Which Furnace Filter is Best? Let’s find out! HVAC filter brands tested: 3M Filtrete, Honeywell Bestair, AeroStar, Flanders, Nordic Pure and Aire Care. Most filters tested are MERV 8 but a variety of MERV, FPR and MPR filters compared for air flow and filtering capability.
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➡ Furnace Filters Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Washable Furnace Filter by Aire Care: amzn.to/3pnhcPE
Flanders EZ-Flow: amzn.to/3qfFNam
HoneyWell BestAir MERV 8 2-Inch Filter: amzn.to/2MV6qmL
HoneyWell BestAir Merv 8 4-Inch Filter: amzn.to/3qm4MsB
Filtrete 3M MPR 600: amzn.to/3rV8F86
Nordic Pure MERV 8: amzn.to/2Zc16xG
AeroStar MERV 8: amzn.to/37cRwz0
Flanders MERV 8: amzn.to/3pjPDa7
Filtrete 3M 1085: amzn.to/3rP0WbO
Filtrete 3M Basic: amzn.to/3dcVzPM
Filtrete 3M 1900: amzn.to/3qnrVL8
Test Equipment:
Laser Air Quality Monitor: amzn.to/3rTtOQ6
Manometer: amzn.to/3pjRjQI
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/2SvwQdS
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC
So which is the best filter you still didn’t tell me
What a great video. Excellent comparison of different filter media. I personally use merv 8 disposable filter , and replace it every 3 months. Keeping the ac evaporator coil is extremely important for the lifespan of the ac unit.
Thanks!
Can you spend more time talking about the conclusion of results and which ones you recommend?
Thanks for the suggestion.
Would you consider testing in home HEPA filter systems? With Spring/allergy season coming into full swing I've found myself looking for one for my home but I find it funny all of them say "True HEPA" implying others are fake? I thought it'd be interesting if you tested a few of these "True HEPA Filters/home systems" Love the channel! Keep up the good, honest work!
Thanks, will do. Thanks for the suggestion.
Stay away from the pleated filters, buy cheap filters and change filters very regularly
Thanks for the feedback.
I recommend 4" or 5" media filters on all systems. The additional surface space keeps static pressures down initially and over time, allowing for fewer changes. While they are more expensive they perform much better at capture. Lower static equals lower velocity as well. The FPM of air is vital to a filter's performance. To drop a few industry plugs, Spaceguard is a nice product, or Trion Air Bear if you're on a budget.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for the reminder----changed our filter today!
You are so welcome!
Before video... bought the cheapest 3 pack from Lowe's After video..."Do you have a merv 8 with around 54 pleats? " 😁
Thanks for sharing.
Most systems shouldn't have a pressure drop over .1"
Thanks for the feedback.
Expensive filters Crack heat exchangers and kill compressors. In a ac the wet evaporator does the measurable 2.5 micron removal with a merv 8 installed, the filter doesn't even make a difference.
Thanks for the feedback.
I'd like to request an addendum to this video with K&N's ~30$ washable air filter. For the price, thats a damn good deal if it works well!
Thanks for the feedback.
My filter is 1” and it’s just in a section of sheet metal where the air intake is for the unit. Can I cut the opening wider away from the intake fan to fit a 2” filter? I’m liking that Honeywell 2”.
Thanks for the video idea.
Oh man, please do the same brands with different MERV ratings. I’d love to see the amount of particles reduced vs airflow among brands! Great for allergy sufferers and someone in my family who has asthma.
Great suggestion! Thank you.
30 days? man I make mine go for at LEAST 30 months
Thanks for the feedback.
Great test video as usual. Now after adding the Furnace Filters to you list of different filter test, how about one more type of filter? One thing a lot of vehicles have in them today other then the oil filter, fuel filter, engine air filter and a few others. How about testing vehicle Cabin Air filters? Would be good to know the best one to filter the air that comes into a vehicle.
Great suggestion! Thank you.
I use K&N reusable air filter.
Thanks for sharing.
I wish he would link a copy of his data (excel?) so the nerds can look it over for their own grocery lists
Maybe test Mask types to best protect against covid. But also which one is most breathable too. Paper, Cloth, Activated Carbon filters etc. very interesting to see how you would approach. Caution not to say it can filter covid, but generally what filters dust and odors best but has low air restriction to make it comfortable to wear.
LOL-- We see you are using 16x20 filters. Some time back at a dinner party, -Yes, furnace filters came up.[please don't ask] I stated our furnace filter were 16x20. A lady in the group said! "how do you remember these things.?" simple --- 16 will get you 20 [16yr old will get met me 20 years in the pen]
K & N makes HVAC filters. Would be nice to test and compare it.
@Project Farm Anytime! Love your videos
Thanks for the video idea.
Thanks Again! I think i will be looking for the 3M-1900 - i like all that filter material packed in there. :)
Thanks for sharing.
