Typical furnace filters are meant to protect the air handling system from large particles and do little to improve the air quality in your home. Only high efficiency filters can trap pollen, plant and mold spores, bacteria and other tiny particles that can bypass your respiratory defense system. High efficiency filters have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 10 or higher. The higher the MERV, the more efficient the filter will be at trapping small particles.
Replace your filter at the stated intervals instructed by the manufacturer, usually about every three months, to ensure proper air flow. Replace more often if you are introducing higher levels of particulates into the home, such as when renovations are being done. For more information go to
Health House of the American Lung Association
So many filters. So many things to consider. In the video, my filter of choice is the 3M Filtrete brand. At the 3M website, their goal is to help make choosing a filter easier by providing the most accurate and up-to-date information from some of the most trusted sources available. Check out this fabulous website which features the free 3M Clean Air Club, demonstrations, reminder post its, and more at
3M US: Filtrete Home Filtration Products
3M has had a long-standing partnership with the American Lung Association® and its Health House® Program with the goal of educating on ways to help you improve indoor air quality. This program includes national demonstration homes, training programs for consumers, builders and site inspectors, and educational partnerships and alliances.
Return from Air Filter Home to HandymanTeacher Home
