The best furnace filters for dust will significantly increase the longevity of your HVAC systems. Instead of becoming less efficient and using up more energy, the filters will remain clear. If you’re looking for an easy way to support your air conditioning systems, these furnace filters for dust are for you!
Each of the products we’ve included on this list are good for different reasons. However, our overall recommendation goes to the Filtrete 1000D Micro Allergen + Dust Blocker. This product has an MPR of 1000, ensuring that it’ll capture any allergen that comes into your home. A high MPR demonstrates an ability to catch more micro-particles.
If you are looking for a reusable option, we can’t recommend the K&N HVAC Furnace Filter enough. This product is completely reusable; you’ll just need to take it down and wash it every few months. This is great if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option.
The 5 furnace filters for dust that we’ve selected for this list are the best in a variety of categories. From our overall favorites to the best electrostatic filters, we’ve got it all. If you’re not too sure which product to go for, take a look at our buying guide below.
In This Article We'll Discuss
5 Best Furnace Filters for Dust
- Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter, 1000D Micro Allergen + Dust Blocker MERV 11 – Best Overall for All Kinds of Dust
- Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 300, MERV 5 – Best Budget pick
- K&N HVAC Furnace Air Filter, Washable and Reusable MERV 11 – Best Reusable
- Washable Permanent Electrostatic Air Filter by Venti Tech – Best Electrostatic
- AIRx Dust Pleated Air Filter MERV 8 – Best Made in USA
5 Best Furnace Filters for Dust
Best Overall for All Kinds of Dust
Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter, 1000D Micro Allergen + Dust Blocker MERV 11
Product Details:
- Largest size: 20 L x 25 W x 1 H inches.
- Works as well as 50 cleaning wipes
- Outperforms other filter methods
- Partner of 3M
- Traps various particles
- 1000D MPR
- Change once every 90 days
This incredible product by Filtrete is our overall best choice for a furnace filter for dust. They come in a variety of sizes; from 14 L x 20 W x 1 H inches all the way up to 20 L x 25 W x 1 H inches. Each of these sheets holds the equivalent amount of dust as 50 traditional dusting wipes. The product even continually outperforms fiberglass, non-electrostatic, and washable air filters.
Filtrete makes these products with 3-in-1 technology from the brand 3M. This helps trap dust particles in the air while letting through clean air. The product traps particles like pet dander, smog, smoke, pollen, and lint with ease.
In addition, the product has a 1000D MPR rating. The higher the number on this scale, the greater quantity of micro-particles particles the sheet can capture. This number is incredibly high, and one of the many reasons we recommend this product.
To get the best use out of this product, you should change your air filter sheet at least once every 90 days. If you opt for the thicker sizes (up to four inches), then you’ll only need to change it once every year.
Best Budget pick
Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 300, MERV 5
Product Details:
- 25 L x 16 W x 1 H inches
- 3-in-1 technology from 3M
- 300 MRP
- Good for large particles
- Cheapest on the list
If you want the quality of our best pick without spending as much, opt for this product. This is another Filtrete product, so you know you’re in good hands. The product measures 25 L x 16 W x 1 H inches. Also, it uses 3M’s 3-in-1 trapping technology to stop dust from entering your home.
The product has an MPR of 300, making it great for larger particles. The product will stop lint, dust, mold spores, and debris. However, it may not catch smaller particles since it has a lower MPR. With that said, it’ll be perfect for dust, which is the goal of this list!
To get the best use out of this product, you should change your filter once every 90 days.
Best Reusable
K&N HVAC Furnace Air Filter, Washable and Reusable MERV 11
Product Details:
- Washable and reusable
- 25.38 L x 20.06 W x 1.18 H inches
- Captures larger particles
- Fits into filter space
This filter promises to last you a lifetime. If you’re looking for long-term savings, then this is the product for you because this filter aims to increase your HVAC efficiency by blocking large particles. It will help to capture dust, contaminants, and pollen. In addition, it especially comes in handy during allergy seasons.
The product has premium design features, and it’s made to fit right into a filter slot. Also, it measures 25.38 L x 20.06 W x 1.18 H inches.
To keep this filter running smoothly, just take it down every few months and clean it. Apply the K&N HVAC filter cleaner, then use a low-pressure hose or tap to rinse it. Once it dries, you’ll be ready to put it back up.
Best Electrostatic
Washable Permanent Electrostatic Air Filter by Venti Tech
Product Details:
- Electrostatic filter
- Largest: 20 L x 20 W x 1 H inches
- Smallest: 14 L x 14 W x 1 H inches
- Reusable
This electrostatic filter comes in a variety of sizes: the smallest is 14 L x 14 W x 1 H inches and the largest is 20 L x 20 W x 1 H inches. All the sizes will work to remove dust, dirt, and other particles.
