Air Filters 101 — What Matters Most This Winter

When your home is sealed up tight for winter, the quality of your air depends heavily on one thing: your furnace filter. But with so many options — MERV ratings, HEPA, disposable vs. washable — how do you choose?

Here’s what matters most this winter:

• MERV rating: For Minnesota homes, a filter rated MERV 8–13 is ideal. It catches particles like dust, pet dander, and even some bacteria.
• Change it often: Every 1–3 months in winter. More often if you have pets or allergies.
• Fit matters: Make sure your filter fits snugly. Gaps reduce effectiveness.
• Don’t overdo it: Too high of a MERV rating can restrict airflow in older systems.
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Your furnace filter isn’t just about cleaner air — it helps your system run efficiently and last longer. Small swap, big impact.