The Best Furnace Filter 16-x-25-x-4

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Adam Barker
Published on
February 27th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Adam has a passion for cleaning from his youth growing up in England, and he has carried it with him to the US. Adam’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the Advanced System Cleaning specialist (For HVAC cleaning / ductwork), through NADCA (this is the highest certification that NADCA has), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Adam has either advised, consulted, or done research with dozens of cleaning and cleaning related business entities. Adam holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School.

The Cleaning Institute

Furnaces can’t operate efficiently without the proper filter installed, which is designed to trap harmful pollutants and particles in the air during each season. The air quality in each building is significantly influenced by the durability and construction of the filter that is installed and its MERV rating, which makes it necessary to invest in a product that is efficient and delivers excellent results to avoid allergies or respiratory issues.

We tested different types of Furnace Filters 16-x-25-x-4 and carefully examined their construction and how much dirt was trapped when the furnace was running. Our top pick is the Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit) because it proves to perform better than fiberglass and is easy to clean. As a non-electrostatic pleated one-inch home filter, it can last up to three months before it needs to be replaced. We gave honorable mention to the Aerostar 16x25x4 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter for its durable construction and high capacity. It was useful in collecting dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke, dust mites, and mold spores. It’s ideal to use in homes that have birds, cats, or dogs present to maintain healthy air quality.

Testing Categories

After 35 years of performing tests to determine the top products in various industries, we continue to use different categories for testing multiple items and rating their overall quality when comparing each item. The three categories we used to test furnace filters with a size of 16-x-25-x-4 was application, durability, and efficiency.

Application: One of the most challenging parts of purchasing a new furnace filter is installing the product because they may not fit correctly in the appliance. We tested the application of each filter to determine if it fit correctly and was secure after it was installed. Our team also looked for gaps that may be present after it was secured into the furnace, which can cause air to escape back into the building without getting filtered.

Durability: The quality of the parts and materials that are used to construct each furnace filter was carefully examined by our team of experts to determine if it will last longer than similar products in the industry. We also evaluated the condition of the filters in the packaging when they were delivered to look for any damage or defects that were present.

Efficiency: The results that were delivered by each furnace filter was one of our top concerns, which caused us to create a category for efficiency. We reviewed all of the different particles that the filter was capable of trapping and how dirty each filter became after a period of time. The MERV rating was an additional factor we evaluated.

Top Pick

Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit),
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1550 DP,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Deep Pleat

The Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit) has a high capacity and collects dust mites, pollen, mold spores, smoke, pet dander, and lint. It includes six different filters in the pack.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Filtrete filters have a high level of quality and deliver excellent filtration. They’re manufactured in the U.S.A by Filtration Group, which stands out in the industry as one of the top filtration manufacturers, as they strive to provide healthier home environments with high-quality filtration products. It has a MERV rating of 11, which allows it to be more effective in trapping dust mites, lint, fine dust, and pollen. 60 to 65 percent of dust particles are removed. The quality of the product improves airflow and prevents the furnace from working harder than necessary to operate, which can reduce energy usage when it’s turned on day after day. The pack contains six filters, which can last up to a year. Filters with lower MERV ratings are constructed from fiberglass, but this product is made from a polytheistic blend and offers better results. The frame of the filter is sturdy and durable without bending easily or feeling flimsy, which also makes it easier to install. The high number of pleats that are used prevents the filter from having to be replaced each month like similar filters that are available to consumers. The filter media is also more resilient, with construction that is thick and heavy, which contributes to the product’s durability and lifespan.

Biggest downsides: The product does not trap bacteria or viruses that may spread in the building. Gaps are also present once the filter is installed in some types of furnaces due to improper sizing of the item. The gaps can cause air to collapse the middle of the filter, which prevents it from working correctly. The loose fit of the item can also cause the panel on the furnace to open at times.

Honorable Mention

Aerostar 16x25x4
MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter,
6-Pack

The Aerostar 16x25x4 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter is built to have a high capacity to improve the environmental-friendly environment that it’s used in, whether in a commercial or residential building.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Aerostar filters are similar in their design and efficiency to the Honeywell Allergen Plus FPR 7 and the 3M Filtrate MPR 1000 to 1200 Micro Allergen Defense. It proves itself able to collect lint, different types of pet dander, smoke, dust, dust mites, and pollen. With a MERV rating of 11, it has the ability to collect more allergens and dirt in the air as a high-quality product. It can even improve allergy or asthma symptoms by cleaning the air of harmful contaminants. The product is made in the U.S.A by Aerostar, which is known for always improving the efficiency and quality of their products to deliver the best results in the industry. The filters are also designed to improve the lifespan of the furnace by boosting their airflow, which can prevent costly repairs that may be needed down the road. We also noticed that this specific product is constructed from a polytheistic blend, which is of a higher quality compared to fiberglass, which is commonly used on filters with lower MERV scores.