An electrostatic filter uses electricity to charge particles which will then stick to the filter, securing them in place. Over time, the filter will build up a layer of dirt and you’ll then need to remove this dirt.
This product saves you money over time, as you won’t have to continually buy new filters. Instead, just take the filter down every few months and give it a wash. This will dramatically improve the lifespan of your air filtration system.
Best Made in USA
AIRx Dust Pleated Air Filter MERV 8
Product Details:
- 9 sizes
- Box of 6 filters
- American made
The AIRx FILTERS WICKEN CLEAN AIR is a product made in the USA. This box of 6 sheets comes in a huge range of sizes. You’ll be able to pick from 9 sizes, ranging from 14 L x 14 W x 1 H inches up to 20 L x 25 W x 1 H inches.
The product compares to a 3M filter between MRP 300-600 quality. Although it’s not the most powerful on the list, it’s a good choice if you want to buy an American brand.
Buying Guide
How to pick a furnace filter for dust
When picking an air filter for dust, there are two ratings and two considerations you should take into account.
These two ratings are the MERV rating and MPR rating, which we will discuss further in the buying guide.
In addition, you need to consider the size of the filter and if you want a reusable one.
Size
Before buying a filter from this list, be sure to measure your HVAC unit. You can’t get a filter that’s too big for your unit, no matter how efficient it is. Make sure your HVAC and filter will fit together correctly.
Reusable
A few of the products on this list are reusable. You’ll be able to take them down and wash them, so you can keep them forever. While they’ll experience some deterioration over time, they will still last for years. Because of this, they’re more expensive than the non-reusable items on this list.
Before purchasing a filter, think about which option will work best for you: spending more upfront for a reusable filter or getting a strong filter that you’ll need to change every so often.
If you’re unsure, think about the purpose of your filter. Do you want it because you have dust allergies? If so, we suggest choosing the stronger, non-reusable filters. However, if you’re just getting a filter to improve your air quality, then a reusable filter will be more than enough.
What features should a furnace filter have for dust?
The best furnace filters for dust have a combination of a high MERV rating and a high MPR rating. These two figures demonstrate the number and size of particles that a filter can capture. With both the ratings, the higher the number, the more efficient the filter will be at capturing particles.
Let’s take a look at these ratings in more detail.
MERV Rating
A MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, demonstrates a filter’s ability to capture small particles. It’s a scale of efficiency and it shows the average particle size in microns that a filter can catch.
A MERV rating of 1-4 will capture particles sized 3.0-10.0 microns 20% of the time.
A rating of 6 will capture particles sized 3.0-10.0 microns 50% of the time.
A rating of 8 will capture particles sized 3.0-10.0 microns 85% of the time.
A MERV rating of 10-16 captures smaller particles measuring 0.3-1.0 microns. Filters with this rating are incredibly efficient, capturing up to 90% or more of the smallest particles. Anything with a MERV rating over 10 is incredibly efficient.
MPR Rating
Micro-particle Performance Rating (MPR) demonstrates a filter’s ability to trap small particles. These particles are between 0.3 and 1 micron in size. Considering a human hair is around 70 microns, a product with a good MPR can trap things 70x smaller than a piece of hair.
The higher an MPR is, the smaller the particles it can trap. When looking for a furnace filter for dust, MPR isn’t the most important rating since dust is a large particle. However, if you’re looking to trap allergens or pollution in addition to dust, then a higher MPR can help.
Do furnace filters help with dust?
The dust filters on this list trap dust and prevent it from circulating. Filters with high MERV and MPR ratings will easily be able to trap dust, as well as other particles like allergens.
The filter strips will trap the dust, collect it and ensure it doesn’t spread throughout your home. Not only does this reduce dust, but it also improves the efficiency of your air filters over time. This will save you energy and cut down on your bills.
Overall, these filters are one of the best ways to prevent dust from accumulating in your home. They only take a few seconds to install and will make a big difference.
Conclusion
We’ve created a list with the 5 best furnace filters for dust currently on the market. Any one of these products will significantly improve your air quality. Also, each of them excels in a different way, giving you a variety of options to choose from!
If you’re looking for our recommendation, we suggest the Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1000D, Micro Allergen + Dust. Its high MPR and MERV ratings ensure that no dust will be getting into your home.
With that said, any of the products on this list will be a fantastic choice to keep dust to a minimum.