Find Out the Perfect Furnace Filter Size for Your Pet-Friendly Home

Do you have furry friends that shed hair and dander all over your home? Then you need to pay close attention to your furnace filter size. Using the right furnace filter can reduce the amount of airborne pet hair and dander, improve the air quality in your home, and prevent allergies and respiratory issues. But how do you choose the perfect furnace filter size for your pet-friendly home? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process.

First, you need to know the size of your furnace filter. This isn’t as simple as picking the first filter you find at the store. The size of your furnace filter is specific to your HVAC system, and it’s usually printed on the filter itself or in your owner’s manual. Some common furnace filter sizes include 16x25, 20x25, and 24x30. Once you know the size of your furnace filter, you can choose a filter that’s designed to capture pet hair and dander.

When it comes to furnace filters, MERV ratings matter. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it determines how effective a filter is at capturing particles of different sizes. For pet-friendly homes, we recommend using a filter with a MERV rating of at least 8 or higher. This will capture most pet hair, dander, and other pollutants, making your home a healthier and more comfortable place for you and your furry friends. So, don’t wait any longer – find the perfect furnace filter size for your pet-friendly home today!

Understanding the Different Types of Furnace Filters

Choosing the right furnace filter for your pet-friendly home is important to maintain good air quality and overall health. But before you can choose the perfect size, it's important to understand the different types of furnace filters available on the market.

1. Fiberglass Filters: These budget-friendly filters are made from spun fiberglass and typically capture larger particles, such as dust and lint. While they are the least expensive, they also need to be replaced more frequently than other types of filters.

2. Pleated Filters: These filters are made from polyester or cotton and are available in a variety of sizes and MERV ratings. Pleated filters capture smaller particles than fiberglass filters and generally have a longer lifespan.

3. Electrostatic Filters: These filters use static electricity to draw in and capture particles. They are typically made from materials like paper or polyester and are available in both washable and disposable options.

4. HEPA Filters: HEPA filters are the most efficient filters available and capture up to 99.9% of particles in the air. They are often used in hospitals and laboratories but can also be beneficial for pet owners who want to maintain a high level of indoor air quality.

When choosing a furnace filter, consider your budget, the size of your HVAC system, and the needs of your pet-friendly home. Consulting with an HVAC professional can help you make the best decision for your specific needs and budget.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Furnace Filter for a Pet-Friendly Home

Pets are part of the family and keeping them comfortable and healthy is just as important as caring for any other member of your household. Pet hair, dander, and other allergens can quickly accumulate inside your home and affect your indoor air quality. Choosing the right furnace filter is crucial when it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your furry friends.

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a furnace filter for your pet-friendly home:

Size and MERV Rating

The size of the furnace filter is essential, and you must ensure that it fits perfectly into your HVAC system. A filter that is too small or too large can cause air leakage and reduce the quality of the air inside your home. Additionally, the filter's Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is a crucial factor that determines its ability to trap pet hair, allergens, and other pollutants.

Type of Filter Material

The type of filter material is also an important factor to consider. Some materials like HEPA filters are highly effective at trapping small particles and allergens, but they can also clog quickly and reduce the airflow in your HVAC system. Other materials like polyester and fiberglass filters offer good filtration at a much lower cost, but they may not last as long as other options.

Filtration Needs

Your filtration needs will depend on several factors, including the number of pets you have, their shedding habits, and any allergies you or your family members have. If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma, a high-efficiency filter may be necessary to trap airborne allergens like pet dander and pollen effectively.

By considering these factors when choosing a furnace filter for your pet-friendly home, you'll be able to maintain a healthy and comfortable environment for your furry friends and your family.

The Benefits of Using a High MERV Rating Filter for Pet Owners

If you're a pet owner, you know how much joy your furry companion can bring to your life. However, along with that joy comes a few challenges, including the impact of pet fur and dander on your HVAC system.

One way to manage pet dander and fur is by using a high MERV rating filter in your furnace. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and it measures how well a filter can trap airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at trapping particles.

