Different types of air filters are available in the market. The choice of the right furnace filter plays a crucial role in improving your indoor air quality and removing pollution from your internal environment.
You may think that your indoor air is better than the outside air, but you might be wrong. The indoor air quality can be much more contaminated with pollutants than you expect. Discover how furnace filters can help you eliminate the causes of indoor air pollution and what are the best furnace filters 16x25x1 in 2020 you should buy.
What is Furnace Filters 16x25x1?
When the air conditioning and heating rotates, furnace filters 16x25x1 eradicates 40% to 50% of flying contaminants. However, decreasing the causes of internal air pollution helps release pollutants’ pressure placed on furnace filters 16x25x1.
If your furnace filters 16x25x1 are changed regularly, and the indoor air quality does not fulfill your expectations, it may take time to evaluate the home. There may be cracks or leaks throughout the construction that let external impurities to enter.
The air inside your home is usually five times more impure than external air. Owners of the house can help enhance the internal atmosphere by eliminating the sources of interior air pollution.
Sources for Internal Air Pollution
Following mentioned are the sources of internal air pollution:
- Dust and Dust Mites
- Fibers From Curtains, Carpet, Furniture, and Rugs
- Oils, Lubricants, and Depletes
- Smokes From Cigarette, Tobacco, or Other
- VOCs From Cleaning Sources and Scents
- Pet Dander
- Insects and Fecal Substances
- Organic Waste
- Microbiological Development
Things to Consider When Buying a Best 16x25x1 Furnace Filter
Before buying a furnace filter, there are various aspects to look for when deciding to choose your Furnace Filter model:
Filter Size
A filter that fits easily into the system for clear reasons should be considered. Most furnace filter sizes are specified along the sides of the device or in the manual.
Filter Specifications
While making the perfect decision to filter out contaminants is the HEPA filter, not all domestic systems can manage it. Not using the appropriate filter for your existing HVAC unit will improve your energy efficiency and even destroy the system. To get accurate specifications, you must have to consider the brand’s guidelines.
MERV Rating
A filter’s MERV Rating decides its competence in filtering out dust and other impurities. The higher the MERV rating, the more it reduces dust pollutants and other contaminants. Select a filter with the highest MERV your HVAC unit can facilitate for the more pure and fresher air and overall ease and comfort.
Climate
The humid climatic condition tends to cause mildew and mold. Living in a hot or cold area can also mean that you are using your HVAC unit more than someone living in a moderate region. Such weather conditions may require that you change your air filter more frequently.
Breathing Situations
If someone in your family is affected by asthma or allergies, you might need a filter that gives the most outstanding performance. People with respiratory issues need fresher, pure, and clean air more than anybody else.
Presence of Pets
If you have pets at home, you should consider buying a furnace filter explicitly designed to eradicate pet dander and pet furs. Since pet allergies are some of the most widely common allergies, you should also find a top filter for pets in your home to have an improved and healthier feel.
Cost
Purchasing a high-quality filter can save you money over some time. Low-cost filters trap only massive particles and require a replacement now and then. In the long-term, these replacements will add up to the starting cost.
If you don’t want to take the headache of frequently changing filters, you can choose the best filterless air purifiers.
What is a MERV rating?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a feature of how best a filter eliminates particulates from the air. In this way, it’s similar to the most famous HEPA rating used on air purifiers. But MERV is varied in some significant ways. Initially, rather than being a simple pass-fail measure such as HEPA (it’s either HEPA-rated or it’s not), MERV ratings lies on a scale of 1 to 20, with more significant numbers showing a better performance.
Unlike HEPA, MERV tests measure particulates of varying sizes, from 0.3 microns (tiny and tricky to filter). The size of HEPA tests measures up to 10 microns (comparatively large and easy to filter). MERV doesn’t have a specific percentage for eradication, the way HEPA does. Rather than the original percent of removal is recorded for each of the 12 particle sizes, these numbers are referred to as a performance table to decide the suitable rating.
How to choose the best MERV Rating for Furnace Filters?
The following mentioned are the step by step process of how to opt for the best MERV rating for Furnace Filters:
Look for the accurate Filter rating, i.e., MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), is a rating procedure for air filters to measure air filters’ competence. Some brands use their separate rating systems.
The MERV 8 (compared to MPR 600 and FPR 5) is the best sign level to start to save air quality in your home. MERV 11 (compared to MPR 1000-1200 FPR 7) and MERV 13 (compared to MPR 1500-1900 FPR 10) are used in large commercial buildings and residential homes with allergy patients. MERV 15 and MERV 16 are among the best domestic air furnace filters.
Rating the Furnace Filter – MERV vs. MPR vs. FPR
The below mentioned are the definitions and differences of the three various rating systems to clear all misunderstandings. The only difference is that they were developed by three organizations, i.e., The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning, 3M, and Home Depot.
MERV
MERV relates to the local and international industry standard rating system created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. Thus, it is the most widely used rating system that is found. It rates the capability of a filter to trap and hold particles.
A furnace filter comes in four different MERV rating alternatives:
- MERV 6 (Home Basic)- eliminates dust and pollen.