Biggest downsides: The Aerostar filters don’t always fit in most furnaces that they’re installed in, which can be problematic for consumers. Some individuals may have to resort to using cardboard to secure the filter and fill in gaps that are present. Small gaps can also mean that unfiltered air escapes back into the home when the furnace is running. The filter also has a tendency to tear easily if it’s not handled correctly.

Green Pick

Nordic Pure 16x25x4/16x25x5 Pure Baking Soda Honeywell FC100A1029 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

The Nordic Pure Baking Soda Honeywell air filters are designed to trap pollen, mold spores, dust, pet dander, pollen, and strong odors that circulate in the building to improve the air quality.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The pleated design of the Nordic Pure air filter allows it to last longer when compared to other types of products and trap more contaminants which could otherwise be breathed in by residents. The product works most effectively when it’s replaced every three months, which will also reduce the energy usage of the appliance as it’s operating. The size of the filter is 15 3/4 x 24 3/4 x 4 ⅜, which fits well in different types of appliances and is secure once it’s installed. The filter is green and eco-friendly without containing any harmful chemicals or toxins. Baking soda is an added ingredient, which allows strong odors to be naturally trapped in order to create a fresh interior setting. It has a MERV 8 rating, which allows it to work more effectively when compared to lower-quality products on the market. It has a solid construction and frame and is made in the U.S.A. Synthetic material is used to construct each filter to prevent mold or bacteria from growing. The product is also electrostatically charged for maximum performance.

Biggest downsides: The Nordic Pure air filter is not as efficient as other types of products, which have higher MERV ratings. The product is incapable of trapping viruses, bacteria, smoke, or sneeze or cough debris, which can allow illnesses to circulate in the building.

All Our Picks

Green Pick

Nordic Pure 16x25x4/16x25x5 Pure Baking Soda Honeywell FC100A1029 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

The Nordic Pure Baking Soda Honeywell air filters are designed to trap pollen, mold spores, dust, pet dander, pollen, and strong odors that circulate in the building to improve the air quality.

Price Check

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

Furnace filters all serve the same purpose but are not created equally with regards to their construction or efficiency. Avoid using filters that are constructed with fiberglass and have a lower MERV rating of two or three. These filters are effective in removing dust and keeping the filter clean, but they do not purify the air in the building or trap harmful contaminants. They also have a shorter lifespan and have to be replaced every month. Consider selecting a filter that has a higher number of pleats, which means that it has more surface area and is capable of capturing smaller particles in the air, which includes mildew, dust, bacteria, and pollen. In general, it’s important to search for a furnace filter that attracts and traps the most particles without putting excess strain on the appliance.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Air filters should be stored in a dry and cool area where moisture isn’t present, since it can damage the parts. Avoid storing it in an area where direct sunlight is present. They should be kept individually wrapped to avoid having contact with dust or dirt that circulates in the air. Consider covering the filters if they’re no longer wrapped to protect the materials. Storing the filter on the ground can cause the dirt and grime to come in contact with the filter and reduce the efficiency of them once they are installed. A place off of the ground is the best place for them to be stored.

The Best Furnace Filter 16-x-25-x-4

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Adam Barker

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit),
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1550 DP,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Deep Pleat

Aerostar 16x25x4
MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter,
6-Pack

Nordic Pure 16x25x4/16x25x5 Pure Baking Soda Honeywell FC100A1029 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

All Our Picks

Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit),
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1550 DP,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Deep Pleat

Aerostar 16x25x4
MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter,
6-Pack

Nordic Pure 16x25x4/16x25x5 Pure Baking Soda Honeywell FC100A1029 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

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The Best Furnace Filter 16-x-25-x-4

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Adam Barker

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit),AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1550 DP, Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Deep Pleat

Aerostar 16x25x4MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter,6-Pack

Nordic Pure 16x25x4/16x25x5 Pure Baking Soda Honeywell FC100A1029 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

All Our Picks

Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit),AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1550 DP, Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Deep Pleat

Aerostar 16x25x4MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter,6-Pack

Nordic Pure 16x25x4/16x25x5 Pure Baking Soda Honeywell FC100A1029 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit),
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1550 DP,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Deep Pleat

Aerostar 16x25x4
MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter,
6-Pack

Filtrete 16x25x4 (SlimFit),
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1550 DP,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Deep Pleat

Aerostar 16x25x4
MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter,
6-Pack