U.S. Furnace Filters Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By MERV (8 MERV, 11 MERV), By Filter Type (Electrostatic Filters), By Filter Thickness, By Distribution Channel, By Application, By Filter Size (16 X 20, 16 X 25, 20 X 20), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

U.S. Furnace Filters Market Size & Trends

The U.S. furnace filters market size was estimated at USD 1.06 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2030. The U.S. furnace filters industry is seeing significant growth trends driven by advancements in technology, consumer awareness, and environmental concerns. Moreover, the growing demand for high-efficiency filters such as MERV-rated filters, which can trap smaller particles and allergens, improving indoor air quality is further driving the market growth. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the health benefits of cleaner air, which amplified concerns about airborne viruses and respiratory conditions.

Another trend in the market is the rise in eco-friendly and sustainable filter options. Consumers are now seeking filters that are not only effective but also made from environmentally friendly materials. Companies such as Nordic Pure have responded by offering filters made from recycled content and sustainable materials. Additionally, subscription-based services are gaining popularity, allowing customers to receive replacement filters regularly, ensuring they maintain the optimal performance of their HVAC systems. This trend reflects the growing consumer preference for convenience and the desire for low-maintenance home systems.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The U.S. furnace filters industry is moderately concentrated, with a few major players holding significant market share. Leading companies such as Honeywell, Filtrete, Nordic Pure, and FilterBuy dominate the industry, benefiting from their established brand reputation, extensive distribution networks, and innovative product offerings. These companies offer a wide range of furnace filters, catering to both residential and commercial needs, and have a strong presence in online and offline retail channels. However, the market also has a variety of smaller players who focus on niche products, creating competition that prevents the market from being highly concentrated.

One of the key characteristics of the U.S. furnace filters market is its segmentation based on product types, such as disposable, washable, and electrostatic filters. Disposable filters, typically made from fiberglass or polyester, are the most common due to their affordability and ease of use. Washable filters, while more durable and eco-friendlier, are less common as they require maintenance and are higher in upfront costs. Electrostatic filters, which utilize static electricity to capture particles, are growing in popularity due to their higher efficiency and longer lifespan compared to standard filters.

The market is also characterized by technological innovation, as manufacturers are constantly developing new filter materials and designs to improve filtration efficiency. High-MERV filters, for example, have gained popularity due to their ability to capture smaller particles, including pollen, pet dander, and even bacteria. Additionally, air purifiers integrated with furnace filters are becoming more common, allowing consumers to maintain both their HVAC system and indoor air quality simultaneously. These advancements have driven increased consumer demand for filters that offer a higher level of performance and durability.

The U.S. furnace filters market is also heavily influenced by consumer preferences and regulatory standards. Many consumers are now more informed about the importance of maintaining clean indoor air, which has led to increased demand for higher-efficiency filters. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets regulations on the performance and energy efficiency of HVAC systems, which influences the types of filters available in the market. Companies are increasingly focusing on offering products that not only comply with these regulations but also meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The U.S. furnace filters industry is driven by the increasing consumer awareness regarding the importance of indoor air quality. With a growing emphasis on health and well-being, more consumers are seeking high-efficiency filters that can effectively capture airborne pollutants such as dust, allergens, and bacteria. The rising prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies further fuels the demand for advanced filters that improve air quality in homes and commercial spaces. Additionally, the growing adoption of energy-efficient HVAC systems is encouraging consumers to invest in high-performance filters to maintain system efficiency.

A key restraint in the U.S. furnace filters industry is the high upfront cost of premium filters, particularly high-efficiency options like HEPA and MERV-rated filters. While these filters provide superior filtration, their higher price points can deter cost-sensitive consumers, especially in the residential segment. Additionally, some filters require regular maintenance or replacement, further adding to the total cost of ownership. This can be a significant barrier for consumers who are seeking more affordable, low-maintenance options.

One of the major opportunities for the market lies in the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing interest in filters made from recyclable materials or designed for long-term use, such as washable or reusable filters. Companies that innovate and offer sustainable, eco-friendly filter options are likely to gain a competitive edge in the market. Moreover, the expansion of subscription-based services for filter replacements presents an opportunity for manufacturers to establish long-term customer relationships and provide convenience, tapping into the growing trend of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer business models.

MERV Insights

The 11 MERV segment accounted for a revenue share of 38.6% in 2024. MERV 11 filters provide medium-efficiency filtration, capturing 85% or more particles in the 3.0-10.0 micron range, and also trapping smaller particles like pet dander, fine dust, and some types of bacteria. These filters are ideal for residential use, especially for homeowners who have allergies or respiratory concerns.

MERV 14-16 filters are considered very high-efficiency filters, capturing up to 95% of particles, including the smallest particles such as bacteria, tobacco smoke, and burning wood. These filters are especially beneficial in environments that require the highest air quality, such as hospitals, laboratories, or homes with severe allergies or respiratory issues.

Filter Type Insights

The electrostatic filter type segment accounted for a revenue share of 30.6% in 2024. Electrostatic filters are gaining popularity due to their reusable nature and higher efficiency compared to traditional disposable filters. They typically have a MERV rating between 8 and 10, which makes them effective at purifying air by trapping dust, pollen, and other large allergens. The primary advantage of electrostatic filters is that they can be cleaned and reused, which reduces waste and makes them more environmentally friendly than disposable options.