- MERV 8 (Home Select) – dust, pollen, dust mites, and molds.
- MERV 11 (Home Plus) – dust, pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, smoke, smog, cough, and sneeze.
- MERV 13 (Home Ultimate) – all of the above, along with the virus and bacteria.
MPR
MPR, or Micro-particle Performance Rating, is a rating system created by 3M. It has been intended primarily for flying particles that are smaller than 1 micron, and it rates the brand’s filters in their capability to eliminate them.
FPR
FPR, or Filter Performance Rating, is a rating system created by The Home Depot for brands sold through their stores, comprising of Honeywell. To know the FPR rating system, you will need to consider their color variations related to a scale of numbers from 4 to 10. This rating is similar to the MERV rating system.
HEPA
Fitting a furnace with an electrostatic filter that uses an electrical charge to help capture the particles or a high-efficiency air particulates (HEPA) filter can decrease the quantity of dust blown through the heating system. This might help people with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, but there’s little indication that other people will require such filtration.
Want to know more about HEPA? Check out here!
How to Change a Furnace Filter?
Changing a furnace filter is relatively easy and straightforward if you know what you’re doing. There are ways to damage the filter’s purpose, for example, by purchasing the incorrect size of the filter or inserting it in a backward position, which can hinder the flow of air rather than cleaning it. Here’s how to change the furnace filters appropriately in 10 easy and quick steps.
- Begin by switching off the furnace.
- Get rid of the current furnace filter, which will be placed inside the furnace or the return air vent.
- Search for an indicator on the filter showing the direction of airflow.
- Using a permanent marker, draw the direction of airflow on the outside of the furnace.
- Then note the size of the furnace filter, which will be mentioned on the cardboard frame. A filter that has a plastic frame is a recyclable model. That means you have to wash it sometimes with a vacuum and water, preferably outdoors.
- Let it dry entirely before reinserting.
- Get an exact replacement.
- Install the new filter.
- Look for the markings that tell you which side of the filter should face the furnace.
Then slide the filter back into its position and change any lid that goes over it.
Note: Keep track of the date so that you’ll know when it’s time to alter the furnace filter next.
The 8 Best Furnace Filters 16x25x1
| Product Image | Product Name | Product Price |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. AIRx HEALTHMerv 13 Rating Ideal for Health Protection Highest Pleat Count Compare to 3m Filtrate Ultra Allergen Mpr1500 Healthy Living Particle Reduction Mpr2800 | Check price on amazon |
 | 2. FilterBuy Allergen
| Check price on amazon |
 | 3. Filtrete
| Check price on amazon |
 | 4. Lennox
| Check price on amazon |
 | 5. AIRx
| Check price on amazon |
 | 6. FilterBuy
| Check price on amazon |
 | 7. Nordic Pure
| Check price on amazon |
 | 8. Honeywell
| Check price on amazon |
6 Most Famous Types of Furnace Filter
A variety of Furnace filter types lets you find the ideal match for your requirements and opportunities. However, it can also create confusion and ambiguities. Going into a store without enough knowledge, you can almost feel the doubts you might face in the future as you may not have made the perfect decision. Therefore following stated are the top 6 types of Furnace filter models.
Fiberglass/Synthetic Filter
These types of furnace filters are disposable and low-priced. The safety and protection they give are insignificant, as they cannot trap small particles under 3 microns. They will perform flawlessly to prevent larger particles from clogging your HVAC system.
- Inexpensive
- Perfect for People Without Having Allergies or Asthma
- Low Competence
- Incapability to Filter Small Particles
Polyester Filter
This type of furnace filter is more effective than the Fiberglass synthetic filter. It traps between 80% to 95% of impurities of 5 microns or larger, while the Fiberglass synthetic filter functions at these levels when it comes across particles of 50 microns.
- More Successful and Efficient Than the Fiberglass Filter
- Remarkably More Expensive
- Not Very Influential.
Disposable Pleated Filter
A disposable pleated filter provides high-efficiency outcomes by capturing particles of 0.3 microns in sizes, like bacteria and viruses. It is a healthy yet comparatively cheap filter type.
- Economical Price
- Environment-friendly
- Wedges Some Small Particles
- Adds Resistance in the Flow of Air
Disposable Electrostatic Filter
This type of filter comprises self-charging electrostatic cotton or paper fibers that capture small particles.
- Reasonable
- Standard Size
- Higher-level Performance
- Perfect for Homes Having Pets and Children
- Customized Sizes Can Be Relatively Expensive
- Cost Increases Over Time Because of Frequent Replacement of Filters
Washable Electrostatic Filter
This type of furnace filter also includes self-charging fibers but continues to last significantly longer than the disposable filter type. The changeable filter can continue from 6 to 8 with regular maintenance. Use soap and water to wash the filter, and then let it dry completely.
- Prolonged Life
- Higher Efficiency Than That of the Disposable Pleated Filter
- Personalized Sizes Are Expensive
HEPA Filter
It is made from 4-5 pleated cotton, attached to a metal plate which avoids leaks and cracks. It offers high-end filtration by capturing up to 99% of particles, which are 0.3 microns or more extensive than that.
