Sneezing, irritated eyes, and itchy skin, allergies can wreak havoc on your comfort, but they don’t have to. Getting the right filter for your needs deals a massive blow in the war against allergies.
We understand that your needs may be different from other homes on the block. That’s why we take into account factors like allergies when installing and servicing HVAC systems. Having seen the importance of getting the right filter, we can tell you that allergy sufferers will want to dial in their HVAC systems and other air purification products to a tee.
In this article, we’ll break down our top 5 picks for the best air filters for allergies and what makes the ideal filter for allergy sufferers. Spoiler alert! Not every air filter will be compatible with HVAC systems and may require a separate air purifier.
Let’s look at our top 5 air filter choices for allergies, followed by what you’ll need to pay attention to while shopping for filters. With these options and criteria in mind, you’ll have no issue navigating the wide world of air filters for allergies.
Ready? Let’s go!
5 Best Air Filters for Allergies
1. AprilAire Allergy + Pet True HEPA Air Purifier Replacement Filter
Kicking things off with a HEPA filter option, AprilAire makes HEPA filters tailored to specific needs. Some options protect against a broad mix of irritants and things like viruses, while others are more focused on pets and allergens.
While many of its filters are regarded as being top-notch, the AprilAire Allergy + Pet True HEPA Air Purifier Replacement Filter is a great starting point.
This filter covers all the bases with its aluminum-oxide and activated carbon bed that removes heavy odors from pets and gaseous allergens. It also has a specialized pet filter tacked on to provide greater relief for pet allergy sufferers.
You can pick up an AprilAire filter directly through the maker for $99.99, which doesn’t make it the most budget-friendly option on the list.
Pros
- HEPA filter (MERV 17 or higher)
- Pet filter
- 99.97% effective in removing allergens
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires separate air purifier
- Limited compatibility
2. Aerostar MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter
Aerostar provides a solid MERV 13 option for allergy sufferers with affordability and efficiency in mind. A key difference between the AprilAire option and this Aerostar one is that the Aerostar filters are designed for an HVAC system.
The MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter uses a pleated design, providing more surface area to promote better airflow. On top of its core design, Aerostar’s MERV 13 option is electrostatically charged to help capture smaller particles without sacrificing airflow.
You'll nab protection against mold spores, pollen, and pet dander for a fair price that matches many competitors and even undercuts some pricier options.
Aerostar also makes these filters in several different sizes for added flexibility.
Unlike the HEPA filters listed, Aerostar’s MERV 13 filters are available in a pack of six for around $55, depending on where you shop.
Pros
- MERV 13
- Affordable
- Pleated design and increased surface area
- Electrostatically charged
- Variety of sizes
Cons
- Quality doesn’t match more recognizable brands
3. Honeywell Elite Allergen Air Filter
Moving to the higher end of the price range, Honeywell’s Elite Allergen Air Filter is ideal for allergy sufferers for a couple of reasons.
Honeywell’s MERV 13 filter uses a pleated and electrostatic design similar to Aerostar’s option but has the Honeywell name backing its promised performance. You can expect protection from smoke, pollen, odors, and viruses with this filter.
These filters are designed to last up to 90 days, like most filters, and are lauded for their ability to trap dust and other particulates that can cause irritation for allergy sufferers.
Unfortunately, because the Honeywell name is attached, the price reflects as much. A single Elite Allergen Air Filter can run you around $22. But sellers like Home Depot make it possible to buy in bulk and save. Buying four or more filters will drop the price down to $10.99 per filter.
Pros
- MERV 13
- Electrostatically charged
- Pleated design and increased surface area
- Variety of sizes
Cons
- More expensive than less recognizable brands
4. Filtrete `1900 MPR MERV 13 Premium Allergen, Bacteria, and Virus Electrostatic Pleated Air Filter
Following up Honeywell is Filtrete, an offshoot of the trusted 3M name. Like the other two filters listed so far, this one features a MERV 13 rating and protects well against allergens and other irritants.
The design is similar to Honeywell and Aerostat, with pleats to increase surface area and an electrostatic charge to attract pollutants before they slip through your system and into your home. This filter is also available in a variety of sizes for added convenience.
