3M Furnace Filters for Allergy Sufferers

When we replaced our 20 year old furnace, the style of filter we were using also needed to change. We purchased a Lennox furnace a few years ago, and they highly recommended a pleated disposable style filter.

My husband has been buying a product by the 3M Company called Filtrete Ultra Allergen Air Filter.

Description

3M makes many different styles of air filters. We've used these, which are purple, and we've used the blue which are labeled "Advanced Allergen" filters. There's only minor differences between them, but this review will focus on the purple Ultra Allergen filters.

Our furnace takes the 20" x 25" x 1" size, and the filter is quite lightweight, despite it's large size. This filter claims to be the #1 performance filter on the market - - out performing all other 1" filters available.

It is heavily pleated, with a small mesh metal cover on both the front and back, kept contained by a cardboard frame.

Claims

This filter has electrostatically charged fibers that will actually attract microparticles and allergens, and it will capture particles that carry bacteria.

The purple Filtrete removes pollen, mold spores, dust mite debris, smoke, pet dander, dust, smog, bacteria, and virus carrying particles.

The filter claims to last 3 months and meets Indoor Quality Air Guidelines established by teh American Lung Association.

Thoughts

Because I have a daycare in my home, we have our furnace cleaned and inspected every year. The technician just finished cleaning our furnace, and I had a short conversation with him about our 3M filters. He suggested that we change our filters every month, and luckily I had two extra 3M Ultra Allergen Air Filters in supply, and showed him the product. It says right on the front of the filter that it lasts up to 3 months. He asked me when it was changed last, and I told him to check the sticker on the old filter. It had been about 3 months, and he was surprised it wasn't dirtier than it was. He said he's seen filters much dirtier than ours.

The back of the package has a handy sticker that you can peel off, which allows you to write the date that your next filter should be installed. I admit that this is something that both my husband and I don't do as regularly as we should, but seeing the sticker on the outside of the furnace helps remind us when it should be done.

The filters are very easy to replace on our furnace. This fits into a metal device that slips easily in and out of place. Pull the handle downward, take the old filter out, put the new filter in, and slide it back into place.

When the tech looked at my 3M filter he commented that this was a VERY GOOD quality furnace filter. I told him, "it should be for $20.00". He then said that they sell them for only $10.00, but when it came down to it he had to admit that theirs have only HALF the pleats that my 3M filter has! More pleats are going to hold more dust particles, and keep your furnace cleaner. As he said to me, a clean furnace is a happy furnace. he suggested I keep using this brand, as my furnace was in excellent condition, and he didn't have to clean a lot of dust out of it.

There is a ton of helpful information on the back of this 3M filter, and it advises that if you have any conditions in your home such as pets, sanding projects , ductwork, fireplaces, candles, tobacco smoke, or construction work, you should change your filters more often. The 3 month rule is assuming your filters are being used under the absolute best environmental conditions.

The 3M Filtrete "Purple" Ultra Allergen Air Filter comes in a variety of sizes. Including 16x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x20x1, 20x25x1, 14x25x1, 14x20x1, 15x20x1, 12x12x1, 14x14x1, 24x24x1, 24x30x1, 25x25x1, 16x16x1, 18x18x1, 12x20x1, 12x24x1, 20x30x1, 14x24x1, 14x30x1, 16x24x1, 20x24x1.

Filters actually have performance ratings, called MPR's (Microparticle Performance Ratings), which tells you how effective they are at capturing the smallest airborne particles. This filter is rated a MPR of 1250, (the Advanced version I mentioned is a 1500). Fiberglass filters are rated at 55, while washable filters received a 110 rating.

I don't like paying $20 for a filter, but if it keeps my furnace running great and protects it from becoming damaged, it is money well spent. I of course watch for sales, Fred Meyer had a buy 2 get 1 free sale, making them only $13.33 each, a good buy.

If the guy who cleans and works on furnaces for a living says this is a great furnace filter, then I'm sold on them. They do normally last about 3 months, and even go longer in the summer months when we occasionally turn our furnace off.

I highly recommend these filters! 5 out of 5 stars!!