- Ideal Choice for People Having Breathing Issues
- Traps Almost All Small Particles
- Expensive
- Consumes Huge Amount of Energy
- Not All Systems Can Support It
Also checkout our review of best Winix Air purifier in 2020 to enhance your indoor air quality.
Best Overall Editor’s Choice
Honeywell Elite Allergen Pleated FPR 10 Replacement Air Filter
One of the remarkable furnace filters you can choose from is the Honeywell Elite Allergen Pleated Air Filter. This high rated filter has the maximum FPR rating and comes in a wider variety of sizes, fitting almost all furnaces.
This furnace filter has an FPR rating of 10 (or a MERV of 13), which means that it can trap particles as small as .3 microns, and it even has an electrostatic charge that helps attract microscopic particles. As such, it can eliminate dust and lint, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, microscopic allergens, smoke, and smog particles from the air in the home. The filter has a moisture resilient frame, and it can continue for up to 90 days.
Users of this filter say that if you change from inexpensive filters to the Honeywell Elite Allergen Filters, you can essentially tell the difference in how well it functions. Many of them observe that this filter considerably diminishes their allergy indicators and the quantity of dust around the house.
Best for Allergies: Filtrete Micro Allergen Defense AC Furnace Air Filter
This high-quality air filter will help keep allergens from flowing throughout your home, giving you a break from your allergic signs. Patients with allergy may like the Filtrete Micro Allergen Defense HVAC Air Filter, which is mainly made to keep allergens out of the air.
This filter has a MERV rating of 11, and it has an electrostatic charge to help attract and trap fine particles. As such, it’s beneficial for getting rid of domestic dust, lint, dust mite wreckages, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and smoke from the air. These filters can be used for up to 3 months, and there is a wide range of sizes to select from.
Users say that the Filtrete Micro Allergen Defense HVAC Air Filter works perfectly and provide relief for seasonal and pet allergies. Some of them observe that if you have pets or a lot of dust in your home, you will need to replace this filter more often, as it can put pressure on your heating or cooling system if it gets too unclean.
Best for Pets: FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter
It often looks like an everlasting conflict when you’re trying to make your house fresh and clean with numerous pets. Make your jobs a little easier by investing in a furnace filter that can capture pet dander, such as the FilterBuy Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter.
This filter has a MERV rating of 8, which means that it can efficiently eradicate dust, wreckages, lint, pollen, and pet dander from the air. There are many sizes available to match any furnace, and it can continue to last for up to 3 months. However, you may need to replace it more often if it gets blocked with pet hair and dander.
As per the users, these furnace filters are a must-have if you share your home with numerous pets. These filters mainly decrease the quantity of pet dander and hair in the house and reduce the allergy signs.
Best for Mold: Honeywell Superior Allergen Pleated FPR 9 Air Filter
Mold spores can be harmful to you, and your family’s health, so many homeowners decide to choose furnace filters that can trap these particles and get rid of them from the air. The Honeywell Superior Allergen Pleated Air Filter is a perfect choice if you’re finding a highly-rated filter to maintain your home and keep it clean and safe.
This filter has an FPR rating of 9 (as compared to MERV 11), and it will get rid of the air particles which are as small as 1 micron, comprising of dust and lint, flying dust mite wreckages, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, microscopic allergens, and smoke. It comes in various sizes and needs to be altered at least after every 90 days.
The Honeywell Superior Allergen Pleated Air Filter gets the endorsement from its users, who say that this furnace filter remarkably reduces and sometimes eliminates allergens, dust, pollen, pet hair, and other impurities. You can rest easy knowing this filter is keeping harmful particles out of the surrounding air.
Best for Cigarette Smoke: Nordic Pure Pleated MERV 13AC Furnace Air Filter
The odor of tobacco smoke is difficult to get rid of from furniture and clothing, which is why many owners of the home who smoke go for a high-quality furnace air filter to help eliminate smoke particles before they settle in. One of the ideal furnace filters for cigarette smoke is the Nordics Pure Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter, which boasts a high MERV rating and increases reviews.
There is a wide range of sizes to decide from with this filter, which has a MERV rating of 13, the highest level on the scale. This filter’s ability eliminates flying dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, smog, dust mite wreckages, tobacco, and fireplace smoke from the air every time it passes through the filter. It has an electrostatic charge to trap even the smallest particles.
Users claim that these filters, which should be altered after every 30 to 90 days, effectively eliminate all kinds of smoke, from cooking, cigarettes, smoke, and more, and many also say the product can enhance allergy indications and decrease dust growth.
If you are tight on budget, explore the best air purifier for smoke under $100.
Wrapping Up
There are various aspects to think about when choosing a furnace filter. Hence, if you were searching to purchase a new filter today for our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, it is advised to go for a medium-efficiency filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 13 ranges, which can wash and purify the air through your home almost as efficiently as a disposable furnace filter can clean a room.
Moreover, to improve cleaning habits, owners of the home should also consider protecting the family against heat loss. Home protection not only maintains clean air and enhances energy competence, but it also stops impure external air from getting inside.