Great video. Lots of info!!!! My 1” is loose.... don’t know if I can squeeze a 2” in. Haven’t seen any in HD.
Thanks!
I watch more FIboth than I care to admit and this was by far one of the MOST informative.......but is anyone else slightly out of breath after listening? haha. Great Content!!!
Thanks!
I skipped right to the charts, but I did read that you don't want to get a filter with a high MERV rating because it becomes too restrictive and causes strain to your unit, and the unit has to work harder, thereby increasing your electricity/gas costs. So just because 3M filtered it down to 0 isn't necessarily a good thing in every way. P.S. I bought a 10 pack of Rheems a couple of years ago. I think they were close to the cheapest at Home depot.
Thanks for the feedback.
A suggestion: always have the winners at the end of the video. Sometimes I circle back to remind myself what was the best one when it’s time to purchase. Thank you for what you do!
You are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
this guy is great
Thank you!
Buy 3m 1085 and honeywell. Thanks
Great choice!
3m 1900 only if I need more airflow for cooling
@Project Farm If you consider only the MERV8, 1-inch filters 3M basic filter seem to have the best filtration (1122 particle count only next to 3M Filterete 600 at 420). It has MUCH better static pressure drop under the load of .86 vs 1.31 of 3M Filterete 600, yet you keep repeating it might damage the furnace. This is confusing.
You rock!!! 💪😃👍💜🦅🦁
Thanks!
💪❤️👍
Thanks for watching!
This guy is a national treasure.
Thanks for the nice comment!
Please do a test on sneakers. Like 50 dollar ones compared to 150 dollar ones. Thank you
Thanks for the suggestion.
you should consider what gets by your filter might end up on your evaporator coil
Thanks for the feedback.
So for 1 inch go with the 3M 1900?
I have been using the Rheem filter and it does a good job without costing an arm and a leg.
Thanks for sharing.
A continuation of your good work; thank you, and well done.
You are welcome!
Anyone coming out to maintain your air-conditioned will tell u the cheap filters are the best because they give u better air flow. And u should clean your outside air conditioner (dish detergent and spray off with hose)
Thanks for the feedback.
Why don't you do 4" filters ?
Thanks for the video idea.
Really great video. I was skeptical about using flour as a test medium as I don't think it really represents the small particle size one might buy a higher MERV filter to protect against. Still you did seem to get some useful results to allow comparison between the filters. I was hoping you would show a table or chart with the conversion of the various rating scales. I have a Honeywell FPR 12 I bought at Home Depot, but I don't know what the MERV equivalent is. It was rather expensive. I got a good deal on Purolator MERV 13 filters at a local HVAC parts dealer, but I do wonder how they compare to the Honeywell FPR 12. I have allergies, so I need a high end filter. I'm going to by one of the electronic manometers and just mount it on the furnace so I can check the pressure drop across the filter. That strikes me as a much better way to decide when to replace the filter rather than just doing it by time. Lastly, if you do this again, or maybe an addendum, I'd really like to see how the K&N washable filter does. I can't find anything on their web site that says what the MERV rating is.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestions.
Motor current draw actually reduces when filters are clogged.
Thanks for the feedback.
2-inch and 4-inch tests are well and good, but my hvac is spaced for a 1-inch filter.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks to this video I've gone ahead and decided not to cheap out on the off-brand filters. I'm ordering some 3M Filtrete 1900 for my home!
Thanks for the feedback.
This is a great video. A few things to keep in mind when it comes to overall value. 1) Permanent electrostatic filters fall into the middle of the pack here. 2) An average 20x20 1 inch electrostatic filter can hold 141 grams of dust before it is saturated, compared to 40 grams with a 2 inch pleated filter. 3) That means in most cases the Electrostatic filter can remain in residential service for at least 3 months between changes. 4) We have serviced electrostatic filters that are still working as new after 20 years. 4) That's a cost "per change" of around $0.62 (62 cents). 5) Electrostatics produce no waste and can be recycled. I do not sell electrostatic filters, but have serviced them on commercial buildings for nearly two decades.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
I'm just watching this because its entertainment! (Since my apartment doesn't have a HVAC system)
Thanks for watching!
I appreciate this video since we just got an A/C system installed in our house. We will be using the air a lot more this summer so it's good to know what to buy. 2 inch filters ftw.
Great to hear!
An aspect you may want to take note of to minimize the amount of particles going into chilling and furnace coils: Did you notice in the test of the blue painter's tape used to seal the seams in the air-return box. I do the same thing when placing the filters at the air-return grills so that the only air going into the ventilation system is through the filters. Sealing off the seams on the air-return grills does well to minimize the dust working their way up to the AC chilling coils. I recently checked the AC chilling coils and noticed not a speck of dust or lint on them after 18 years of service.
Thanks for sharing.
