Air Filters & Accessories

Understanding Air Filters, Furnace Filters and A/C Filters

As a homeowner, you want the best air filter for home use. After all, it can make a huge difference in indoor air quality. That’s why Lowe’s offers a wide selection of house air filters to suit your needs. We even carry air purifier filters for your air purifier.

An Air Filter’s Job

Whether you call it a furnace filter, heater filter or A/C filter, the job is the same: to filter the air you breathe. However, there are differences in the construction and cleaning methods that filters use.

One of the most popular choices for homeowners is the pleated filter. Pleated filters come with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating between 1 and 20, representing how many particulates the filter eliminates from the air, with MERV 1 being the lowest rating and MERV 20 being the highest. A MERV 11 filter is a nice midrange filter that’s affordable and accommodates the needs of a typical household.

Those with intense allergies or respiratory sensitivities may opt for a MERV 11 filter. MERV ratings of 17 and higher are comparable with the performance of a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA filter. Use caution, though. If your system isn’t outfitted for a HEPA furnace filter, you could damage your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit.

Within the pleated filter category, you’ll also find electrostatic air filters. These filters differ from the others because they use an electrostatic charge to draw particles, like dust and pollen, to them to clean the air. Filtrete™ filters are electrostatic air filters.

For especially odorous homes, a carbon air filter may be a great option. 3M Filtrete™ and Flanders air filters both offer an activated charcoal odor-reduction filter to help eliminate the smell of smoke and pets.

The Right Fit

Finding the right furnace filter size is essential for the filter’s performance in your home. Most are 1-inch thickness filters but, depending on where they attach in the system, can be a 4- or 5-inch thickness filter. This type of filter is typically referred to as a box filter. So, in addition to the height and width, note the depth of the air filter you’re replacing.

Lowe’s carries a range of air filter sizes in store, but you can also shop online. With our Buy Online, Store Pickup option, you can have a convenient, contact-free experience. And if you’re not sure which type of filter to buy, our Air Filter Buying Guide can help you explore your options.

No matter the type of filter you need, remember to change your air filter often to keep the air in your home clean and running through your system without obstruction. To help you remember when it’s time for a change, Lowe’s offers an air filter subscription service, so you can get 5% off your order and free standard shipping.