Compare Furnace Filters and Air Conditioner Filters

There are many different types of furnace filters and air conditioner filters available to use in your home. If you are not familiar with the different types of heating and air conditioning filters, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the most popular types and avoid being overwhelmed by the many different brands, manufacturers and specialty filters.

The chart below does not review brands, efficiencies or try to guide you to buy any particular type of filter. It is just a way to help you compare furnace filters and air conditioner filters in one place so that it will be easier to move forward once you have decided which type you want to use. Once you are familiar with the different types of filters available, begin comparing brands and other information to determine which one to use in the equipment that services your house, apartment or business.

Some important things to consider when comparing furnace filters:

There is no difference between a furnace filter and an air conditioner filter.
When selecting a filter type, the brand name is not important.
Choose the characteristics you like about a filter type and then compare filters of that type to make your final choice. For example there is no point in wasting your time reviewing the different electrostatic air filters available if you don’t like the idea of doing regular maintenance.
The best filter for you may be a combination of filters to provide you with the indoor air quality you are looking for.
Air filters and air cleaners are not the same. I have included 2 air cleaners at the bottom of the table because they are often referred to as air filters and they can be used with air filters in any ac or heating system to improve iaq (indoor air quality).
When replacing filters it is never a good idea to (stack) use more than one media air filter in your HVAC equipment. It has a negative impact on air flow. Example, installing two 1 inch filters together instead of installing a 2 inch filter.

Use the chart below to compare furnace filters

Furnace Filter | Air Conditioner Filter Types

Furnace Filters - Home Electrostatic Furnace Filters Media Air Filters Pleated Air Filters HEPA Air Filters Activated Carbon Air Filters Duct Mounted UV Air Cleaners

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Demonstration of the effect a dirty furnace filter has on air flow.

	Pros	Cons	Characteristics	Filter Specific Notes
Fiberglass Panel Filters	Inexpensive Low air flow restriction Full depth loading Panel filter Available at most hardware stores	Not efficient Allow most dust to pass through	Disposable 1 and 2 inch thickness Panel filters	Fiberglass panel filters are the worst possible air filter you could use in your heating or air conditioning system and I would never recommend using them
Media Air Filter Pads	Low air flow restriction Don’t have to be changed as often as pleated filters Great for those who sometimes forget to change or clean their filters Not face loading (increases dust loading capacity)	Can be messy to change because they have to be removed from a frame which can release dust back into the air Not as efficient as high end pleated air filters	Disposable 1/2, 1 and 2 inch thickness Available in pre-cut pads or rolls that can be cut to size Require metal filter frame to mount them in	Very high dust loading capacity (full depth of media) because of multi-denier design characteristics Good for those who require more flexibility with filter change schedules Carbon filter pads can be installed with these media pads for odor control Permanent frame with disposable pads Usually made with polyester fibers bonded together Often available with dry tack or other coating to increase efficiency Some designs make their filter media more course on the air leaving side to improve filter performance
Electrostatic Air Filters True electrostatic filters don’t require electricity.	Permanent and washable Moderate air flow restriction Most last for years Many have lifetime warranties No face loading (increases dust loading capacity) No electricity required No ozone is produced with these filters One time purchase cost – saves you money	Many different designs and not all are good quality If not properly maintained they will restrict air flow Regular cleaning is required	Don’t require electricity Washable Should be cleaned monthly 1/2 and 1 inch thick Custom sizes often available aluminum or flex frames available Panel design	Maintenance is very important with these filters Green? They don’t add to landfill usage compared to disposables because they last many years Some brands use anti microbial protection which inhibits the growth of mold and mildew on the filter material Direct replacement for disposable panel filters Combines 3 to 5 layers of material to obtain desired characteristics Electrostatic air filters don’t produce ozone
Pleated Air Filters	Available in wide range of MERV ratings from 5 to 12 Low to moderate air flow restriction Panel filter Can be found at most hardware stores	If not changed when needed they will impact air flow Face loading (pleated design helps increase dust loading capacity)	Disposable Available in 1 to 6 inches thick Available in custom sizes Panel filter The more efficient pleated air filters are great for allergy sufferers	Most common type of furnace filter and air conditioner filter available Some brands are enhanced with electrostatic characteristics Variety of media types - cotton, synthetic blends and polyester Some are made with carbon (charcoal) impinged material to help control odor Many manufacturers such as Trion, Honeywell, Nordic Filtrete, Air Bear and many others Made with pleated design to increase surface area and dust loading capacity, this increases usable life
Hepa Air Filters What does HEPA stand for? High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance	Panel filter Very efficient filters One of the most efficient filters available for residential use	Can have a negative impact on air flow, especially if not maintained properly Face loading (pleated design helps increase dust loading capacity)	1, 2 and 4 inch thickness Pleated design Good choice for those who have allergies	Hepa filters are often available in bypass systems Similar design as standard pleated filters but more pleats per inch and different filter material Some can be cleaned and reused several times These filters are commonly used in vacuum cleaners, air exchangers (HRV) and air purifiers
Electronic Air Cleaners I consider any type of air filter that uses electricity to be an electronic air filter.	Very efficient but not with larger dust particles Virtually no restriction to air flow Excellent for use in combination with panel and other media air filters Lasts for many years	Requires 120 or 240 volt power supply Larger dust particles pass through this air cleaner Duct system must be modified to install this equipment (not difficult for handyman) Expensive initial investment compared to media type air filters Can create ozone	Charges dust particles as they pass through and they are attracted to collection plates	Requires regular maintenance to maintain efficient operation There are two different designs of electronic air filters to choose from 1) Uses electronic cells with collection plates and 2) Panel type electronic filters that incorporate filter media in the design
UV Air Cleaners	No restriction to air flow Excellent for use in combination with media air filters such as pleated and electrostatic Can be easily installed by a handyman Easy maintenance – change lamp once per year	Requires electricity to operate Create ozone – some are worse than others	Kills mold spores, viruses, bacteria, and many allergens	Some lamps produce UV-V light while others produce UV-C light The UV-V type ultraviolet lamp produces more ozone Avoid looking directly at the light because it could damage your eyes Damages plastic drain pans and rubber components so must be installed properly