Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Who knew Furnace Filters Could be so Confusing?

Hey Folks,

Hopefully a simple question. I have a Trane XR80 Gas Furnance (Horizontal/Upflow).

I really want to swap out the filter for something that's going to clean the air a bit better. What's in there now is whatever came with it, which looks like a 24" x 16 1/4" thin screen.

The only thing that I can find in the manual, talks of using a "high velocity type" filter.

Is there a "high velocity" type HEPA or some other type of filter that I can throw in there to take out some more of the allergens and such?

The trane website talks about Perfect Fit filters, but to me seems a bit vague. I don't know if a 5" one fits in my furnace, is useful, etc, etc. Trane PerfectFit Filters Allergy & Clean Air Machine & Clean Air Systems : Trane Residential (http://www.trane.com/Residential/Products/air-filtration/PerfectFit-Air-Filtration)

Looked around at Home Depot and they have a bunch of different ones from electrostatic to pleated to glass, etc, etc, etc.

I really just want to keep my family safe and healthy. Any help would be great.

Thanks again.

A medium efficiency pleated filter should provide you good filtration without compromising airflow and won't break the bank.:thumbup:

Is your air filter still inside the furnace, or is there one in the return? I would suggest the 3pack NatureAire air filter that sold at Home Depot (Green package) Anything above that like the 3M you are going to need to change the filter more often. If your budget allows you, and want a better filter, have the dealer install a media filter system like Honeywell F200 filter or Apriaire system.

Is your air filter still inside the furnace, or is there one in the return? I would suggest the 3pack NatureAire air filter that sold at Home Depot (Green package) Anything above that like the 3M you are going to need to change the filter more often. If your budget allows you, and want a better filter, have the dealer install a media filter system like Honeywell F200 filter or Apriaire system.


Thank you both for your help. The filter is inside the furnance. I bought a 3M filter, somewhere in the middle of price and function. So far so good with good airflow. I'll keep a close eye to make sure I change it when needed.

Big problem I have is that my main intake is from the unfinished basement, so trying to capture the dust and moisture before it gets to the house.