: The cheapest option, designed mainly to protect your furnace from large debris. They do very little for indoor air quality. LJ Rolls considers these "basic protection" only.
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) tells you how well a filter traps particles. MERV Rating Large particles (lint, dust) Protecting the furnace motor only. MERV 5–8 Mold spores, hair, pet dander Standard homes with no pets or allergies. MERV 11–13 Smoke, bacteria, smog Homes with pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers. MERV 14–16 Viruses, fine tobacco smoke Highly sensitive individuals or clinics. 3. Choose Your Filter Material what furnace filter to buy
: Made of polyester or cotton folds. These have more surface area, allowing them to trap more particles without instantly clogging. : The cheapest option, designed mainly to protect
The first step is checking your current filter for its (e.g., 20x25x1), which is printed on the side. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) tells you
: MERV 8 is the sweet spot for most households. It provides solid filtration without stressing the motor .