Founder | BPI® Energy Auditor Certified Professional
Furnace filters work to protect your heating and cooling system by trapping contaminants in the air. They’re an excellent addition to any temperature control setup, as they’re able to keep harmful contaminants from polluting your home.
However, when looking for a new furnace filter, you’ll want to search for an energy-efficient alternative that will save you money in the long run.
The Top Overall Energy-Efficient Furnace Filter
The best energy-efficient furnace filter overall is the Amazon Basics Merv 11 AC Furnace Air Filter. It’s highly efficient, durable, and offers a great value for the price. It also has superior air filtration and its MERV 11 rating ensures balanced air flow (higher MERV rating can restrict airflow).
Those with allergen sensitivities might find the Filtrete 1500 a better fit, while those looking for a reusable option should go for the Air Trophy Washable Electrostatic Air Filter. For the most affordable option, select the FIltrete Clean Living Basic Dust Air Filter.
Choosing the most environmentally friendly filter ensures that you’re not inadvertently driving up your energy bill. Instead, you’ll keep your air quality immaculate and your bills low.
Read on to learn why we’ve chosen these furnace filters as the most energy-efficient options for you.
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Energy-Efficient Furnace Filter
To determine which furnace filter is the best choice for your HVAC system, you must consider a few essential factors. However, as we delve into these general guidelines, we urge you to check your system’s manufacturer instructions before deciding.
Required Maintenance
Cleaning (if reusable) or changing your energy-efficient furnace filter is crucial for protecting your HVAC. You can’t have the most efficient system without keeping your filter clean.
Over time, it’ll get clogged with all kinds of pollutants, including:
- Dust
- Hair
- Pet dander
- Smoke
- Pollen
- Bacteria and viruses
- Mold
- Dust mites, etc.
It’s essential to wash or replace your filter often enough, especially if you have asthma or allergies. However, not all options on today’s market are created the same.
For this reason, the first factor you’ll want to account for before reaching a decision is how easy long-term maintenance will be.
If your air filter gets dirty quickly, your HVAC system and its circulation fan will need to work harder to draw the clean air through the filter. Therefore, more energy is expended, your furnace may shut down, and your bills will increase.
Additionally, if your filter is filthy for too long, there’s a higher fire risk.
These factors are why choosing an easy-to-maintain alternative from the get-go can save you a lot of time, effort, and risk.
MERV Rating
This acronym stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.” The MERV Efficiency Rating Scale ranges from 1-16 for home HVAC systems and from 1-20 for industrial or professional environments (e.g., hospitals that require the tiniest of particles to be trapped).
The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at blocking smaller airborne pollutants from contaminating your HVAC system and indoor area.
According to the EPA, MERVs “report a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm).” For example:
- MERV of 1 to 4: Less than 20% chance of trapping particles with a 3.0 to 10.0-micron size.
- MERV of 10: 50-65% chance of capturing particles with a 1.0 to 3.0-micron size. And an +85% chance of trapping particles with a 3.0 to 10.0-micron size.
- MERV of 16: +75% chance of capturing particles with a size of 0.3 to 1.0 microns.
As you can see, the higher the MERV rating, the more influential the filter is at trapping airborne pollutant particles of smaller and smaller sizes.
But is a higher MERV rating the best choice? Not necessarily. A higher rating means the filter might be blocking too much air and straining your furnace. However, a MERV rating of 10 is generally sufficient for most household needs.
You may also encounter the term MPR. It was coined by 3M and refers to micro-particle performance rating. Like MERV, MPR refers to a filter’s ability to capture differently sized particles.
However, MPR only focuses on the tiniest particles with micron sizes of 0.3-1.0.
Electrostaticity
Electrostatic filters are also known as washable (or reusable) filters. By washing them carefully, you can use these filters for much longer than their disposable counterparts.
These washable furnace filters tend to cost more upfront, but they pay for themselves through extended use.
They have the following benefits, including:
- Environmentally friendly as you can reuse them instead of throwing them out
- Reasonably priced considering their longevity
- Many washable filters have a lifetime warranty
- Highly effective in trapping pollutants
How do electrostatic filters work? The science behind these filters is quite intuitive. They function by drawing pollutant particles towards them in the same way as a magnet.
