3M Filtrete Micro Allergen Reduction Air Filter Review

Air filters are an essential component to furnace and/or central air functionality and it is important to change them periodically to enhance air quality. A wide variety of air filters exist and one that I have tried and liked is the Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter, an air filter from the 3M Company.  
 
Air Filter Commentary:
 
The Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter is large in size and is intended for spaces measuring one by two feet, and that usually means the primary air intake duct in most homes. These filters are white in color with a rippled design that has a texture that reminds me of tissue paper and coffee filters.
 
Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter has an air cleaning rating of 1,000 MPR. This level is superior to most other filters and it means that the Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter is capable of capturing more than just dust- it can also filter out mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles as well as control certain types of bacteria from the air that can lead to disease. It is recommended to be replaced every ninety days and it is one of the few air filters that meet the guidelines of the American Lung Association House Health Program. 
 
Air filters are something I didn't give much thought to in the past and even though I refused to purchase the least expensive air filters, I didn't reach for the more expensive air filters either because I felt the prices weren't justified. But with the excessive sneezing taking place in my household, I decided that it would be a good idea to at least try one of these more sophisticated air filters. I ended up choosing the Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter for several reasons, inlcuding its high MPR rating and its claim that it can reduce allergens in the air. It also doesn't hurt that this filter carries the 3M name, since 3M is a company with a long history of quality. 
 
Since installing the Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter, I can notice a difference in air quality in my house. One look at the body of this filter and it is easy to see why it is so good at cleaning the air. It is made from a material that is like a coffee filter/tissue paper combination and it's obvious that very few particles will be able to pass through a filter like this. Compare this to the less expensive fiberglass filters that are so cheaply made- the ones that allow you to part the strands with your fingers and create an opening, and it is easy to see why this filter is so much better. Other than dust, these inexpensive filters allow many particles to pass right through the filter, back to the furnace or central air unit, and then directly back into the rooms of your house. 
 
The Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter eliminates many particles and allergens from the air and it offers superior protection. But one thing that needs to be pointed out with this filter is that it does tend to get filled with debris fairly quickly. This is, of course, a direct consequence of the filtering being so effective. Because it can filter out even the tiniest microscopic particles, it doesn't take long before the filter is coated with dust and other debris and has to be replaced.

Bottom Line Viewpoint:

The Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter is a very good air filter that performs in a superior manner compared to most air filters. The cost is much higher than other filters, but this 3M filter does, indeed, cut down on the allergens in the air, reduces dust, and filters the air about as well as a furnace/central air filter can. They may be unnecessary for some houses, but if you are having troubles with allergies and other air- related problems, then the Filtrete 12 x 24 Micro Allergen Reduction Filter could be a welcome addition to your home.