Howdy Young Man, Actual a few Companies NOW make filters that are 2-4 inch deep that will fit in your Existing 1 inch Return Hole size, I have been using them for about 3 years now and the Hay Barn Has No more Dust haze in the Summer Because of the Merv 13 I use ...basically the out side is 20 x 30 x1 and it will fit into the Opening Like a the NEW Truck/Car Filters into an cold air Intake box with the extra 2-4 inches just fits inside Becuase its a bit smaller than the out side 20x30x1'' Return Opening, I will warn y'all these are NOT cheap But man do they work good....The ones we use in the Hay Barn are Merv 14 Hospital Grade, I buy then in a case BC we have 4 Returns in the Barn to keep Mold Down in the Summer here in FL. Here is an Amazon Link to show you what I mean: www.amazon.com/FilterBuy-Honeywell-FC40R1029-FC35A1068-Compatible/dp/B07QYJWDC4/ref=sr_1_99?crid=3B0MW4FC6WJG7&dchild=1&keywords=20x25x4+air+filter&qid=1616988692&sprefix=20x25%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-99 Cow}:-o)
Did you ever do a home HEPA air filter test?
Thank you for the video idea!
Look for the [{ProjectFarm Tested}] quality seal
Thank you for the idea!
Pleats, not layers 🤷♂️ Edit: you got it lol
Thanks for watching!
YOu should do one on Masks that people wear for covid. YOu can prove how they actually will not stop a virus. YOu could just use baby powder and other things. Would be a neat video
A cheap filter only does better filtering the longer and dirtier it gets over several months.
Thanks for the feedback.
Soray the polyester filter with pam oil to increase dust filtering.
Thanks for the suggestion.
great videos
Thanks!
its hard to find American made without global components..
Great point!
If you do another video with different filters. Can you please include the Ace Hardware Basic Pleated air filter rated at Merv8 thanks
Great suggestion!
I know I'm late to this video and I also don't know if this is allowed but Costco is running a sale on the 3M Filtrete 2200 filters. 3/pack for $30 bones in most common sizes.
Thanks for sharing.
Could you please follow up this video with a DIY box fan air purifier setup comparing different box fans and the best configuration for air flow and air filtration?
Thanks for the video idea.
your suppose to change um every 30 days? I change them once a season at best
Thanks for the feedback.
I've spent my entire adult life wondering about this. Thanks for demystifying it.
You are welcome!
I'm still confused about which filter to buy. My system uses the 1" thick filter.
I would like to see a test of Home Depot's HDX brand filters. My HVAC friend says you shouldn't use anything greater than a MERV 4.
Thanks for the video idea.
You yap off like a carnival barker. smh
As a 40 year HVAC veteran these filters have made more work for companies than anything else I’ve ever seen. First of all the furnace filter only purpose is to keep the furnace and equipment clean. That furnace filter was never meant to clean the air in the home and is impossible to do so. If you look at the manufacture specifications they only allowed filter is a .99 cent spun fiberglass filter. Don’t waste your money it’s only going to damage your furnace good luck.
Thanks for the feedback.
This one was awesome! Thanks!
You're so welcome!
He talked so fast I couldnt keep up
Sorry about that
How about a 1 inch 3m vs many other filters....
Thank you for the test idea!
While the return boxes in my house are for 1 inch filters, I use specially adapted 4 inch filters (3 inches of the filter are narrower of both sides so they fit inside the return box) for lower air flow resistance. According to my research, and your test, these filters last longer and perform better, however my HVAC company said they are bad and can cause the blower motor to fail. Would you mind specifically addressing the issue on a video to educate home owners and HVAC companies? Hopefully it is not an issue to post the ones I use: www.airfilters.com/honeywell-20x25x5-fc40r1011-grille-filters.html
I purchased a couple K&N filters a few months ago and here's something you wouldn't think about until you own one... A 20X30 filter with the aluminum frame is heavy enough to not be sucked up when the AC kicks in preventing that annoying slap and suction noise that you get from a cheap papper filter. I don't know why that isn't listed as a feature but if you've ever had a system that does that it's definitely something you'd appreciate because you no longer hear when the air kicks in, it's dead silent with a 5 & 4 ton unit. Even though it's heavy enough I also super glued some tiny magnets at 6 points on the frame (It's aluminum so it's not magnetic) and now it sticks right snug up to the top of the flute so it makes it easier when unlatching the grill. (Something manufacturers should consider adding as a feature)
Great feedback. Thank you
Fun fact: a 20x20 filter taped to a 20inch box fan makes a 200-300$ home air filter for 30-40$.
Great point!
I love my honeywell
Thank you
This guy should of replaced Steve Jobs.
Thank you
I checked my hvac and it needs an unpopular size 16x30x1 filter. 3M 1900 didn't come in that size on Amazon.. *Edit: found them in my size at lowes! Great vid! Thank you
This guy is freaking AWESOME!!!