The airborne particles are electrically charged upon passing through the filter, while the plates are given an opposite charge. This charge results in the plates drawing the particles to them.
Electrostatic filters are flat, whereas HEPA filters are pleated. Check out this video on YouTube to see how electrostatic filtration works.
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for ‘high-efficiency particulate air filter’. Unlike electrostatic filters, the term HEPA refers to the filter’s efficiency level and not the material from which it is made.
You can find HEPA filters made from a wide range of materials, including synthetic fibers, glass fibers, and metallic wools.
These fibers are tangled together randomly and flattened into a sheet. This compressed sheet is then pleated to increase its ability to capture the most pollutant particles.
So, what exactly does “high-efficiency particulate air” mean? Only filters at the very top in terms of efficiency are labeled HEPA. These filters remove over 99% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.
US standards require HEPA filters to remove 99.95% of microns 0.3 microns and larger, whereas European standards require 99.97%. For comparison’s sake, human hair is around 70 microns thick, and an average piece of paper is around 100 microns thick.
Here’s a great YouTube video that gives you a rundown on HEPA and how it works:
HEPAs are the best filters for those with serious health concerns related to allergies, asthma, or other illnesses. However, even though they’re exceptionally effective in improving air quality, there can be downsides to going this route.
One issue with installing HEPA filters in your energy-efficient furnace is that it may struggle to pass air through due to its strength in filtering the tiniest of particles. The dense filtration material of these filters could be too thick for your home HVAC system.
And once your HEPA filter is clogged, it won’t be able to absorb pollutant particles as effectively. But are you able to clean them?
The jury is sort of still out on this. You can find some HEPA filters which say they are washable on the pack.
However, according to Molekule, there still isn’t a standard for reusable HEPA filters. For this reason, these varieties haven’t been studied and tested enough to determine how they perform after washing.
HEPA is highly effective due to its fiber weave that captures particles. Through washing, you may damage the delicate arrangement of fibers. Tearing or stretching this mesh could lead to a less effective filter.
However, suppose the filter packaging says it’s washable or permanent. In that case, you may get away with some gentle cleaning (such as dusting off, tapping off dirt, or running water through it) without causing too much damage.
Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge you’ll need to make a well-informed decision regarding the energy-efficient furnace filter that will be best suited to your needs, it’s time to take you through some personal favorites.
Best Overall Energy-Efficient Furnace Filter: Amazon Basics Merv 11 AC Furnace Air Filter
If you want a highly-effective, high-quality filter with an excellent MERV rating, the Amazon Basics Merv 11 AC Furnace Air Filter is the best choice. It effectively captures allergens like dust, lint, and pollen the size of 3-10 microns, and is made from electrostatically-charged synthetic material.
The Merv 11 is our best recommendation for the best overall energy-efficient furnace filter because of its outstanding value. For a decent price, you get balanced air flow (higher MERV or filtration can restrict airflow) and excellent air filtration ability.
This energy-efficient furnace filter is also easy to install and only needs to be changed once every 90 days. In addition, with such a high MERV, these filters are guaranteed to filter out particulate matter that filters with a lower MERV may miss.
