Question: I am considering replacing my Aprilaire media whole house filter with an electronic filter.  I will be replacing my heat pump within the next few months and would probably buy a Carrier electronic filter.  I am currently using the new upgraded 15 MERV April Air filter. My service technician recently told me that based on his experience, the media high efficiency media filters do a better job of keeping the inside of the air handler cleaner than the electronic filters and the media filters require far less maintenance. He recommended that I continue using the media filter and not replace it with an electronic filter. Your comments are very much appreciated.

I would agree with your service technician 100%. In my experience, electronic air cleaners are over rated. They may be  efficient at stopping smaller dust particles but are not as good at stopping
larger dust particles. For best results use media type filters such as Aprilaire and Nordic Pure.

Compare Filtrete and Nordic Pure pleated air filters

Question: I would like to save costs by getting a washable air filter, but it seems that none of them can get a MERV over 8, and I’d like something with a MREV of 11 or higher since we have allregies in the family.  How does Boair or air-care-filters.com filters compare to the filtrete ultra allergen. If I need to get a disposable, is the Nordic the best priced disposable filter?

You are correct about washable filters. Although they don’t have MERV ratings they perform close to a MERV 8. Although washable filters have their own positive characteristics, if allergies are a concern for you I would recommend high efficiency pleated air filters.

I did some quick investigating and this is what I found when comparing these pleated air filters

- Filtrete Ultra Allergen filters are $13.88 at Walmart and they have a MERV rating of 11 (I used Walmart because they usually have good prices)

- Nordic Pure Box of 6 is $48.97 which works out to $8.16 each and they have a MERV rating of 12

Both of these pleated air filters enhance the performance of their filters electrostaticly.

Nordic Pure and Filtrete filters don’t support the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew or mold.

Nordic Pure filters have a higher MERV rating and they are much less expensive than Filtrete Ultra Allergen filters.