It is very important to correctly approach the question of choosing a filter for your air conditioner. This directly affects the well-being of people in a room, the clean-level of the air and the service life of the unit. Moreover, for allergies, this is a more important task, because their lives depend on it.
Many buyers do not know how to choose filters and often make the wrong choice when replacing and buying a new filter. In this article, we will try to give as much information on this topic as possible.
Interesting fact: air filters and furnace filters are the same but named differently in some regions. They are also known as Air Conditioner Filters or AC Filters.
Air Filter Location at Home
All air conditioners and central heating have a replaceable filter, the replacement of which has a positive effect on their work and air purification/circulation. If you have some kind of HVAC system, it will be a little bit hard to find the filter. Read the manual of your air conditioner. There you can find the steps to find the filter. It can be in the blower compartment behind the air duct. If you have a single house filter, it could be around 3 to 6 inches inside the filter cabinet next to the air handler.
About MERV and the Best Filter for You
There is a rating system that can help to count how many particles a filter removes in the air. It is called MERV – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Do you know what exactly MERV filter at your home is? If you have no information about it, do not worry. Usually, a company that installed the air conditioner can replace everything you need with a call. Keep in mind the fact that if your house is quite big, then there could be several filters, they all need to be replaced in time. Some companies save money and in the process of replacing the filter, install it without MERV or chose a very low MERV rating. So, please, do not rely on your company or a contractor.
Make sure your air conditioner is equipped with a suitable high-quality MERV filter. When installing low-quality filters, the air conditioner can be damaged, but more importantly, it causes great harm to the health of people at your home. The filter does not do its cleaning job well and circulates dirty heavy airflow. High-quality filters always work efficiently and clean the air well. Their cost is not very high, so it could be easy to find it at a great price. You only need to make the right choice buying them at a home depot.
You have to find the right filter with a good MERV rating. There are different types of filters and ratings, so let’s take a look at them.
- There is an FPR rating system (FILTER PERFORMANCE RATING) and MPR (MICRO-PARTICLE PERFORMANCE). We could say, that you have probably not noticed a difference between them. Do not worry, the main difference is only because some companies name this rating system differently and that’s it!
- MERV 8 is a good variant that equals MPR 600 and FPR 5. The second unit is MERV 11 that equals MPR 1000-1200 FPR 7. The third is MERV 13 which equals MPR 1500-1900 FPR 10 (these filters are usually used for commercial buildings and homes where allergies could stay). Top of the list is MERV 15 and MERV 16. They have the highest MERV rating.
About Replacement Frequency of AC Filter
Filters should be replaced every 2-3 months, depending on the level of air pollution. If there is a lot of dust or smoke in the room, for example, in the working area, then we highly recommend replacing the filter even more often. Cheap flat fiberglass filters need to be replaced at least once a month. Whole House AC Filters with size from 3 to about 6 inches need to be replaced about once every 6-12 months, depending on the level of air pollution.
When purchasing a filter, please pay attention to its actual dimensions and nominal size. Check the instructions of your air conditioner and only then buy a filter, if all sizes are suitable. Knowing the correct size will save you time and money. Installing a filter with the wrong size for your model may result in incorrect work and poor air purification.
Now let’s take a look at some filters that you can buy here.
Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 300, Clean Living Basic Dust, 6-Pack (exact dimensions 15.69 x 24.69 x 0.81)
Brand: Filtrete
Material: Electrostatically charged filter media
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24.69 x 0.81 x 15.69 inches
MERV Rating: 5
Compatible Devices: Air Conditioner
This slim fit unit is perfect for your air conditioner or HVAC system for residential use only. These are furnace filters 16x25x1 inches. It is washable and non-electrostatic. Cleans well the air within 3 months. New brand technology helps to keep inside particles, dust, mold, smoke, etc. MERV 5 rating equals MPR 300. For optimal performance and well cleaning the air replace the filter every 90 days. Always check that the filter is clean. A dirty filter does not circulate the air well, and it can be much easier for bacteria to multiply, which can negatively affect the health of people in the room. You can download and register in the app for the filter replacement countdown in order not to miss the right time for replacing.
Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 600, Clean Living Dust Reduction, 6-Pack (exact dimensions 15.69 x 24.69 x 0.81)
Brand: Filtrete
Material: Electrostatically charged filter media
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24.69 x 0.81 x 15.69 inches
MERV Rating: 7
Compatible Devices: Furnace, air conditioner, or HVAC system
Take a look at this fiberglass washable filter for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system. It is for residential use only and has got MERV 7 rating that equals MPR 600. Easily cleans the air from smoke, dust, mold, and other bacteria. Even though you have pets, this perfect fit unit always controls the cleanness of the air. It is fresh and with no bacteria. Make sure your filter is clean and was replaced no later than 3 months ago. Please, replace it every 90 days, according to its manual. If the filter is dirty and water cleaning does not help, buy a new one. A dirty filter only multiplies bacteria and mold, so no good effect could be given while working. If you forget about replacing the filter, download our app, set the date of the previous replacement, and then the app will send you a notification about the upcoming purchase of the filter.