It is available in six-packs of four different sizes. Here’s a breakdown of the measurements and price for each filter size:
| Described Size | Exact Size | Price |
| 14″ x 14″ x 1″ | 13.75 x 13.75 x 0.75 inches | $32.03 ($5.34/count) |
| 14” x 25” x 1″ | 13.75 x 24.75 x 0.75 inches | $46.60 ($7.77/count) |
| 20” x 20” x 1” | 19.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 inches | $42.12 ($7.02/count) |
| 20” x 30” x 1” | 19.75 x 29.75 x 0.75 inches | $56.19 ($9.37/count) |
- ENHANCED AIR QUALITY: Merv 11 rating air filters effectively captures household irritants like lint, dust, and pollen, to help provide cleaner and healthier air in your home
- IMPROVED FURNACE EFFICIENCY: Designed to promote furnace efficiency and optimization, this furnace air filter traps particles that can cause system wear and tear
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made with a beverage board frame and wire mesh support, this home air filter provides reliable, long-lasting performance
- ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED MATERIAL: The air filters are made with synthetic material that is electrostatically charged to attract and capture allergens as small as 3 microns
- CONVENIENT 6-PACK: This convenient 6-pack of air conditioner filters provides you with replacements on hand for up to 12 months with regular changes every 60 to 90 days
- Nominal size: 12x12x1; Actual Size: 11 3/4"x11 3/4"x3/4"; This MERV 6 filter is comparable with MPR 300 & FPR N/A
- Designed to filter microscopic particles such as lint, dust, and pollen
- Simple to install and a cost-effective step towards a healthier home environment. For best results, change your filters every 60 to 90 days but increase frequency to 30 days during peak summer and winter months
- 100% synthetic electrostatic media for high efficiency with low air flow resistance
- Manufactured by Filtration Group, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of filtration solutions making the world safer, healthier & more productive
- FILTER: This is a MERV 8 rated 4 pack Air Conditioner Filter | Size: 11" x 11" x 1" - Actual Size: 11" x 11" x .75"
- MADE IN USA: Fully manufactured in the United States. Made from the highest quality materials and construction. (EPA Establishment Number: 103501-FL-1)
- MAX PERFORMANCE: Our filters can last up to 90 DAYS before needing replacement. We do recommend to change your home air filter every 30 - 90 days for 1 inch filters. This will help maintain the longevity of the intended application like A/C and heaters
- CAPTURE MORE: Protect your home! The pleated design captures more particles and extends lifetime of the filter. Merv Filters trap airborne particles without impacting air flow. Feel the difference in 48 hours.
- FAST & EASY INSTALLATION: Open, Slide and Close! A simple yet effective replacement air filter for your home.
- Provide Breathe Fresher Air:This air filter replacement has a filtering level of MERV11, MPR1200, FPR 6-8. It is made of meltblown material and can effectively filter all pollen, household dust, pet dander, and lint that could trigger allergy symptoms or asthma attacks. MERV 11 filters can filter out 94% of airborne particles, which makes it an efficient air filter.The pleated air filter has more than 40 pleats that provide a larger surface area to purify the air
- With Stronger Reusable Frame: This set of 1 frame+5 filters comes with upgrade reusable ABS frame (Actual Size: 11.54"x11.54"x0.87").When you need to change the filters, you don't need to throw away the framework. Simply change the built-in filters, and the ABS frame can be washed and can withstand high/cold temperatures ranging from -40°F to 212°F; hence it can be reused for more than ten years.Upgrade frame can withstand than 4pa wind and not deform
- Easy CLOSE/OPEN and Install: The upgarde reusable frame has two opening and closing buttons, and with the newly packaged filter paper, it takes only 30 seconds to load the built-in filter paper into the frame.Just switch to the “OPEN”,and place the remove package filter paper in two chokepoint,then close the frame and switch to the”CLOSE”,slide the filter into the unit's air filter return port, and you're done.We recommend changing the built-in filter paper every three months and cleaning the filter plastic frame
- For 15 Months-Use & Compact Package:Our 1 frame and 5 inner filter set is provide 15 months air filter’s use.Our air filter set has 1 frame and 5 folded refill inner filters,it can save 80%+ space to storage more air filter.And the foldable was packed in the frame
- Easy to clean frame: The filter frame is made of sturdy ABS plastic, making it easy to clean. Just use a wet cloth to wipe it down, and it will be as good as new. This filter element frame is not easy to blow and deform even if the wind is large, and the built-in filter paper is not easy to deform, which will not reduce the filtering effect of the filter paper. More sizes and models continue to be updated, so stay tuned for updates
Best Allergy-Friendly: Filtrete Air Filter MPR 1500
Are you looking for an electrostatically-charged filter? The Filtrete line of products is an excellent choice.
The Filtrete Air Filter MPR 1500 has a MERV rating of 12, meaning that it’s effective enough to filter out the vast majority of pollutant particles without restricting airflow.
What does MPR 1500 mean? If you read the section above on MERV, you might know that MPR refers to microparticle performance rating.
Its 3Ms indicate how sensitive a filter is to the tiniest of airborne particles (from 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size). MPR 1500 is comparable to MERV 12.