Activated carbon filters are especially effective at removing gaseous pollutants and odors, such as VOCs, chemicals, and smoke odors. They work through the adsorption process, where gases and particles are trapped in the porous surface of the carbon material. This makes them ideal for households or commercial spaces dealing with odors from cooking, pets, or chemicals like cleaning supplies.

Filter Thickness Insights

The 1 inch filter thickness segment accounted for a revenue share of 44.9% in 2024. 1-inch filters are the most common and widely used, especially in residential HVAC systems. These filters are compact and easily fit into a variety of furnace models. They are typically less expensive than thicker filters, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners who prioritize cost over long-term efficiency.

2-inch filters strike a balance between cost and performance, offering improved durability and filtration capacity compared to 1-inch filters. These filters are often chosen for residential and light commercial HVAC systems that can accommodate this size. The additional thickness allows for increased surface area, which means the filters can capture more airborne particles.

Distribution Channel Insights

The retail stores segment accounted for a revenue share of 49.7% in 2024. Furnace filters are commonly distributed through retail stores in the U.S., where consumers can easily purchase replacement filters for their HVAC systems. These stores provide customers with the convenience of purchasing filters in person, allowing them to select the right product after consulting store employees or examining product packaging.

The online distribution channel for furnace filters has become increasingly popular due to its convenience, wider reach, and accessibility to consumers. Through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart, consumers can easily browse a variety of furnace filter sizes, types, and brands, ensuring they find the best product suited for their specific HVAC systems.

Filter Size Insights

The 20 X 20 filter size segment accounted for a revenue share of 21.6% in 2024. The 20 X 20 furnace filter size is commonly used in both residential and commercial applications, particularly in medium-sized homes and buildings with HVAC systems that require a balanced level of filtration efficiency. This size is versatile and can accommodate various types of filter media, such as fiberglass, polyester, or HEPA filters, depending on the desired air quality.

The 16 X 20 furnace filter is one of the most used sizes in residential homes due to its compatibility with a wide range of HVAC units. This size is ideal for smaller homes, apartments, and condominiums where air filtration requirements are moderate. It helps capture typical household particles such as dust, dirt, and allergens, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment.

End Use Insights

The residential end use segment accounted for a revenue share of 83.1% in 2024. Furnace filters are widely used in various residential applications to improve indoor air quality and optimize HVAC system efficiency. In households with allergy sufferers, furnace filters with higher MERV ratings or HEPA filters are commonly employed to trap fine particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Furnace filters are essential for maintaining indoor air quality in commercial areas and ensuring the efficient operation of HVAC systems in large buildings. In office buildings, filters are used to capture airborne dust, allergens, and pollutants, which helps create a healthier and more comfortable work environment for employees. For instance, in a corporate office with many employees, a high-efficiency furnace filter would be critical in reducing allergens such as dust mites and pollen, ensuring better air quality and contributing to increased employee productivity and fewer sick days.

Key U.S. Furnace Filters Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the U.S. furnace filters market include Honeywell International Inc. and Trane Technologies plc, among others.

• Honeywell International Inc. is a technology and manufacturing company that caters to a wide range of industries including aerospace, commercial buildings, energy, life sciences, healthcare, and manufacturing. The company operates through four segments namely aerospace technologies, building technologies, performance materials & technologies, and safety & productivity solutions. It focuses on sustainability, digitalization, and continuous growth. The Honeywell building technologies business segment offers products such as controls and displays for indoor air quality, cooling, heating, ventilation, combustion, humidification, and lighting. It also offers switches, sensors, and control systems for energy management; advanced software applications for building optimization and control; remote patient monitoring systems; fire products; and others as well as services such as installation, upgrade, and management of systems.

• Trane Technologies plc operates two segments, namely climate and industrial. The industrial segment offers products and services that enhance energy efficiency, operations, and productivity. It includes power tools, compressed air and gas systems, fluid management systems, material handling systems, and utility & low-speed consumer vehicles. The climate segment provides energy-efficient products and services, including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. The company is also engaged in the manufacturing of residential, industrial, and commercial HVAC systems.

Recent Developments

• In March 2024, American Air Filter (AAF International), a subsidiary of DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, Ltd, acquired Northeast Air Solutions, a move that aims to enhance value for customers and strengthen business relationships. The acquisitions was carried out to expand its extensive network across U.S. and Canada, providing greater access to advanced filtration technology and expertise.

U.S. Furnace Filters Market Report Scope 

U.S. Furnace Filters Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue & volume growth at the country level and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. furnace filters market report based on MERV, filter type, filter thickness, distribution channel, filter size, and end use:

• MERV Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 1 to 7 MERV

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 8 MERV

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 11 MERV

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 13 MERV

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 14 to 16 MERV

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • Above 17 MERV

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

• Filter Type Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Electrostatic Filters

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • Activated Carbon Filters

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • Fiber Glass Filters

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • Others

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

• Filter Thickness Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 1 Inch Filter

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 2 Inch Filter

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 4 Inch Filter

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Wholesale Stores

  • Retail Stores

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Residential

  • Commercial

• Filter Size Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 20 X 20

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 16 X 20

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 16 X 25

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 20 X 25

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • 30 X 30

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others

  • Other Size

    • Online

    • Wholesale Stores

    • Retail Stores

    • Others