The Secret to Lower Energy Bills: Choosing the Right HVAC Filter

There are so many types of HVAC filters to choose from, but which one is best for your needs?

HVAC filters come in a variety of types, each designed to target specific pollutants, suit different environments and price points. Here's a breakdown of the most common types and what makes each one unique:

1. Fiberglass Filters

• Material: Spun glass fibers
• Pros: Inexpensive, disposable, good for basic dust and lint
• Cons: Low filtration efficiency; not great for allergens or fine particles
• Best For: Protecting HVAC equipment, not improving indoor air quality

Fiberglass HVAC filters are typically associated with entry-level or lower price point filters. Fiberglass filters are great at filtering bigger debris, but may be less effective at filtering smaller particles. Fiberglass HVAC filters also have a very low MERV rating, around 2 - 3, compared to PuroAir Mega Filters that have one of the highest residential MERV ratings of 13.

Please keep in mind that the lower filtration quality and construction means that you will need to replace your air filter more often than one of higher quality.

2. Pleated Filters

• Material: Polyester or cotton folds
• Pros: Higher surface area, better at trapping small particles
• Cons: Slightly higher airflow resistance
• Best For: Homes with pets or mild allergies

Pleated air filters are another common option for home owners. These filters typically last longer and are more effective than fiberglass filters, as they can fight more airborne particles in the increased surface area.

3. Electrostatic Filters

• Material: Self-charging fibers
• Pros: Attract and trap particles using static electricity; reusable options available
• Cons: Require regular cleaning to maintain effectiveness
• Best For: Allergy sufferers looking for reusable solutions

Electrostatic filters utilize electrically charged plates to attract airborne particles. Negatively charged plates draw in positively charged particles, while positively charged plates attract negatively charged ones. These particles remain on the plates until the filter surface is washed. 

That being said, electrostatic filters are often reusable and will need to be washed to maintain effectiveness. While effective, some users may find the regular maintenance requirements too demanding. Also, electrostatic filters can restrict air flow in your home air system if not cleaned regularly or clogged with dust.

4. HEPA Filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)

• Efficiency: Captures 99.9% of particles ≥ 0.3 microns
• Pros: Gold standard for air purification
• Cons: May restrict airflow; not compatible with all HVAC systems
• Best For: Hospitals, clean rooms, and homes with severe allergy or asthma concern

Per the EPA, HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. It is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air” filter. This type of home air filter is typically known to filter up to 99.9% of ultrafine particles like dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.

5. Activated Carbon Filters

• Material: Often coconut shell or coal-based carbon
• Pros: Adsorbs odors, gases, and VOCs
• Cons: Doesn’t trap particulates; often used alongside other filters or as a layer within filters
• Best For: Homes with smokers, pets, or chemical sensitivities

Activated carbon boasts an incredibly porous structure, giving it an expansive surface area that’s highly effective at capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and unwanted odors. While HEPA filters excel at filtering airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, they aren’t built to handle gases or smells. That’s where activated carbon steps in, bridging the gap by absorbing pollutants that HEPA filters miss. When used together, these two technologies form a powerful, all-encompassing filtration system that targets both microscopic particles and airborne chemicals, delivering cleaner, fresher indoor air.

Learn more about Activated Carbon Filters here: The Essential Role of Activated Carbon in Air Filters.

6. Washable & Reusable Filters

• Material: Varies (foam, metal, synthetic fibers)
• Pros: Eco-friendly, cost-effective over time
• Cons: Lower filtration efficiency; requires frequent maintenance
• Best For: Budget-conscious users with mild air quality needs

Washable HVAC filters, also known as permanent or reusable filters, are designed to be cleaned and reused rather than thrown away after a few months. They’re an eco-conscious alternative to disposable filters, especially for homeowners looking to reduce waste and save money over time. These filters often have electrostatic fibers that generate a static charge to attract airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some models use foam or synthetic layered media to boost filtration and airflow.

Washable air filters are known to be cost effective because they can last for years, but the downside is that most washable filters have a lower MERV rating between MERV 6 - 8. This type of filter is not ideal for allergy sufferers.

7. MERV + Activated Carbon Filters

• Material: MERV 13 rated layer + activated carbon layer + pre-filter
• Pros: Adsorbs odors, filters fine and large particles
• Cons: Slightly higher airflow resistance
• Best For: Residential and commercial applications

MERV 13 + activated carbon pleated filters fight a wide range of pollutants that traditional fiberglass HVAC filters can't purify, including allergens, odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other airborne particles. 

At the heart of these filters is the activated carbon layer, which is highly porous to attract odors and gases. This makes it an effective barrier against smoke, cooking odors, pet smells, and other indoor or environmental pollutants. Next is the MERV 13 rated filter layer that blocks fine particles down to 1 micron. But the first layer of defense is the pre-filter which filters larger visible air pollutants like dust, pollen, pet hair, and more, protecting the HVAC system from added strain.

Learn more and shop PuroAir Mega MERV 13 + Activated Carbon HVAC Filters today!

Bonus: MERV Ratings

• Filters are rated on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale (1–20)
• Higher MERV = better filtration, but may reduce airflow if not matched to your system
• PuroAir Mega HVAC have one of the highest MERV ratings of any residential home air filter at MERV 13

Per the EPA, Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. The higher the MERV rating the better the air filter is at mitigating specific types of particles.

Comparison Chart of HVAC Filter Types

MERV Rating Chart