Here are the benefits of using a high MERV rating filter for pet owners:

1. Cleaner Indoor Air Quality

Using a high MERV rating filter can help improve your indoor air quality by trapping pet dander, fur, and other airborne particles such as pollen, dust, and bacteria. This can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

2. Increased Lifespan of Your HVAC System

The buildup of pet dander and fur in your HVAC system can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder, which can ultimately shorten its lifespan. Using a high MERV rating filter can help prevent this by trapping particles before they can accumulate and restrict airflow.

3. Cost Savings

A high MERV rating filter can also help you save money in the long run. By trapping particles before they can accumulate in your HVAC system, you'll reduce the need for frequent filter replacements, as well as the need for costly repairs or replacements due to system damage.

Overall, using a high MERV rating filter can benefit pet owners by providing cleaner indoor air quality, increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system, and saving you money in the long run. So, consider upgrading to a high MERV rating filter to keep your pet-friendly home clean and healthy.

How often to change your furnace filter when living with pets

If you have furry friends in your home, it is important to know how often to change your furnace filter to maintain clean air quality for you and your pets. Pet hair, dander, and other allergens can build up quickly in your home and your HVAC system, leading to poor air quality and potentially causing health problems for you and your fur babies.

As a general rule of thumb, you should change your furnace filter every 1-3 months when living with pets. However, the frequency may vary based on factors such as the number of pets you have, their shedding habits, and the level of indoor air pollution in your area.

If you have one or two low-shedding pets and live in a clean area with low pollution levels, you may only need to change your filter every three months. However, if you have multiple pets or a high-shedding breed, you should consider changing your filter once a month to prevent build-up and improve air quality.

Additionally, if anyone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, you may need to change your filter more frequently to prevent exacerbating their conditions.

By regularly changing your furnace filter, you can avoid problems like clogged air ducts, reduced HVAC efficiency, and poor air quality that can negatively impact the health and wellbeing of both you and your pets.

Other Ways to Improve Air Quality in Your Pet-Friendly Home

While choosing the right furnace filter size is essential to keep the air quality in check in your pet-friendly home, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure the air you breathe is clean and healthy.

Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your home regularly, especially the areas where your pets love to hang out. Pet hair and dander can accumulate quickly and become a breeding ground for allergens, contributing to poor air quality.

Invest in an air purifier: An air purifier is an excellent investment for pet lovers. The device can help remove impurities and contaminants, including pet hair, dander, and odors from the air, providing a cleaner and healthier environment for you and your pets.

Groom your pet regularly: Regular grooming can go a long way in keeping the air quality in your home fresh and clean. Give your pet a bath at least once a week and brush its coat often to control dander and fur loss.

Keep your pets clean: In addition to grooming, keep your pets clean, including their paws, to prevent them from bringing in dirt and allergens from outside.

Replace air filters frequently: Regardless of the size of your furnace filter, replacing it regularly is essential to maintain clean air. Aim to replace your filter at least every three months or more often if you have more than one pet or an especially furry one.

By implementing these tips, you can keep the air quality in your pet-friendly home fresh, clean, and healthy for all occupants, including your furry friends.

Conclusion

Choosing the right furnace filter size for your pet-friendly home is crucial to ensure clean and healthy air quality. It's important to take into consideration your pet's shedding, the size of your home, and the type of filter you want to use. By using the right furnace filter size for your home, you can effectively trap pet hair, dander, and other pollutants, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory problems. Ultimately, investing in the right furnace filter size can help you and your furry family members breathe easier and enjoy a healthier living environment.

Frequently Asked Question

It's important to know the size and type of furnace filter you need before replacing it. This is because different furnaces require different sizes of filters. Your brand of furnace may need an electrostatic or media filter of a particular size - so make sure to check your old filter for these details.


Replacing your filter regularly can save you money in the long run. It helps your HVAC system become more efficient, and also keeps the air quality high. So, what are the most common furnace filter sizes?


