There’s no leaving your furry friend or friends behind, and we get it! But that doesn’t mean your home has to be overrun by fur and dander. There’s a simple solution to the issue, and it starts and stops with getting the right air filter for your home.

We’ve serviced homes across the Los Angeles area with pets of all kinds, but the one common recommendation we make is to up pet owners; air filter game. After pulling so many filters clogged with hair, we can confidently tell you that your companion is making an unseen mess that is a simple one to fix.

We’ll walk you through our top 5 picks of the best air filters for pets and what makes a filter worthy of solving the problem.

Let’s jump in with our top 5 picks so you can take back control of your home!

 

5 Best Air Filters for Pets

Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 Pleated Filter

Starting the list off with a solid and affordable option, Aerostar’s MERV 11 filters are the jumping-off point for any homeowner with pets.

These filters are electrostatically charged to trap lint, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and dust. The key here is the pet dander part since filters with lesser ratings have difficulty catching dander.

The electrostatic material works hand-in-hand with the pleated design that offers more surface area to trap as much as possible.

Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 Pleated Filter

This pack comes with six disposable filters, with several sizes to choose from. The convenience of buying a pack saves you from being caught off guard when the three-month mark rolls around, and it’s time for a change.

Aerostar’s MERV 11 filters are reasonably priced. You can pick up a pack of MERV 11 filters starting for around $47, depending on where you shop.

Pros
  • MERV 11
  • Affordable
  • Pleated design and increased surface area
  • Electrostatically charged
  • Variety of sizes
Cons
  • Quality doesn’t match more recognizable brands

 

Filtrete Allergen Defense Odor Reduction Filters

Filtrete is backed by the 3M name, meaning a higher likelihood of being a quality product. The Allergen Defense Odor Reduction MERV 11 Filters are ideal for homeowners looking to make it less obvious that they have pets.

The active carbon material used in this specific filter weeds out odors, including from your furry friend. A downside of this material is that it can break loose from the filter and makes its way into your home or system.

Filtrete sells these filters in multiple sizes and quantities, making it easy for you to get just the right amount or size for your system.

A two-pack of these filters runs you $35.99 on Amazon. The more you buy, the higher the price bumps up, putting a six-pack at about $87.

Filtrete Allergen Defense Odor Reduction Filters
Pros
  • MERV 11
  • Active carbon layer
  • Great for eliminating odors
  • Variety of sizes and quantities
  • Electrostatically charged
Cons
  • More expensive than lesser-known brands
  • Carbon reported to flake off in the package

 

Filtrete Smart Air Filter

Aside from the lack of active carbon and MERV 12 rating, there isn’t too much separating this filter from the last Filtrete option. Both filters offer quality filtration despite the previous filter’s focus on odor reduction.

You’ll still get the same electrostatically charged pleated design meant to trap cough and sneeze debris, bacteria, and other microscopic particles. But the standard protection is amped up by an additional feature that isn’t baked into other filters on the list.

As its name suggests, Filtrete’s Smart Air Filter comes with app support. You can download the app, scan the barcode on the package, set a change-out time, and get a notification when the time comes to swap filters.

Filtrete Smart Air Filter

It isn’t the most groundbreaking feature, but it adds value and can be helpful when life gets busy.

You can pick up Filtrete’s Smart Air Filters in packs of two for about $50. There are also different sizes to choose from for some added flexibility.

Pros
  • MERV 12
  • Pleated design and increased surface area
  • Electrostatically charged
  • Convenient app support
Cons
  • Expensive

 

Arm & Hammer Max Allergen & Odor Air Filter

Here’s another great option for those concerned about pet odor. Arm & Hammer’s Max Allergen & Odor MERV 11 Air Filter provides a strong defense against odors that can tip off your guests that pets are running around.

Some users have even reported getting rid of heavy paint smells from freshly completed projects. You can also count on reliable filtration here, not just with odors since the filter is designed to trap pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens.

This filter includes three odor-fighting aspects: baking soda, proprietary Oguard II material, and carbon particles. Arm & Hammer makes a strong case for its filter when paired with the pleated, electrostatically charged design.

Arm & Hammer Max Allergen & Odor Air Filter

Arm & Hammer Max Allergen & Odor Air Filters are available in packs of four from some retailers and run about $51.

Pros
  • MERV 11
  • Pleated design and increased surface area
  • Electrostatically charged
  • Carbon granules for odor defense
  • Baking soda for odor defense
Cons
  • On the more expensive side

 

AprilAire Allergy + Pet True HEPA Air Purifier Replacement Filter

Here’s something for those of you without traditional HVAC systems. AprilAire’s air purifiers are top-notch, thanks to their use of HEPA filters. A HEPA filter is generally considered equivalent to a MERV 17 or higher.

While this filter isn’t designed for an HVAC system, those who are gungho about reducing their pet’s fur and odor presence in their home can benefit from using an additional air purifier to get the job done.

The Allergy + Pet True HEPA filters are only compatible with AprilAire air purifiers but feature an aluminum oxide and active carbon pre-filter to minimize odor. They also filter out 99.97% of allergens, which is attributed to the HEPA design.

AprilAire Allergy + Pet True HEPA Air Purifier Replacement Filter

AprilAire also adds a specialized pet filter for airborne pet particles. This feature adds a bit more specificity to the overall design and results.

The AprilAire Allergy + Pet True HEPA Air Purifier Replacement Filter runs $99.99 and is good year-round.

Pros
  • HEPA filter
  • Pet filter
  • 99.97% effective in removing allergens
  • Aluminum oxide and active carbon bed filter
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Requires separate air purifier
  • Limited compatibility

 

What Makes a Good Air Filter for Pets?

Air filters are measured on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale. This scale runs between 1 and 20 and measures the efficiency of an air filter.

The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration, but at the cost of airflow. Not all systems are compatible with highly rated filters, so check your owner’s manual before purchasing a filter. Generally, anything MERV 13 may be considered for household use.

Stick with it. You’re almost there!

A rating of MERV 11 or higher is recommended for dealing with pet odor and dander. You can cover all of your bases with a MERV 13 filter, but those are generally recommended for those with allergies.

HEPA filters can be a valuable tool in dealing with odor and allergens and are ideal for those without HVAC systems. Filters are more expensive, but the protection offered is top-notch if you go with the right brand. HEPA filters are often equated to a MERV 17 or higher, making them great filters for pets.

Unfortunately, the majority of systems can’t handle a HEPA filter and would require expensive modifications to ensure compatibility. You’ll need to run a standalone air purifier to reap the benefits of a HEPA filter.

 

Which Air Filter for Pets Will You Run?

After laying out our top 5 picks for the best air filters for pets and breaking down what makes a good air filter for pets, we’ve covered a bunch of information. But with all this knowledge, you can shop more confidently and ensure you’re getting an air filter that suits you and your pet’s needs.

You might not be into the smart capability of some filters and instead, run with something that has a carbon element to better combat odors. Or, you might go with the cheapest of the bunch to ensure you don’t break the budget. The choice is up to you! Either way you lean, any of these 5 filters listed will provide you with quality filtration.

After servicing many homes in Los Angeles County with pets, we understand that pet owners’ needs are different. That difference comes in the form of many additional features and design options that need to be weighed.

If you’re unsure of which way to go, call us at (310) 853-8690, or visit our HVAC services page to book a consultation with a technician who can swap out your filter and give you some advice along the way.

You’re not off the hook just yet if you’ve only just begun dipping your toes into the air filter pool. You’ll need to understand MERV ratings better and take a look at the different types of air filters on the market to get the full scope of the importance of choosing the right one.

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