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    Air Filters

    Find Ratings

    Furnace, Air Conditioner & Air Filters

    What's behind our air filter Ratings?

    Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 12 models in air filters to see which ones perform best.
    We look for:
    • Overall score
      Overall score is mainly how well models removed dust and smoke from a test chamber, plus airflow resistance.
    • Dust/pollen/smoke removal (high)
      Dust/pollen/smoke removal is how well a model cleared air of fine clay dust and cigarette smoke when operating at its highest speed. A model that scores well for dust removal should perform comparably for pollen.
    • Dust/pollen/smoke removal (low)
      Dust/pollen/smoke removal is how well a model cleared air of fine clay dust and cigarette smoke when operating at its lowest speed. A model that scores well for dust removal should perform comparably for pollen.
    • Airflow resistance
      Airflow resistance reflects how freely air passed through the unit.
    • Annual cost
      Annual cost is estimated based on continuous operation.
    • Thickness
      Thickness in inches.

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    Recommended air filters

    Recommended air filters are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
    arrows Recommended air filters
    • Recommended
    • Buying Guide
    • Price & Shop
    Air filters are essential for keeping the air in your home clean and comfortable but need regular replacement to work efficiently. Consumer Reports’ air filter reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our air filters buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased ratings and air filter reviews to help you choose the best air filter for your needs.

    Ratings & recommended air filters

    Furnace Filters, Air Conditioner Filters & Air Filters (12)

    Because of leaks from windows, doors, and elsewhere, the air in the typical house is replaced by outside air every 2 hours. (Newer homes are tighter.) So minimizing sources of indoor pollutants can make more of a difference in indoor air quality than any air filter can. Still, the better performers can help those with asthma and allergies who have exhausted other options or cannot, say, part with a beloved pet.


    Recommended furnace filters , air conditioner filters & air filters
    Furnace Filter, Air Conditioner Filter & Air Filter Ratings

    Air Filter buying guide

    Air filters buying advice

    Appliances News

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    See also:
    Air conditioners
    Air conditioners
    45 rated down arrow
    Air purifiers
    Air purifiers
    40 rated down arrow
    Boilers
    Boilers
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    Central air conditioning
    Central air conditioning
    See buying guide down arrow
    Dehumidifiers
    Dehumidifiers
    25 rated down arrow
    Gas furnaces
    Gas furnaces
    See buying guide down arrow