There are two main factors that set this Filtrete option apart from its peers, though. One factor is that the company partnered with the American Lung Association, adding a bit more trust to this filter’s performance. The organization strives to save lives by improving peoples’ lung health and fending off lung disease with education and research.
The other factor that separates the Filtrete option is its filter change reminder system. Download the app, scan the bar code on the filter, and the app will notify you when it’s time to change the filter. Having reminders is always helpful, and this feature adds some value to the filter's higher price tag.
You can find this Filtrete filter for about $23 at sellers like Lowe’s. Similarly to Home Depot, Lowe’s offers bulk pricing, but it doesn’t drop the price as much. Buying in bulk mode from Lowe’s will set the cost at around $18.38 per filter.
Pros
- MERV 13
- Pleated design and increased surface area
- Electrostatically charged
- Variety of sizes
- Smart app capability
- American Lung Association partner
Cons
- More expensive than less recognizable brands
- Still pricey when buying in bulk
5. Honeywell HRF-ARVP300 HEPA Filter & Pre-Filter Combo Pack
Closing out our picks is another HEPA option for those without traditional HVAC systems. Honeywell offers a near literal ton of air purifier options, but its HPA300 model takes the cake in consumers’ eyes.
While you can purchase the carbon pre-filters and HEPA filters separately, the combo pack gives you a year's worth of both filters, meaning less hassle when it comes to filter changes.
The carbon pre-filter nab larger things like dust, pet hair, and other fibers while also helping reduce odors. Meanwhile, the HEPA filters catch 99.97% of allergens and particles, including pollen and pet dander.
You’re probably wondering if you can use this filter system on any old air purifier, and the answer is, unfortunately, “no.” These filters are only compatible with select Honeywell air purifiers, but we’ve chosen filters for one of the company’s best-performing models, the HPA300 series.
This filter package will run you $139.95 full price but can run for $89.95 on sale. It isn’t the cheapest, but the performance is worth it.
Pros
- HEPA filter (MERV 17 or higher)
- Year-round convenience
- Carbon pre-filters included
- 99.97% effective in removing allergens
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires separate air purifier
- Limited compatibility
What Makes a Good Air Filter for Allergies?
All air filters are measured on a scale called MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) that runs between 1 to 20. This scale measures the efficiency of a filter when it comes to catching particles.
The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration. But the higher the rating, the less airflow. You’ll need to check your owner’s manual to see if you’ll run into any limitations.
Got all that? Great! Let’s keep moving. We have just a bit more to cover before closing out.
Ideally, you’ll want an air filter with a MERV rating of 13 to get the best protection against allergens. Many lists offer MERV 16 options, but a rating this high can introduce airflow issues. Airflow should always be considered when choosing a filter.
HEPA filters are also ideal since they offer better filtration. All HEPA filters score a MERV 17 or higher. This makes them excellent at catching allergens and means they are some of the most trusty options out there if they’re compatible with your system.
If you’re looking at HEPA filters, you’ll likely need to run a standalone air purifier since many HVAC systems don’t support HEPA filters without costly modifications.
Which Air Filter for Allergies Will You Run?
We’ve laid out what makes the best air filters for allergies as well as our top 5 picks. Now, you know some of the best filters for allergies on the market and have an idea of what separates them from the pack.
Some filters bring more value, while others bring a convenient year-round supply. Other options are limited by compatibility but still provide homeowners without traditional HVAC systems with a solid allergy solution. Remember, going with the filter that will suit your needs is always the play!
We’ve seen countless homes with limited protection against allergies, and while this is fine in most cases, allergy sufferers could be living their best lives if they had the correct filter installed. The right air filter, whether in an HVAC system or a standalone air purifier, can make all the difference for you and your family.
If you live in the Los Angeles area and are looking to get your filter swapped but are not sure how to handle it, give us a call at (310) 853- 8690 or visit us on our HVAC services page to book a consultation with a technician.
The work isn’t done just yet! If this is your first time reading up on air filters, you’ll need a better grasp of the MERV rating system and the many types of air filters out on the market. Arming yourself with this knowledge will set you up to make an even more confident decision.