The most popular furnace filters come in the following dimensions: 10x20, 14x20, 16x24, 18x30, 12x12, 14x24, 16x25, 20x20, 12x20, 14x25, 18x18, 20x24, 12x24, 14x30, 18x20, 20x25, 12x30, 15x20, 18x24, 20x30, 12x36, 16x20, 18x25, 24x24 and 25x25. You can use your existing filter as a reference guide to find the perfect size for your furnace. The filter dimensions should be printed on its frame as length x width x height.


In conclusion, it's important to know your furnace filter size before you replace it. Doing so will improve your HVAC system's efficiency and save you money in the long run. Plus, a clean filter is key to keeping your air quality high.

When it comes to furnace filters, exact size matters. If you get a filter that is too small or too big, air will flow around it instead of through it, meaning not all of the air will be filtered. That's why it's essential to use the right size filter for your HVAC unit.


Here's what you need to know: the size of the air filter is typically listed in the big, bold font on the packaging, which is known as the nominal size. This is a rounded-up whole-number version of the actual size, which is written in the fine print on the filter's frame. That's usually 0.25'-0.5' smaller than the nominal size, and the actual measurements of the filter may vary slightly depending on the brand.


In some cases, less common sizes come true to size, meaning the nominal size is the same as the actual size. When that's the case, it's usually noted with “actual size” in parentheses on the filter's frame.


So, the verdict is in: the answer to the question 'Do furnace filters have to be exact size?' is a resounding yes! Be sure to get the right size air filter for your system to ensure it runs smoothly and that you reap all the benefits your filter has to offer.

Are you looking for the best furnace filter? Look no further! Our team of experts at This Old House Reviews have researched the top five furnace filters on Amazon to help you find the perfect one for your HVAC system. Plus, these products are available at local home centers or online retailers like Amazon.


A great furnace filter can make all the difference. It will keep your HVAC system running smoothly, potentially leading to lower electricity bills and better air quality. That's why we've taken the time to compile a list of the best furnace filters for you.


At the top of our list is the Filtrete furnace air filter. It promises to last up to three months and outperform filters made with fiberglass. Plus, it can capture 64% of airborne particles like pet dander and pollen. This filter also comes with instructions for easy installation on HVAC systems that require filters 20 by 25 by 1 inches in size.


Customers love this furnace filter. They find it easy to install, sturdy, and a great value. However, some customers have faced difficulties with Filtrete’s app.


When choosing a furnace filter, make sure to take into account its size, filtration level, and material. That way, you can get the best filter for your specific needs.

Changing or replacing your furnace filter is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, efficient HVAC system. But you need to make sure that you're using the right filter for your system. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you pick the perfect one!


First, measure the dimensions of your existing filter. This will tell you the length, width, and depth you need. The easiest way to do this is to look at the existing filter and buy the same size.


Next, you need to choose the right MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20 and measures the filter's effectiveness at catching particles in the air. The higher the value, the more effective the filter is at trapping particles, but it also means less airflow.


Now it's time to decide on the type of filter. There are many options available, so take some time to research the best type for your system.


Once you have everything you need, it's time to install the filter in your furnace/air handler slot. Remove the old filter to make room for the new one.


Finally, make sure to replace your filter regularly. If it clogs up with dust and particulate, it can reduce airflow and become ineffective.

Furnace air filters are essential for your heating system. You should replace your filter at least once every three months. So, how do you select the best furnace filter for your needs? Let us help you out!


Generally, furnace filters are made up of a cardboard frame, fiberglass filter, and metal mesh. These materials work together to strengthen the filter and protect your HVAC components from dust and debris. Plus, they also help improve the air quality in your home. Without a filter, your HVAC system could become dirty and its performance would suffer.


As air passes through the furnace filter, it traps and catches any contaminants. If you don't replace or clean your filter regularly, it can obstruct airflow and cause damage to your HVAC system. In most cases, you should change your furnace filters every three months. However, you may want to replace them more or less often depending on the situation.