. If you have a pet in the home, you should make sure your furnace is installed with a filter that will remove impurities that are floating in the air.
Finding the best furnace filters for pets can be challenging. HVAC systems are the most useful during the summer and winter allowing us to maintain a safe body temperature and encourage a healthy lifestyle. While the system is designed to optimize healthy living, it can be helpful when the filter removes allergens as well as helping to maximize its usefulness and protect your health. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best furnace filters for homes with pets.
Also read: Best furnace filter for dust control
Do allergen furnace filters work
When furnace filters that are designed to capture allergens are used in the home, there is always a positive result. It is almost guaranteed that the filter will help to reduce the number of allergen triggers existing in the home. When choosing a good allergen filter, you have to be careful with all the options on the market and make sure you find an allergen filter that is good quality, functions properly, and performs efficiently.
The best furnace filters for homes with pets must possess certain qualities that are a ‘must’ to be considered a good allergen filter. These qualities include a good MERV rating, built-in activated carbon granules that capture odors, a pleated surface to efficiently trap particles, and a synthetic material design that inhibits bacteria and mold growth on the filter. As you make your choice for a furnace filter, make sure it includes some of these qualities to ensure it will work well for your allergies.
Different Furnace Air Filter Types
- Fiberglass filter:
When a fiberglass filter is constructed, a series of fiberglass fibers are laid over each other to form a thick surface that serves as the filter. This structure is also fitted with metal grating that acts as a support to the fiberglass and holds it in a firm, solid shape to prevent it from collapsing.
- High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters:
A typical HEPA filter should meet the standards that are set by the U.S Department of Energy meaning it should have the ability to filter 99,97 percent of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. A HEPA filter is the best furnace filters for homes with pets that you can purchase.
- Pleated and polyester filters:
A pleated and polyester filter is an upgrade in the fiberglass filter type. They are very similar to each other featuring good resistance to airflow, superior dust stopping capacity, and they both can hold a larger number of particles and have superior dust stopping capacity. These filters will also work well to filter a home of pet dander.
- Electrostatic filters:
Making use of static electricity to charge up fibers, an electrostatic filter will attract particles from the air to themselves. Some of these filters are even washable.
Top 5 best furnace filters for Pet Dander and Allergy sufferers
1) FilterBuy Allergen Odor Eliminator Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter with Activated carbon
Special features: MERV 8 rating which is comparable to MPR 300/600, 12 pleats per foot with beverage board frames that gives it a larger surface area, therefore, trapping more particles, resistance to moisture and dampness, dimensions in inches is 12 x 24 x 1, weighs 2.65pounds.
Providing more than enough filtering capacity, the Filterbuy Allergen Furnace Air Filter is our overall best furnace filter for homes with pets that will keep your furnace running at top efficiency. Featuring 12 pleats per foot, this beverage beard frame offers a larger surface for filtering and holds a high number of particles that are filtered from the air. It also comes with a package of six filters as an added benefit, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing new filters for the foreseeable future.
Featuring a MERV rating of 8, the Filterbuy Allergen Furnace Air Filter is more than enough for most home’s furnace or AC. It is designed to last for about three months and should be replaced precisely every 90 days for maximum efficiency. This means that by purchasing this filter, you are covered for about 18 months.
Another major benefit of this type of filter is the activated carbon used in its construction. This helps to trap odor molecules in the atmosphere removing smells and pollutants in your home while keeping your air healthy. This all comes at an amazingly fair price making it is one of the best pet furnace filters out there.
2) Nordic Pure 16 x 25 x 4 M12-2 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters
Special features: 12 pleats per foot with beverage board frames, MERV 12, made of synthetic material that doesn’t support the growth of bacteria and mold, actual size 15-1/2-inch by 24-1/2- inch by 3-3/4-inch, electrostatically charged synthetic material for maximum performance, dimension 16 x 25 x 4 inches.
Available in different MERV ratings, the Nordic Pure Furnace Air Filter in this review is a MERV 12 that captures airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. It is more than capable of suiting your needs at home and can efficiently trap materials from pet dander to dust mold and bacteria.
