A filter is a filter. Right? Well, not necessarily.

It’s true that different types of filters all attempt to do the same thing, but different filters work with different degrees of effectiveness. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) only requires a filter to capture medium to large particles, which only makes up about 1% of the contaminants. But a Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) on a filter is better, because it measures a filter’s ability to capture particles between .03 and 1.0 micron, which means it captures 99% of contaminants in the air.

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your house, or if you're interested in allergen cleaners, you may want to consider getting a filtrete filter rather than a fiberglass filter. Fiberglass filters were designed solely to protect the furnace/Air conditioning system, not improve upon indoor air quality. Filtrete filters were designed with both purposes in mind. As air circulates through the filter it attracts and captures the allergens that would otherwise aggravate you and the other air-breathers in your home. There are many types of Filtrete filters, including the Filtrete Advanced Allergen, Filtrete Ultra Allergen, Filtrete Micro Allergen, and Filtrete Dust & Pollen. Each of these filters are specially designed for specific allergy-related conditions.

Filtrete filters don’t remove odors, but since it captures odor-particles like tobacco and wood smoke, changing your filter regularly can help reduce the smell. Filtrete filters also will prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, fungi, and mildew. The filtrete filter will also therefore reduce the need for dusting. However, since some of the larger dust particles are heavier they may settle on your furniture before reaching the filter.

Like all filters, the filtrete filter shouldn’t restrict the airflow in your house, but if it remains in longer than it should—1 to 3 months depending on the household—than it can restrict airflow. It can also cause the system to malfunction, so it is important to regularly check on your filter.

You may have heard of an electrostatic filter. These filters are filled with negative and positively charged fibers, so when the air particles pass through, the particles will stick to the filter. Electronic filters and electronic air cleaners tend to capture particles down to .01 microns where a Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction filter only captures .03 micron-sized particles, but the Fitrete Filter tends to be more effective in capturing larger particles. Electronic units require monthly maintenance after you spend $500-800 dollars for it. But Fitrete Filters are significantly cheaper and usually only require maintenance every 3 months.