Do you want to find the best furnace filter to remove mold spores?
Furnace filters are typically rated using the MERV scale, and the higher the MERV, the more mold spores it can filter out of the air.
In this guide, I will go over...
- My #1 top pick for the best HVAC filter to remove mold
- The typical size of mold spores in microns
- Tips on choosing a MERV rated furnace filter
Let's get started with this guide!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick  | Top Pick | 3M Ultra Allergen
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| View on Amazon |
 | K&N Washable
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| View on Amazon | |
 | 3M Micro Allergen Defense
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| View on Amazon | |
 | Aerostar Home Max
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| View on Amazon | |
 | Nordic Pure
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| View on Amazon |
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
- High MERV 12 rating
- 3-in-1 technology (more air flow)
- Pleated for more surface area
- Electrostatically charged
- Renowned 3M brand
My overall top pick for the best furnace filter for mold goes to the Ultra Allergen by 3M. At a high MERV 12 rating, this furnace filter will capture 90% or greater of particles in the 3-10 micron size, thereby capture a large amount of mold spores. These filters feature 3M's 3-in-1 technology which allows more air flow through your HVAC while maintaining a high MERV rating.
Top 5 Best Furnace Filters For Mold
Are you in a hurry? Check out our top 5 furnace filters for mold! Keep reading to learn the details on each pick and for our buyer's guide.
What Is A Furnace Filter For Mold?
Nobody wants to breathe in mold spores. And even though mold is naturally present in the air, if you breath in high amounts, it can lead to health problems.
Mold sometimes grows on drywall, bath caulking, and sometimes even inside your furnace or A/C.
So if you have tackled a mold problem in your home, or just want to be extra careful, buying a high quality HVAC filter to remove mold may be a good bet.
Frankly, there is no such thing as a filter that specifically only removes mold. It is impossible for a furnace filter to remove 100% of mold spores, but a high quality filter can remove 90% or greater of mold spores in the air.
Read Also: What Are The Best Furnace Filters For Dust Control?
Mold Spore Size
The typical measurement for microscopic particles is called the micron which is one millionth of a meter.
The average mold spore ranges in size from 3 to 40 microns. For comparison, a human hair is approximately 100-150 microns in size.
Read Also: Can You Run A Furnace Without A Filter Temporarily?
High MERV Ratings
The standard furnace filter rating is called the MERV which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. Basically, the higher the MERV rating, the more particulates the filter will remove.
If you want to filter out more mold spores, I recommend purchasing a HVAC filter that is in the MERV 11-13 range.
Anything higher than MERV 13 and you will be seriously restricting your HVAC air flow and it may cause damage to your system. And even in the MERV 11-13 range, you may want to first consult your HVAC literature to see if your system can handle it.
Read Also: What Are The Best Furnace Filters For Odors?
Filter Quality
However, you should be aware that not all filters are equal. For example, Filtrete filters made by 3M have something called 3-in-1 technology which means they designed their filters to allow more air flow through their filters while maintaining high MERV ratings.
So a 3M filter may not cause HVAC problems, but a lower quality filter may impair your HVAC system performance.
A MERV 11 filter will capture 85% or greater of allergens in the 3-10 micron size range. A MERV 13 filter will capture 90% or greater of particles in the 3-10 micron size range.
Read Also: What Is The Difference Between MERV And MPR Filter Ratings?
What Is The Best Furnace Filter For Mold?
Here are my full reviews for the best furnace filters for mold. Check it out below...
My #1 top pick for the best furnace filter for mold goes to the Filtrete Ultra Allergen by 3M. This is a premium furnace filter that is rated at a high MERV 12 rating to capture many common allergens including mold spores.
At a MERV 12, this furnace filter will capture 90% or greater of mold spores in the 3 to 10 micron size. 3M utilizes its patented 3-in-1 filter technology which means it maximizes air flow through your HVAC system while maintaining a high MERV rating.
This HVAC filter by 3M is electrostatically charged and highly pleated to capture more allergens in the air such as mold.
- High MERV rating
- 3-in-1 technology (more air flow)
- Highly pleated & charged
- Pricey
- May reduce HVAC air flow
This is filter made by renowned K&N is a premium washable and reusable furnace filter. When you want to clean it, you simply spray it with the K&N cleaner, wait a few minutes, wash it off, and let it air dry.
At a MERV 11 rating, this washable filter will capture 85% or greater of mold spores in the 3-10 micron size range.
K&N has been making air filtration products since 1969 for the automotive market, and has now applied their knowledge to a high quality washable HVAC filter.
- Washable & reusable to save money
- MERV 11 rating
- Stainless-steel backing
- K&N cleaner separate cost
Micro Allergen Defense by 3M is a high quality furnace filter with a lower MERV 11 rating (MPR 1000). At this MERV level, this furnace filter will capture 85% or greater of mold spores in the 3 to 10 micron size range.
This HVAC filter also utilizes 3M's 3-in-1 technology which maximizes air flow while maintaining its high MERV filtration rating.
This 3M filter is pleated to maximize the surface area and it is electrostatically charged to capture more allergens such as mold. This lower MERV rating filter is also budget friendly.
- MERV 11 Rating (more air flow)
- 3-in-1 technology by 3M
- Pleated for more surface area
- Budget friendly
- May reduce HVAC air flow
- Less mold spore capture than MERV 12
The Home Max by Aerostar is a nice budget-friendly hvac filter with a high MERV 13 rating.
At MERV 13, this furnace filter will catch 90% or more particles in the 3 to 10 micron range to maximize mold spore capture. MERV 13 is comparable to MPR-1500 to MPR-1900.
These filters are pleated for more surface area and they are electrically charged to capture more particles.
All of the Aerostar HVAC filters are manufactured in the USA.
- MERV 13 Rating for more mold filtration
- Budget friendly
- Made in the USA
- Complaints of being undersized
- Lower quality materials
This quality filter by Nordic Pure is a MERV 12 furnace filter to capture some of the smallest mold spores.
With MERV 12, it will capture over 90% of mold spores in the in the 3-10 micron size range.
These filters by Nordic Pure are pleated which creates a large surface area so it can catch more particulates. MERV 12 is equivalent to around MPR 1500.
Made in the USA, these furnace filters will capture mold spores, pet dander, household dust, and other microscopic particles.
- MERV 12 for superior air filtration
- Pleated for large surface area
- Made in the USA
- Lower quality materials
My #1 Top Pick: 3M Filtrete Ultra Allergen
My overall top pick for the best furnace filter for mold goes to the Ultra Allergen by 3M. Here's why...
#1. High MERV Rating
At a rating of MERV 12, this HVAC filter will capture 90% (or greater) of mold spores in the 3-10 micron size range.
#2. Air Flow
With 3M's patented 3-in-1 technology, these Filtrete furnace filters will maximize air flow through your HVAC system while maintaining a high MERV rating. Reduced air flow is one of the biggest problems with higher MERV ratings.
#3. Renowned Brand
3M has been manufacturing filters and other products for a long time, and their are world-renowned brand in many areas. 3M uses the highest quality materials for their Filtrete line of filters.