Thanks!
all these filters and still can't reduce these taxes
I'm confused about what these filters are used for. What kind of furnace?
So out of all the filters which one works for a typical house? Obviously the 4” and 2 “ will not fit but which is the best?
You make comment about the blower motor becoming "overloaded" by a clogged filter. For centrifugal blowers (the type commonly used in home heating systems), the motor actually UNLOADS when the airflow is restricted, so a clogged filter will not damage the motor (put an ammeter on the blower motor to see the unloading when you block the filter). Centrifugal blowers can be overloaded by NOT using the filter the system is designed for. Motor cooling will be reduced by clogged filter somewhat, but there is so much airflow over the motor even with clogged filter that this should not be significant. What clogged filter WILL cause is furnace overheating and A/C freezing up.
Thanks for the feedback.
When you say, “X layers of filter material,” you seem to be referring to the number of pleats. You realize that there is a difference between pleats and layers, don’t you?
So the higher the restriction, the harder your system works, the higher your bill becomes? But on most of these filters, the better the filtration, there tends to be higher restriction. So what filter has the best trade off? Good (not best) filtration, but good (not best) air flow? Do I rewatch or do I wait for an answer? Blah Im lazy
So which one(s) were the winner(s)?
Excellent results for the 16 x 20 x 1 - NORDIC PURE - MERV 13 - HVAC Filter. High demand on AC due to desert temperatures, but after several years of use, the NORDIC PURE filters have performed extremely well. Wife loves them because they keep our house free of dust, and they capture the marijuana smoke VERY well. Made in Oklahoma. I buy the case of 12 from Amazon.com -- at a VERY good price.
If you didn't know, k and n makes a washable and reusable permanent hvac filter
Thanks for sharing.
Man i swear, u truly are the shit... 👍..thank u alot friend for what u do for us 😎
You are welcome!
Excellent video. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Flow rate is one of the most important aspect of a filter. If it restricts too much air, most residential HVAC units are not designed to handle the load and will prematurely wear out the fan motor.
As someone who works in the HVAC industry, I found this video technically accurate and really educational.
I think you reversed saying small particle count and large at the aerostar test. Meaning you were calling the small particle count the large and the large the small.
Flanders Merv 8 is claiming Merv 16 performance
Thanks for the feedback.
They sell a lot of Filterbuy on Amaz...I wonder how it will fare?
Thanks for the video idea.
Could you test Second Nature? They have a subscription where they ship the filters to you…
Thanks for the video idea.
@project farm You list the Best Air filter 2 inch as a Honeywell 2 inch in the results.
I have a friend that does air conditioning service and installation. He told me to buy the cheap filters and spray them with Endust. Works great and catches dust like you wouldn't believe. Just be sure to change the filter once a month.
Thanks for sharing.
Great video and very helpful. I was one of the people that suggested this one. Thanks again for making it. My system takes a 16x20 like you were testing but only a 1" thick. I guess I will stick with the higher end 3M filters like the 1900 and change more often. I made a manometer to check gas pressure when I installed my furnace so maybe I can incorporate it as a way to check airflow.
Thanks! Thanks for suggesting this video idea.
Hey Todd, thanks for a great video as usual. How about a MERV 11-16 shootout for bigger sizes like 4/5/6 inch filters? I have a Lennox furnace with a whole-house allergy filter and MERV 11 is like $25-30 a filter, but a MERV 16 is $100+. Is there 4X the work being done? Also, my opening isn't even close to the nominal size. I'd be curious to see how liberal the manufacturers are with given sizes.
Thanks! Thanks for the video idea.
Do water filters next!
Thanks for the video idea.
The only things that I have heard about restrictive filtres, is that they can be harder on the blower and harder on the compressor.
Thanks for the feedback.
Just an fyi. I purchased a 20x20x4 based on yet another great review you have done. However, I discovered not all 20x20x4 filters are sized the same. The Standard size filters are 19.5x19.5x3.75 (what I have) the BestAir HW2020-8R is an Exact size at 19.75x19.75x4.25. Lesson learned. Thanks again for your hard work on the reviews.
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
god your cool, best youtube dad imo
Thanks!
Those electrostatic filters only work if they're hooked up to a power source. Otherwise it's just a lie. It seems obvious to me that the greater the filtration the more restrictive the filter will be. My problem is when I use the thicker high efficiency filters it kills the velocity of the air coming out of my vents. I have to use the basic, almost see through, easy flow filters if I want any air to reach the longest runs. Since the primary job of the furnace is to warm the air in the home this is what I need to do to get the job done.The key is to replace them very frequently. My moter and furnace have lasted over 26 years so I doubt there's damage being done to them by the light filters I use. I'm actually astounded that the motor has lasted this long.
Thanks for the feedback.