# Choosing Air Filters: Which One Is Right For Your Furnace And Family > In choosing air filters for your home, you will find a wide range of efficiency. Find the ideal middle ground for your furnace and family. ![choosing air filters, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/furnace-filter-change.jpg)Are you looking for the best air filter for your home? It may seem that choosing the highest efficiency option would be best, but that may actually restrict airflow too much. At the same time, choosing air filters with an efficiency that is too low may fail to capture airborne allergens very effectively. What you need is to find the ideal middle ground for your furnace and your family. ![choosing air filters, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/furnace-filter-change.jpg) **Lower-efficiency filters** The efficiency of filters is measured on a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale. This scale ranges from 1 to 16, with most residential options ranging from 4 to 12. A MERV 4 filter is quite inexpensive, yet it captures about 80 percent of particles measuring 50 microns or larger. It fails at capturing more than a quarter of the particles sized 3 to 10 microns, however, which is where the limitations of a MERV 4 filter can be seen. **Mid-range filters** Many homeowners enjoy the balance between the cost and filtering power provided by MERV 7 or 8 air filters. These filters can capture up to 95 percent of particles measuring as small as 5 microns. This is more than efficient enough for most homes. **High-efficiency filters** MERV 9 and higher air filters are appropriate for households where occupants have severe allergies or immune system problems. They can trap up to 99 percent of allergens measuring as small as 0.3 microns. If you choose an air filter with this high a rating, you must be dedicated to changing the filter once a month to prevent detrimental airflow restriction. You may also need to have a technician boost the fan speed in order to compensate for the decrease in airflow. In the end, the exact filter you choose will depend on what you need to filter from the air, how much money you’re willing to spend and how diligently you maintain the filter. For more information about choosing air filters for your home, please contact us at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://www.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) in Holliston. Serving the Route 495/128 area, we're always happy to help. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* ***other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** *[Air filter image](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-73233346/stock-photo-a-man-s-arm-and-hand-seen-replacing-disposable-air-filter-in-home-central-air-furnace.html?src=lb-7771723) via Shutterstock* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/choosing-air-filters.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/choosing-air-filters.html)