Aerostar Clean House 16x25x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter, Made in the USA, 6-Pack, White
Brand: Aerostar
Material: Pleated
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24.5 x 0.75 x 15.5 inches
MERV Rating: 8
This high performing MERV 8 filter has got nominal size 16x25x1 and the actual size is 15 3/4″x 23 3/4″ x 3/4″. Among other 16x25x1 furnace filters, this one has got MERV rating equals to MPR 600 and FPR 5. The unit is made with synthetic material charged by electrostatic. This system captures dust mites, mold, pet dander, dust, and other allergens. This filter is easy to install and protects well your house and people’s health inside it. Please change the filter every 2-3 months for the best result. When your air conditioner works more often, you can replace the 16x25x1 furnace filter every 30 days, because when your allergy furnace filter works the hardest, it picks up more dust and particles. Filters of Aerostar are made in the USA by Filtration Group that supplies a huge amount of residents and commercial groups with their filtration systems by 16 x25 x1 filter.
AIRx Filters Allergy 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 11 AC Furnace Pleated Air Filter Replacement Box of 6, Made in the USA
Brand: AIRX FILTERS WICKED CLEAN AIR.
Material: Paper
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75 inches
MERV Rating: 11
Compatible Devices: Furnace
This big box unit is charged with electrostatic and made from synthetic gradient material, performs with the temperature from 180F till 225F. Because of superior construction traps 1.0-10.0 micron of particles, for example, dust, smoke, mold, smog and lint like all models from 16x25x1 filters. The MERV rating is 11 that equals MPR 1200, 1085, and 1000. The box fan unit is made in the USA using high-quality materials, which allows it to clean the air efficiently throughout the entire life of a single filter. It is well worth the price, so think about choosing this one filter.
Filtrete 16x25x1, Smart Replenishable AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500, Allergen, Bacteria & Virus, 2-Pack (exact dimensions 15.719 x 24.72 x 0.78)
Brand: Filtrete
Material: Electrostatically charged filter media
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 25 x 16 x 1 inches
Compatible Devices: Furnace
This smart 16x25x1 filter is the first with Bluetooth control, so you can check the life of your filter. These furnace filters 16x25x1 for residential use only. Because of the 3M algorithm, this filter can detect optimal airflow and catch particles and dust. Almost no ultrafine particle will be able to pass by. The sensor inside the filter can place and order a new filter when it is time to replace it. So this way you are always sure that a new filter will be the right size for your AC conditioner and this option also saves money for about 15% using 16x25x1 air filter Amazon Dash Replacement. There is an application for Android and IOS where you can find all the information about the filter and its work. 3M technology also supports cleaning the air with the highest standards. Take care of the health of your family and our filter will also take care of your health, time, and air quality.
Aerostar Home Max 16x25x1 MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter, Made in the USA, Captures Virus Particles, 6-Pack
Brand: Aerostar
Material: Pleated
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16 x25 x1 inches
MERV Rating: 13
Compatible Devices: Fights lint, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, smoke and bacteria.
The MERV rating of this 16x25x1 furnace filter is 13 which equals MPR 1500-1900 and FPR 10. Thanks to electrostatically charged synthetic material, the 16 25 1 air filter gets and holds inside all negative bacteria, dust, mold, pollen, and other allergens that may harm the health of people. This 16x25x1 FPR filter is easy to install and has superior filtration efficiency. The 16×25×1 air filter is cost-effective and stops allergens and other particles to prevent allergy and asthma causes. For the best result, you have to change the filter every 2-3 months and every 30 days if your AC works the hardest, like in summertime or winter heating using 16x25x1 filters. The manufacturer is Filtration Group from the USA. This company works well for many residents and industries, so the quality of their products is always on the best level for your health. You can choose the other size according to your AC, for example, furnace filters 14x25x1 unit.
Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 2800, Healthy Living Ultrafine Particle Reduction, 2-Pack (exact dimensions 15.719 x 24.719 x 1) – UF01-2PK-6E
Brand: Filtrete
Material: Electrostatically charged filter media
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 25 x 16 x 1 inches
MERV Rating: 14
Compatible Devices: Air Conditioner
Here we introduce a new brand washable non-electrostatic filter set 3 in 1. One of the top-choice of air filters 16x25x1. This is probably the best filter I have ever seen this year. 3M technology catches air particles and prevents their multiplying to keep the air at a clean fresh level. MERV rating is 14 which equals 2800 MPR – this is a very high-level cleaning filter, because the more MERV a filter has, the more small particles and other negative things it catches and stops from spreading out. This is very important for allergy sufferers. They always need to breathe with clean air and air filters 16x25x1 definitely can help. It is certified as asthma & allergy friendly according to ASCR: 1246-01 report. There are many sizes of the filter, so you will be able to find the right 16x25x1 furnace filters model. To keep the air clean and fresh, please replace the filter every 3 months, it truly impacts particle reduction.
Do not forget about our application that reminds you of replacing the filter on your smartphone!
Trust our best ac filter for allergies.
Also, indoor air humidifiers, an overview of which we have also provided you, help well against allergies.