Just like our first product, this filter is also designed with a pleated surface to enhance its already excellent particle holding capacity. It also comes with an electrostatically charged surface that further strengthens its ability to attract air particles.
In most filters, too much usage allows mold and bacteria to gather, which can become a problem when they begin to grow on the filter’s surface. With the Nordic filter, the material has been treated to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, however, it does not kill the germs.
3) AIRx ALLERGY 20 x 25 x 1 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filters
Special features: MERV 11 HAVC which is an equivalent of MPR800, MOR1200, particle magnet that ensures particles are retained after being collected, dimension in inches; 13.75 x 13.75, pleated surfaces for better airflow, dust holding capacities and reduced energy cost.
The AIRx Allergy Pleated Filter is sure to meet your expectations, and like the Filterbuy, it possesses a pleated surface that will absorb and retain a higher level of particles in comparison to filters that have an ordinary surface. This is an excellent value for the price since it comes in a six-pack for a relatively affordable amount and ensures you will be covered for the year at least.
The AIRx Filter lasts on average for 90 days in most homes at a maximum efficiency level, although usage duration can be stretched. It is very effective against pet dander that could cause allergies, and it needs to be replaced at least once a month.
This filter works exactly like the expensive furnace filters you see in stores and companies. The only difference is that this filter cuts that expensive price in half. So far, it is our best furnace filter for the price and does an overall good job of cleaning the house.
4) Aerostar 16 x 25 x 1 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
Special features: MERV 11 comparable to MPR 1000 to 2000 and FPR 7, weighs 3.97 pounds, dimension 16 x 25 x 1 inch
The Aerostar Filter is made in the USA and has a MERV rating of 11. It is comparable to MPR 1000 to 2000 and FPR 7 making it capable of holding airborne particles of about 1-10 microns like dust mites, molds, spores, pollen, pet dander, dust, and smoke. It also works to reduce the workload on your unit and eases the running of the motor while reducing your electric bill.
The package comes with six filters, and for the price, it is more than worth it. Similar to the other filters on the list, it has a pleated surface design that efficiently reduces the number of particles in the air making filtration more effective.
After purchasing one at a big box store for testing and evaluation, it is found to be a little more expensive than purchasing it on Amazon. But you will notice that not only is this a good quality filter, but it also doesn’t restrict airflow.
Overall, the Aerostar 16x25x1 filter works well and creates a safe environment for your home, but it will need to be changed every 30 to 90 days (1 – 3 months) for optimal performance, especially when it is used with a furnace during the winter months.
5) Filtrete 16 x 25 x 1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1000, Micro Allergen Defense
Special features: MPR 1000 which equates to a MERV rating of 11, the dimension of 16 x 25 x 1, 0.16 ounces, the package is a 2-pack filter, 3-in-1 filter technology.
The Filtrete Micro Allergen Reduction Filter does an excellent job in attracting microscopic particles including smoke, smog, mold, dander, and pollen. It is designed with a 3 in 1 technology that traps airborne particles as low as 3 microns and lets air flow through easily. With a MERV rating of 11, this filter is more than sufficient for your home.
If you are using a furnace that is a fit for the 4” and 5” model of the filtrate filter, then you are in luck. This specific model is designed for residential use only, and these particular types of residential filters can give you as long as 12 months of use. Not only will you be getting fresh air in your home, but you will be saving money on your electric bill by easing the running load on your furnace’s motor by guaranteeing smooth flow of air.
You also get an added advantage with the two-pack of filters that ensure you are covered for the foreseeable future to make your home healthy.
Do pets make asthma allergy worse?
For asthmatic patients, being cautious of the triggers around you is very important. You must ensure at all times that these triggers stay far away from you. Poor atmospheric conditions are widespread triggers that can be found almost everywhere that include harmful elements like smoke, soot, mold, etc.
Having a home with pets is always a great idea unless you struggle with asthma. The dander that is released by your pets can be a trigger when you inhale them causing allergic asthma. If having pets around that trigger you like dogs, cats, or any other animals, it means you are allergic to the protein found in the animal’s dander, urine, or saliva.
