Shop by
As the days get shorter and the sniffles start, protecting your home from cold and flu viruses becomes a top priority. Many homeowners look to their HVAC system's air filters as a first line of defense. But with so much conflicting information out there, it's hard to separate fact from fiction. Do you really need the most expensive filter? Can they actually stop viruses?
Let’s clear the air. Many common beliefs about air filters are just plain wrong, especially when it comes to pleated air filters. Far from being bad for your system, a high-quality pleated filter is one of the best tools you have for a healthier home. This guide will debunk the biggest air filter myths and explain what’s really true, so you can breathe easier all season long.
Let's tackle the five most common air filter myths to help you make smarter, healthier choices for your home.
One of the most persistent air filter myths is that they are all created equal. This couldn't be further from the truth. The cheap, flat fiberglass filters you can see through are designed to protect your HVAC system from large debris like dust and hair, but they do very little to improve your indoor air quality.
Pleated air filters, on the other hand, are specifically engineered for superior filtration. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the folds, or pleats, in these filters create a much larger surface area. This allows them to capture a higher number of smaller airborne particles without restricting your system's airflow. That means they can trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some of the airborne particles that carry viruses and bacteria.
MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, measures a filter's ability to capture particles. While it's true a higher MERV rating means finer filtration, "higher" isn't always "better" for every home. A filter with a MERV rating that is too high for your specific HVAC system can restrict airflow, putting strain on the fan motor and reducing efficiency.
For most residential systems, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is the sweet spot. MERV 8 filters are excellent for capturing pollen, dust mites, and dander. MERV 13 filters go a step further, trapping smaller particles like smoke, smog, and some virus-carrying droplets. Choosing a filter in this range ensures you get strong protection without compromising your HVAC system's performance.
No HVAC filter can guarantee you won't get sick. However, high-efficiency filters play a crucial role in reducing the risk. Viruses like the flu are often transmitted through respiratory droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes. While a filter can't stop direct person-to-person transmission, it can capture these virus-laden droplets as they circulate through the air.
According to air quality experts at IQAir, improving indoor air quality is a key part of reducing the concentration of airborne pathogens. By using a pleated air filter with an appropriate MERV rating, you can significantly reduce the number of viral particles in your home's air, lowering the chances of them spreading from one family member to another.
A dirty air filter is not only ineffective but can also be harmful. Over time, a filter becomes clogged with pollutants, which restricts airflow and forces your HVAC system to work harder. This not only increases your energy bills but can also lead to mechanical failures.
More importantly, a clogged filter can no longer effectively clean the air. It may even start to release trapped particles back into your home, worsening your indoor air quality. For optimal performance and health, it’s essential to change your air filter every 90 days. If you have pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers in the house, you may need to change it more frequently.
This is one of the most damaging myths on air filters. The idea that pleated filters are inherently bad for HVAC systems is simply incorrect. This myth usually comes from instances where a homeowner has used a filter with a MERV rating far too high for their system, which restricts airflow and strains the motor.
When you use a correctly-sized pleated air filter with a MERV rating of 8-13, it actually enhances your system's efficiency. These filters are designed to capture more particles while maintaining proper airflow, protecting both your family's health and your HVAC equipment. Filterbuy has decades of experience in air filtration, ensuring our filters are manufactured to provide this perfect balance.
The EPA has found that improvements to indoor air quality through better HVAC filtration can be a key component of a strategy to reduce the risk of airborne viral transmission. A high-quality pleated filter acts as a gatekeeper for your home’s air.
As air circulates through your HVAC system, the filter traps a wide range of irritants, including:
By removing these pollutants, a good filter does more than just clean the air. It reduces the overall burden on your immune system. When your body isn't constantly fighting off allergens and other airborne irritants, it has more resources to fight off viruses like the cold and flu.
When it comes to protecting your home, you need a filter you can trust. Filterbuy's pleated filters are proudly American-made and designed to deliver the perfect balance of high-efficiency filtration and optimal airflow. With over 85,000 five-star reviews, our customers trust us to help them breathe cleaner, healthier air.
Our MERV 8, 11, and 13 filters are ideal for keeping your home healthy during flu season and beyond. We make it easy to find exactly what you need with our simple online ordering system and custom-size options. Plus, our subscription service ensures you never forget to change your filter again, saving you time and money.
Using the right filter is a great start. To further improve your home's air, follow these simple steps:
Don’t let air filter myths stand between you and a healthier home. Understanding how air filters work is the first step toward making an informed decision. The right HVAC filter is a powerful tool for reducing indoor air pollutants and supporting your family's well-being.
With a reliable MERV 8–13 pleated filter, you can improve your home's air quality, enhance your HVAC system's efficiency, and gain peace of mind.
Ready to breathe easier this flu season? Protect your family with clean, filtered air. Shop Filterbuy filters now.
Yes. While they can't prevent illness entirely, high-quality filters (MERV 8-13) capture airborne droplets that carry viruses, reducing their spread throughout your home and supporting your immune system.
It can significantly reduce the spread. HVAC filters trap virus-carrying particles from the air as it circulates, lowering the concentration of germs and the likelihood of infection.
A MERV 13 filter is an excellent choice for flu season, as it's rated to capture smaller particles, including smoke, bacteria, and virus droplets. A MERV 8 or MERV 11 filter also provides a significant improvement over standard fiberglass filters.
It's best to stick to a 90-day replacement schedule. However, if someone in your home is sick, consider changing the filter once they've recovered to remove any trapped viral particles.
Yes, as long as you choose the correct MERV rating. Pleated air filters with a MERV 8–13 rating are designed for residential systems and offer superior filtration without restricting airflow.
An HVAC filter cleans the air for your entire home as it passes through the central air system. An air purifier is a portable, standalone unit that cleans the air in a single room. Many air purifier myths get confused with the function of HVAC filters.
Indirectly, yes. A clogged filter can no longer trap pollutants and can restrict airflow, allowing dust, allergens, and germs to circulate freely. This can weaken your immune response and make you more susceptible to illness.
For most modern HVAC systems, a MERV 13 filter is perfectly safe and highly effective. If you have an older system or are unsure, check the manufacturer's guidelines or consult an HVAC professional.
No. When you use the correct MERV rating, pleated filters do not use more energy. A clean, efficient pleated filter can actually help your system run more smoothly than a clogged, cheap fiberglass filter.
Filterbuy.com offers a wide range of American-made, high-quality pleated air filters, including MERV 8 and MERV 13 options. You can order standard or custom sizes online and have them delivered directly to your door.
