Filter Information

While Americans spend up to 90% of their time inside, many don't realize that indoor air may be 4X more polluted than the air outside.

The tiny particles seen in a beam of sunlight are just a few of the pollutants circulating throughout a home. There are a great deal of smaller particles that may not be visible to the human eye, but can still irritate and cause allergic reactions, making breathing difficult.  High efficiency air and furnace filters can reduce the contaminants passed through the filter and improve the quality of the indoor air you breathe.

Filtrete™ filters from 3M are electrostatically charged to capture microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, bacteria, particles that carry viruses and 90% of large allergens like mold spores and pet dander. Other filters, like fiberglass and reusable, can miss some of the small particles filtered by the electrostatic attraction. Filtrete filters will not support the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew or fungi in normal use.

What makes a Filtrete filter better than others?
What is the difference in a fiberglass filter?
Why is a disposable filter better than a washable/reusable filter?
Why should I change my filter every 3 months?
What is MERV?

What makes a 3M Filtrete filter better than others?

  • Electrostatic filtration enables the capture of microscopic particles within the air that circulates through the filter.
  • Filtrete offers many sizes and a variety of air and furnace filters.

What is the difference in a fiberglass filter?

  • Fiberglass filters are not electrostatic; therefore do not capture many of the microscopic particles that can cause allergies.

Why is a disposable filter better than a washable/reusable filter?

  • You can avoid the hassle of removing, washing and drying washable/reusable filters.
  • Reusable filters can grow molds if not completely dry prior to re-installing.
  • AllergyZone and Filtrete Filters will not support the growth of mold.
  • Most reusable filters are within the MERV 6-8 range (low compared to the MERV 8-12 range of disposable filters).

Why should I change my filter every 3 months?

  • Regularly changing your filter helps keep your furnace running more efficiently and helps keep the air that circulates through the filter and into your home cleaner.

What is MERV?

  • MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a rating system used for filters to identify their ability to capture ranges of particle sizes from the air that passes through the filter. MERV is based on a laboratory test and is not representative of how a filter will actually perform in a home. The test overstates the effectiveness of electrostatic filters. This rating can help you compare filters but should not be the sole basis for evaluating a filter.