Being sensitive to these proteins could irritate your immune system and lead you to have a reaction. When this happens, there is a release of a chemical called histamine which could, in turn, make the asthma symptoms worse. If you experience symptoms like itchy eyes, skin, red eyes, sneezing, coughing, or difficulty in breathing, then you are allergic. Having this type of allergic reaction can make your asthma symptoms worse.
Why use a furnace filter: are expensive air filters worth it
If you are considering the expense of buying furnace filters, and how irrelevant you think they are since you have been doing just fine without them, then you should know that when it comes to optimizing and keeping your health in perfect condition, every expense is worth it.
Furnace and AC filters help to keep the air in your environment clean at all times. By removing potentially harmful particles that can include mold, bacteria and viruses, smokes, soot, and dander, you can ensure that you live in a safe environment and avoid the adverse implications of having pets in your home, especially when there is a unit that circulates air around the house.
Air purifiers for pets and allergies remain the best way to tackle any form of pet allergy in your home because of its reliable HEPA filter. While a furnace filter is also effective in producing clean air, air conditioners do not purify the air like air purifiers. However, AC units do allow you to cut down on costs, especially when you are using the most energy-efficient inverter air conditioner.
There are also some very affordable and good quality filters on the market today. You don’t have to break the bank to find a good furnace filter that will fulfill your needs. Check out our list and recommendations to find the best furnace filter for the price.
Recommended MERV rating for furnace filter
MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, and it ranges from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rating of a filter, the fewer number of dust particles that can pass through it.
Depending on the size of the particles you want to filter out of the atmosphere, you will need to find a filter with a low MERV rating to filter out larger particles while filters with high MERV ratings should be used when filtering out smaller particles.
Generally, particles at home fall in the MERV filter rating range of 7 to 12. Basically, the higher ratings mean that the filters will have smaller holes for air to pass through. Over time, this can lead to blockage, which can overwork the furnace to the extent that it will break or damage it and cause a high energy bill.
The best furnace filters for homes with pets will fall between a MERV rating of 8 to 12 for perfect efficiency. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation when choosing a furnace filter to find out which model of furnace you can use it on.
Factors to consider when choosing the best furnace filters for homes with pets
- Filter sizes:
Imagine purchasing one of the best filters out there in the market, only to get it home and find that it just doesn’t fit into your furnace outlet. This can be really annoying and frustrating, especially when you consider the amount of time you spent researching the product and how much it cost.
That is why determining the exact size filter you need is one of the most important things to consider before you buy one. Remember that it must be fit into your furnace outlet, although the size of the filter doesn’t exactly affect its efficiency. However, its thickness can play a role in its efficiency and ability to remove contaminants.
- MERV Rating:
The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rates a filter according to its overall effectiveness in removing particles from the atmosphere. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the sizes of particles, measured in microns, that it can withhold when the air passes through it. In a home, an average MERV rating is between 6 and 13 to be considered effective, and it comes with both the 1” and 4”.
- MPR Rating:
MPR means Micro-particle performance. This is a standard rating scale like the MERV but was developed by 3M. It has a range between 300 and 1900 and rates manufacturer’s filters and their effectiveness in capturing particles smaller than 1 micron.
- Filter type:
All the different types of filters have their benefits, and they all should function properly as long as their MERV rating is in line with what your requirements are. And, depending on your budget, you should choose the one that will most suit your needs, although newer models with combined features are more expensive.
Final Verdict: Best furnace filters for homes with pets
In the end, we rated the FilterBuy Allergen Odor Eliminator as the best product on our list.
This is not due to the filter’s low MERV rating of 8, which is lower than most of the other products on our list, but to its specific use for pet dander. Along with a great lifespan, this filter lasts up to three months and is an activated carbon filter that will deal with volatile particles. It also has a 12-layer pleat, which means the little or almost nothing with getting through it. And, you also get six filters in a pack, which is more than enough to cover your needs for a whole year.
Second on our list is the Nordic Pure M12-2 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter. Thanks to its superior MERV rating of 12, this filter is designed to hold particles with small microns and can last up to six months. This filter electrostatically charged to attract particles from the atmosphere and is also treated with synthetic material to inhibit bacterial growth. All of these qualities will improve your health by giving you the perfect atmosphere to live in.
Important Also: