How much do air filters cost?

An air filter’s cost depends on the size and type of filter, its MERV rating, and the retailer. Most air filters cost $5 to $27+ each, but some retailers may offer discounts for bulk orders. Filters that are custom-made to be a specific size or have a higher MERV rating are typically pricier.

How long do air filters last?

Air filters can last from about a month to up to a year, but most manufacturers recommend switching out your air filters every 90 days. Factors that affect an air filter’s longevity include the quality of the filter and the amount of pollution in the air. Areas with higher pollution deplete the air filter more quickly, while higher-quality filters tend to last longer.

What MERV rating is best for home use?

Homeowners should use filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 10, which will catch most particles that affect indoor air quality. Those with pets, allergies, or asthma, or those who reside in particularly polluted areas may want to consider using filters with MERV ratings between 11 to 13.

How often should you change your air filter?

Most manufacturers recommend changing air filters every 90 days. However, this frequency will ultimately be determined by the amount of particles the air filter is exposed to and how much activity happens in your home. In general, if you live with multiple people, have pets, or reside in an area with heavy pollution, you should change your filter more frequently.

Do air filters help with allergies?

Yes, air filters may help with allergies, depending on the model or type that is chosen. Those with severe allergies should consider selecting MERV 11 or 13 air filters, as these products are better at capturing small and large allergen particles than filters with lower MERV ratings.

Best Air Filter Subscription Services of 2023

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air filter removal — Photo:
Sucharas wongpeth / Getty Images

Those with allergies or asthma likely know how helpful air filters are for a home. Furnace filters purify the air you breathe, capturing and removing harmful allergens and particles from circulating in your home. Even if you don’t suffer from respiratory complications, HVAC air filters are crucial to the cleanliness of the air around you.

With air filter subscription services, you don't have to worry about remembering to buy new air filters, and you can breathe easy knowing your home's air is in top condition. The best air filter subscription services offer delivery on a schedule of your choosing, free shipping, and a wide selection of air filter types and sizes. To help improve your home’s air quality, try the following subscription services that provide a new furnace filter on a regular basis.

Best Air Filter Subscription Services of 2023

Best Overall: Second Nature
Best for Large Orders: Air Filters Delivered
Best Air Quality: Tru Filtered Air
Best for Pet Owners: Filterjoy
Best Budget: Simple Filter Plan

Best Overall: Second Nature

Second Nature

Key Specs

Average Price: $16
Delivery Frequency: Every one, two, or three months; Custom scheduling available
MERV Rating: 8, 11, and 13

Pros & Cons

Pros

All filter deliveries ship free
Filters come in a wide variety of sizes and can be customized
Flexible delivery schedule to suit your needs

Cons

Can’t make orders with mixed filter sizes or MERV ratings

Why It Made the List

Second Nature is our pick for the best overall air filter subscription due to its reasonable price point, huge selection of filter types and sizes, reputation for excellent customer service, and unmatched customization options. If your home requires an unusual filter and choosing the exact date you’d like your filters delivered is important to you, Second Nature may offer better convenience than other competitors on this list.

For every delivery, the company allows you to select the number of filters you need, input the size for the filter(s), select the filter type by Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV), and fully customize the delivery schedule down to the day. Although the system doesn't allow customers to mix and match filter size and quality within a single order, no other competitor offers as large a variety of sizes as Second Nature.

Best for Large Orders: Air Filters Delivered

Air Filters Delivered

Key Specs

Average Price: Varies depending on chosen filter
Delivery Frequency: Every one, three, six, or twelve months; Single purchases available
MERV Rating: 8, 11, or 13

Pros & Cons

Pros

Allows single purchases and bulk orders
Offers custom filter sizes as needed
Lower filter cost than other competitors

Cons

Can't easily compare options on website

Why It Made the List

If you require large quantities of air filters at once, Air Filters Delivered is perfect for large orders due to the significant discounts it offers on bulk purchases. For example, a two-pack of standard 20x20x1-inch filters costs $12 per filter, but ordering a 12-pack of the same filters lowers the price to around $6 per filter. If you sign up for a subscription, you’ll also get an additional 5% off on orders, saving even more cash.

On the company’s site, you can shop by brand or filter depth, then select the size, rating, and delivery schedule. However, the number of air filters available for purchase is numerous, so comparing air filters can be overwhelming. However, shipping is free and completed within five days throughout the U.S. Whether you’re signing up for a subscription or ordering a large number of air filters at once, you’ll save big due to this service’s accessible prices.

Best Air Quality: Tru Filtered Air

Tru Filtered Air

Key Specs

Average Price: $27
Delivery Frequency: Every one, two, or three months
MERV Rating: 11

Pros & Cons

Pros

Filters are high-quality and effectively trap allergens
Uses activated carbon to help trap odors
All subscription orders ship free

Cons

More expensive than other competitors

Why It Made the List

Tru Filtered Air is best for customers who desire optimal air quality and minimal odors, as its filters offer elevated protection and quality. Most filters are made with compressed paper, but Tru Filtered Air uses "high-loft filter media" to effectively capture a higher percentage of irritants compared to filters made with the former material. Those with allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities stand to benefit most from the company’s unique, higher-quality filters

In addition to its impressive filter material, the company also incorporates a carbon layer into its devices to trap gasses and odors, making it ideal for those who cook frequently. That said, Tru Filtered Air’s high-tech products are expensive; the cost for each filter is around $27. However, the quality of its filters remains hard to beat, and shipping is provided for no extra charge.

Best for Pet Owners: Filterjoy

Filterjoy

Key Specs

Average Price: $17
Delivery Frequency: Every one, two, or three months
MERV Rating: 9, 11, or 13

Pros & Cons

Pros

Pet treat included with each delivery
Easy-to-navigate user interface
Can pause or cancel subscription at any time

Cons

Higher price than other competitors
Doesn’t allow bulk orders

Why It Made the List

While most air filters are crafted to remove pet dander, Filterjoy's products also add something special for pet owners. For every air filter delivery you get, the company will include a treat for your furry friend to enjoy. You can also pause or cancel your subscription at any time, giving you flexibility if you need breaks in between shipments.

Filterjoy allows customers to choose how many and what size filters they need, select a delivery frequency, and choose between Basic (MERV 9), Ultra (MERV 11), and Elite (MERV 13) packages. Although the average price per filter is slightly higher than competitors, shipping is always free. The company doesn’t allow bulk orders for air filter shipments, so bear this in mind when ordering.

Best Budget: Simple Filter Plan

Simple Filter Plan

Key Specs

Average Price: $15
Delivery Frequency: Every one, two, or three months
MERV Rating: 8, 11, or 13

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers lower prices than competitors
Allows different filter sizes for orders
Can choose from three subscription tiers

Cons

Shipping policy is unclear
Does not offer filters thicker than 1 inch

Why It Made the List

Simple Filter Plan is a great option for customers who want budget-friendly, no-frills air filters on a regular basis. The company’s cheapest plan is $15 a month, making Simple Filter Plan the most affordable air filter subscription service on our list. However, the service’s shipping policy is unclear as the company’s FAQ states that orders are completely free, while the homepage claims that shipping is only free after customers reach a $17 minimum.

Shipping aside, the company offers three subscription packages to choose from: Basic, Premium, or Advanced. While filters in each package vary in MERV ratings, you can still modify delivery frequency, quantity, and size for each plan. Bear in mind that Simple Filter Plan does not offer filters thicker than 1 inch, but every order is backed by a 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee to help alleviate any concern about committing to a subscription.

Final Verdict

With a wide range of services, filter options, and prices, Second Nature is the best air filter subscription service on the market. The company offers fast and convenient filter replacement with no-extra-charge shipping and a fully customizable delivery model. No other competitor offers a variety of size options like this service, making it perfect for homes that require air filters with unique dimensions. While you can’t mix and match air filter sizes and MERV ratings for recurring shipments, the company still allows you to adjust your delivery date down to the exact day you desire.

Compare the Best Air Filter Subscription Services

Company	Average Price	Delivery Frequency	MERV Rating	Free Shipping?	No. of Sizes
Second Nature Best Overall	$16	Every one, two, or three months; custom available	8, 11, or 13	Yes	66,000+ (contact for custom)
Air Filters Delivered Best for Large Orders	Varies depending on filter	Every one, three, six, or twelve months; single purchases available	8, 11, or 13	Yes (within contiguous US)	220+ (contact for custom)
Tru Filtered Air Best Air Quality	$27	Every one, two or three months	11 with activated carbon	Yes	46 (contact for custom)
Filterjoy Best for Pet Owners	$17	Every one, two or three months	9, 11, or 13	Yes	90+ (contact for custom)
Simple Filter Plan Best Budget	$15	Every one, two or three months	8, 11, or 13	Yes (on orders over $17)	40+ (contact for custom)

Guide to Choosing the Best Air Filter Subscription Service

When deciding on an air filter subscription service, it’s important to weigh your options before settling on a company. Consider the following criteria to help you come to a decision that works best for you.

Price

Prices for air filter subscriptions vary depending on filter type and size, quantity, and delivery frequency. Some companies offer discounts for subscription deliveries and bulk orders; in some cases, promotions help you save more. Remember to compare the price of a subscription service to buying filters yourself at the store to ensure you aren’t paying a huge markup.

Delivery Frequency

Air filter subscription services typically offer deliveries at different frequencies. While companies like Second Nature allow customers to choose exactly when they wish to receive HVAC filters, others only have preset intervals to choose from (every one, three, or six months). Make sure that the offered frequency is right for your household needs before committing to a service.

MERV Rating/Quality

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) rating determines what size particles the filter can capture and its efficiency. Filters that have a higher MERV value are more efficient at capturing smaller particles. While a filter with a MERV rating of 8 is able to filter out things like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and large fibers, MERV 13 filters are able to filter out smaller particles like pet dander, finer dust, bacteria, and tobacco smoke.

Generally, those with allergies or pets should consider choosing services that offer higher-quality filters. Different air filter subscriptions offer products with different MERV ratings, so make sure that the service you’re interested in offers the rating you’re looking for when making your selection.

Selection and Customization Options

The best air filter subscription services offer a wide variety of filters to choose from to ensure you’ll be covered. If your house requires filters with an unusual size, be sure to select a service that allows customization options so you can get the HVAC filter you need.

Shipping

Many air filter subscriptions offer free shipping, which helps save on cash. Try to find a service that provides free or discounted shipping while also meeting your needs.

Promotions

Some air filter subscription services offer discounts for new customers or run seasonal promotions. Look for these deals to rack up significant savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do air filters cost?

An air filter’s cost depends on the size and type of filter, its MERV rating, and the retailer. Most air filters cost $5 to $27+ each, but some retailers may offer discounts for bulk orders. Filters that are custom-made to be a specific size or have a higher MERV rating are typically pricier.
How long do air filters last?

Air filters can last from about a month to up to a year, but most manufacturers recommend switching out your air filters every 90 days. Factors that affect an air filter’s longevity include the quality of the filter and the amount of pollution in the air. Areas with higher pollution deplete the air filter more quickly, while higher-quality filters tend to last longer.
What MERV rating is best for home use?

Homeowners should use filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 10, which will catch most particles that affect indoor air quality. Those with pets, allergies, or asthma, or those who reside in particularly polluted areas may want to consider using filters with MERV ratings between 11 to 13.
How often should you change your air filter?

Most manufacturers recommend changing air filters every 90 days. However, this frequency will ultimately be determined by the amount of particles the air filter is exposed to and how much activity happens in your home. In general, if you live with multiple people, have pets, or reside in an area with heavy pollution, you should change your filter more frequently.
Do air filters help with allergies?

Yes, air filters may help with allergies, depending on the model or type that is chosen. Those with severe allergies should consider selecting MERV 11 or 13 air filters, as these products are better at capturing small and large allergen particles than filters with lower MERV ratings.

Methodology

We researched more than 25 companies to determine which brands offered the best air filter subscription service. We evaluated each service based on the following criteria:

Price
Filter selection
Customization options
Shipping policy
MERV ratings
Delivery flexibility
Subscription cancelation policy
Customer service approval

Air filter subscription services that offered accessible prices, a wide selection of filter types and sizes, and flexible delivery schedules were awarded extra points during our scoring phase. Additionally, any companies that offered free shipping and multiple avenues for reaching customer service were ranked highly. Brands that excelled in a particular category also received superlatives in this list. Any air filter subscription services that had limited shipping capabilities didn’t make it past our initial research phase.

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Sources

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