According to Filtrete, its line of electrostatic filters outperforms washable filters, fiberglass filters, and non-electrostatic filters. In addition, the Filtrete MPR 1500 comes in a wide range of sizes and features exclusive 3-in-1 3M filtration technology.
They’re also certified to be asthma and allergy-friendly.
Additionally, because you only need to change them once every three months, the Filtrete MPR 1500 Air Filter is a more environmentally friendly option than other filters, which must be swapped out every month.
Another handy feature of Filtrete filters is that you can purchase the smart variety. The corresponding app (for Android and iOS) will alert you when it’s time to change your filter.
If you want innovative, electrostatically-charged filtration technology that only needs to be swapped out once every three months, the Filtrete MPR 1500 is an excellent choice. What’s more, the smart app will notify you when you need to swap out your filter.
Most Afforable Filter: Filtrete Clean Living Basic Dust Air Filter
Looking for the most affordable energy-efficient furnace filter option? Then the Filtrete Clean Living Basic Dust Air Filter is for you.
Though still electrostatic, this furnace filter is composed of polypropylene, which makes it considerably more cost-effective than the other options on our list. However, it still boasts great filtration performance with its MERV 5 rating.
This rating indicates it will effectively capture lint, household dust, dust mite debris. However, if mold is a concern, you should select one of the other filters on our list rating MERV 6 or higher, as that designation signifies effective removal or mold spores from the air.
Finally, this Filtrete furnace filter only needs to be replaced every 90 days, so it has the same lifespan as the other disposable choices we’ve included.
Here are the top 5 bestsellers for the Clean Living affordable series:
- Ideal for high-velocity heating and cooling systems
- 316 MPR Performance Rating
- Lasts up to 3 months
- MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR SANCTUARY: 6-pack of 3-month pleated Filtrete 12x20x1 MPR 300 AC Furnace Air Filter helps capture unwanted particles from your household air to contribute to a cleaner, fresher home environment
- DIFFERENT FROM NOMINAL SIZE: Slightly different from the nominal size, this air filter’s exact dimensions are 11.81 x 19.81 x 0.81
- EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY: Designed with exclusive Filtrete 3-in-1 technology to pull in and trap unwanted particles, allowing cleaner air to flow through
- COUNTLESS PARTICLES: With a 300 MPR and MERV 5 rating, your Filtrete Filter will help capture many particles from the air passing through it
- VERSATILE USES: Works for changing the air filters in your furnace, air conditioner/heating system or HVAC system
- Filtrete Clean Living filters are electro-statically charged to help remove more particles from your air, attracting and capturing particles including: lint, household dust, dust mite debris, mold spores and pollen, from the air passing through the filter
- Designed with Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to pull in and trap unwanted air particles while letting clean air flow through
- Microparticle Performance Rating 600
- Outperforms non-electrostatic filters
- Microparticle Performance Rating MPR 600 equates to Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value MERV 7
- OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC 3-month pleated 1 in. air filters for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system (Product Packaging May Vary)
- DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
- ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES large particles such as lint, household dust, dust mite debris and mold spores
- MPR 600 has a rating of MERV 7
- The higher the MPR, the more microparticles - such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria and viruses - your filter will capture from the air passing through it.CHANGE FILTER AT LEAST EVERY 90 DAYS for optimal performance of your heating & cooling system or HVAC system.A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool - wasting energy. Sign-up for a filter change reminder program that works for you!.FOR RESIDENTIAL use only.CREATE A CHANGE COUNTDOWN in the Filtrete Smart app. Simply use the app to scan the barcode on your filter's packaging, then choose 30, 60 or 90 days for your replacement countdown. When the lifespan is up, you'll get a notification to change your filter
- 𝐅𝟏 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Our 𝐅𝟏 HEPA filter replacement measures 12 x 6.75 x 1.73 inches. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 Compatible with ✅ 3M Filtrete C01 T02 𝐅𝟏 Air Purifiers, Models FAP-C01-F1,FAP-T02-F1, FAP-C01BA-G1, FAP-T02WA-G1, FAP-ST02W and FAP-ST02N Air Purifiers, Compare to Part# FAPF-F1-2P. 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝟐 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝟐 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬.
