Filtrete Elite 2200 MPR

Bottom line

Slipping a filter into your home's forced-air heating/cooling system is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to clean the air, experts say -- sometimes eliminating the need for a stand-alone air purifier. The Filtrete Elite 2200 MPR gets excellent reviews from both professional review sources and consumers, with many noting a significant reduction in allergy symptoms. A few owners say this filter caused their furnaces to overheat.

Performance

Excellent at removing allergens and smoke. Filtrete Elite 2200 MPR filters do an excellent job of trapping dust and pollen in one expert comparison test and a good job at cigarette smoke removal, too. MPR stands for microparticle rating, with higher numbers indicating a better microparticle removal capability. The Filtrete Elite 2200 MPR filter has the highest MPR of all Filtrete models, making it one of the most effective furnace filters for removing dust and allergen particles. Anecdotally, users report that they dust less, sneeze less and need less allergy medicine after they installed the Filtrete 2200 in their home heating/cooling systems.

Ease of use

No stand-alone air purifier unit required. Filtrete filters (made of pleated electrostatically charged fiber) are inexpensive, disposable and easy to find at discount and home improvement stores. They work in an existing furnace to replace standard furnace filters for a higher level of filtration. All of the Filtrete filters allow very good airflow to the furnace, according to one expert test, but you should change the filter every three months to keep it from clogging up. The most common issue cited by owners posting feedback to Amazon.com, however, is that these filters may cause some furnaces to overheat.

Noise

Zero additions to home noise levels. One major benefit of Filtrete filters, which work with an existing furnace, is that they don't add any additional noise to the home. This is true of all furnace filters. In fact, one professional testing organization doesn't even offer ratings for noise levels on do-it-yourself furnace filters, whereas room air purifiers are rated for noise levels at both low and high settings in the same review.

Cost of ownership

Costly among furnace filters, but worth it. These disposable filters last about three months, according to editors at AllergyBuyersClub.com. Filtrete Elite 2200 MPR filters are the most expensive among the Filtrete line of do-it-yourself furnace filters, although the majority of owners posting feedback to Amazon.com are more than happy to pay the additional cost for the allergy relief they provide. Compared to a stand-alone air purifier, which can cost several hundred to well over one thousand dollars and still require periodic filter replacements, the Filtrete Elite 2200 MPR filter is reasonably priced.