- 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: ⚠️ 𝐍𝐎𝐓 Compatible with Filtrete 𝐅𝟐 𝐀𝟐 Air Purifiers. 𝐍𝐎𝐓 for ❌FAP-C01-A, ❌FAP-C02WA-G2, ❌FAP-C03BA-G2, ❌ FAP-T03BA-G2, ❌FAP-SC02W, ❌FAP-SC02N Air Purifier. ⚠️⚠️⚠️ Also 𝐍𝐎𝐓 compatible with ❌AMEIFU F1 air purifiers. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫.
- 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫: The F1 HEPA filter efficiently filters 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including fine dust, pollen, smoke, odor and pet dander.
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞: Our F1 air purifier filter is effortlessly replaceable without the need for additional tools. To optimize your air purifier's performance, it's recommended to replace the filter every 6-months, especially with continuous 24-hour usage.
Best Reusable Filter: Trophy Air Washable Electrostatic Air Filter
How about a more permanent, electrostatic solution?
The Trophy Air Washable Electrostatic Air Filter may be the option for you. Unlike the previously mentioned filters, you’ll easily be able to wash and reuse this energy-efficient furnace filter from Trophy Air.
Like the FILTI 7500, this filter is made in the USA, and like the Filtrete MPR 1500, it uses sophisticated electrostatic-ally charged technology. However, if you want to protect the environment by purchasing a reusable filter that lasts longer than three months, this could be the best option.
Made of high-grade materials, the Trophy Air Washable Electrostatic HVAC Furnace Air Filter features four layers of aluminum and two layers of electrostatic media. This high-quality design ensures that the filter lives up to its “permanent” marketing.
These filters are also available in various sizes to suit your HVAC system. However, unlike the FILTI and the Filtrete options, the Trophy Air filter doesn’t list its MERV. Due to the feature of reusable, washable electrostatic technology, the MERV likely is less than 10.
Comparison of the Best Energy-Efficient Furnace Filters
| Specification | Amazon Basics Merv 11 | Filtrete MPR 1500 | Filtrete MPR 1000 Air Filter | Filtrete Clean Living Basic Dust | Trophy Air Washable Electrostatic |
| Filter type | Electrostatic | Electrostatic | Electrostatic | Electrostatic | Electrostatic |
| Reusable? | No (lasts for three months) | No (lasts for three months) | No (lasts for three months) | No (lasts for three months) | Yes |
| MERV rating | 11 | 12 | 11 | 5 | Unknown |
| Smart technology | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Dimensions | Various Sizes Available | 10x20x1 or 25x35x1 inch | Various Sizes Available | 30x20x1 inch | 10x20x1 or 24x30x1 inch |
| Number of filters | 6-pack | 2-pack or 6-pack | 2, 4 or 6-pack | 6-pack | 1-pack |
| Material | Electrostatic | Electrostatic | Electrostatic | Polypropylene | Electrostatic and Aluminum |
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for the best energy-efficient furnace filter, you have a wide range of options. First, you can opt for a washable, electrostatic filter like the Trophy Air one.
This option will save you from throwing out your filters, but generally, reusable varieties don’t have as high a MERV as disposable ones.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to dispose of your filters every month. By choosing the Amazon Basics Merv 11 or the Filtrete MPR 1500 filter, you’ll get an exceptionally high MERV to keep your home’s air quality high while only needing to change it once every three months.
Sources
- Grainger KnowHow: The Complete Air Filter MERV Rating Chart
- Molekule: How to Clean a HEPA Filter and What You Should Know Beforehand
- Molekule: Will an Electrostatic Air Filter Keep My House Allergen Free?
- OzoneHole: What Is the Best Air Filter for Your Furnace?
- Permatron: What You Should Know About Washable Furnace Filters
- EPA: What is a MERV rating?
- YouTube: What is a HEPA Filter and HEPA Air Cleaner? (Explained)
- YouTube: How do Electrostatic Air Filters work?
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The change of the seasons is a great time to change your home’s HVAC air filter. It’s recommended that homeowners change their air filter every one to three months depending on the amount of dust and grime in their air.