The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-20-x-1

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

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the ASD (Advanced Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician),
WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), and bio hazard cleanup, as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning dates all the way back to keeping his rugby gear tidy while a young lad. Ben holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a mountain of hands on experience at the school of hard knocks.

The Cleaning Institute

When a furnace is used to heat different rooms and keep the interior setting at a comfortable temperature, it’s important the appliance works efficiently. Not only can the product heat homes or offices well, but it can also improve the air quality by having the correct filter installed. The filter is designed to collect dirt, allergens, and pollen to create a healthier environment where everyone can breathe easier. We tested different types of furnace filters to determine the top options that are available to consumers. We made the Filtrete 20x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900, Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack our top pick because it includes electrostatic technology that allows it to be proactive with attracting and trapping microscopic particles in the air. Not only does it trap dirt and dust, but it can also collect cough and sneeze debris, candle soot and smoke, lint, pollen, bacteria, and viruses to create a cleaner, more habitable environment. We selected the FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8 20x20x1 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter for our honorable mention because it proved to be an advanced filter that can collect mold spores, dust mites, and pollen. It has a MERV rating of 8 and can last up to three months before it needs to be replaced.

Testing Categories

The testing categories that we created for our furnace filter 20-x-20-x-1 tests allow us to rank each product by focusing on specific factors that contribute to the overall quality of each product. When it comes to rating filters and deciding which products stand out, the categories we selected include durability, efficiency, and application. With our years of experience testing a variety of different products, we’re confident in our process when narrowing down the top products that we recommend.

Durability: The durability of each furnace filter determines its value and if it is worth purchasing. With our durability category, the contributing factors that determined the durability of the item include the quality of the materials that are used and the construction of the product. It is also influenced by its lifespan and how often it needs to be replaced. The filter may not be effective enough for homes where pets are present, due to pet dander and hair that can circulate, as it is not easily trapped by the product.

Efficiency: The efficiency of each furnace filter was evaluated to determine how well it worked in improving the air quality in each setting. We tested each product to determine how many airborne particles, dirt, and pollen were collected during a specific time period.

Application: The ease of installation of the furnace filter is one of the main factors that was considered to ensure consumers could easily replace existing filters with the new product. We evaluated the size of the items and compared them to the dimensions that were listed in the product description and packaging. We also checked for any gaps during installation or if it felt secure in the furnace.

Top Pick

Filtrete 20x20x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,
Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

The Filtrete 20x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900, Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen is constructed out of beverage board, which is high-quality and can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees F.

Price Check

Most notable upside: All of the parts of the Filtrete filters are manufactured in the U.S. It has a MERV rating of 8, which captures 90 percent of dust, debris, pollen, pet dander, and lint. It’s ideal to use for both commercial and residential use to reduce allergies. The product can also limit the amount of dirt that settles onto different surfaces throughout the home. The filters are designed to protect the furnace and increase its energy efficiency while increasing the lifespan of the parts by placing less strain on the appliance when it’s operating. They aren’t prone to clogging compared to similar products that are labeled as high allergen filters and have a slow air intake. Essential oils can also be used directly on the filter to circulate natural scents in the building. They’re dense enough to trap dirt but aren’t too thick that it causes too much energy to be used when the appliance is running. They’re also ideal for those who suffer from allergies, due to how effective they are in trapping dander and pollen, which can circulate each season.

Biggest downsides: The frame of the product is prone to becoming damaged easily, possibly because it’s constructed out of recycled materials. The filters are smaller than advertised, which can cause the air that escapes to create a whistling noise. Gaps may be present, which can allow air to bypass the filter and can affect its efficiency. We also noticed a few filters damaged in the packaging when they arrived. The construction of filters are flimsy and don’t feel as sturdy or durable compared to similar products. Fewer pleats are present on the filters compared to the former design of the Filtrete filters, which causes them to have a shorter lifespan.

Honorable Mention

FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8
20x20x1 Pleated AC
Furnace Air Filter

The FilterBuy filter is designed to be used in both furnaces and air conditioners. The product has a MERV rating of 8 and offers increased filtration for dust mites and allergens.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The FilterBuy product can last up to three months before it needs to be replaced. They contain durable and sturdy products and are manufactured in the U.S.A. We found the filters to be highly effective and capable of removing up to 85 percent of all particles that are present in the air. The filter is ideal to use in most settings without causing the furnace to work too hard. They reduce the risk of clogs that can form and promote proper airflow in the building, which can prevent the furnace from working too hard and will limit your energy usage throughout the colder months of the year.

Biggest downsides: Although the product can trap pollutants and allergens, it’s not powerful enough to collect smoke, viruses, or bacteria that can circulate in the air. The edges of the frame are also easy to bend and affect its overall construction and quality. They’re smaller than advertised, which causes gaps to be present in older furnaces. We also noticed the gaps leading to unfiltered air being leaked back into the building and a loud noise developed when the appliance was operating.

Green Pick

FilterBuy 20x20x1 MERV 13 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

The FilterBuy 20x20x1 MERV 13 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter have a hospital grade rating of 12, which allows it to trap dander, viruses, bacteria, viruses, particles and fine dust.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The FilterBuy air filters are comparable to MPR 1500 to 1900 and Allergen Elite FPR 10. With a MERV rating of 13, it’s one of the most efficient filters on the market and is designed to both attract and capture airborne particles that are less than one micron in size. It’s proven to clean the air more effectively by trapping smoke, mold spores, pollen, fine dust, allergens, and pet dander. The filter is constructed to last for up to three months and can be used in both commercial and residential properties. The synthetic media offers higher particulate efficiency when compared to the standard cotton media that is used on similar filters, which boosts its value. The frame is constructed from beverage board, which can withstand temperatures of 200 degrees and high humidity levels. It works to minimize system backpressure and increase the airflow of the appliance. The product is constructed with 12 pleats per foot and includes a greater surface area to ensure more particles are trapped.

Biggest downsides: The filter may be too small to fit securely in the filter housing, which can cause it to be loose and for unfiltered air to escape back into the building. Some of the labels have a MERV 13 rating but are MERV 11. It also has a cheaper build quality and a thin filter material when compared to similar products.

All Our Picks

Top Pick

Filtrete 20x20x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,
Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

The Filtrete 20x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900, Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen is constructed out of beverage board, which is high-quality and can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees F.

Price Check

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

The most effective furnace filters are designed to capture more particles in the air and improve the air quality in the building. Although economical filters last an average of one month before they have to be replaced, more effective filters have an average lifespan of three months. Check the recommended MERV rating for the filter on your furnace to ensure that it works correctly with the appliance without causing any issues. Filters with MERV 12 are often used in laboratories or hospitals because they can trap harmful bacteria and viruses to prevent them from spreading. Filters with a MERV rating of 11 are most commonly used and are useful for trapping pet dander, hair, dust mites, pollen, smoke, and odors.

It’s also necessary to find a product that fits the furnace correctly to ensure that it’s secure and doesn’t come loose. Incorrect sizing can allow unfiltered air to flow through and can also cause a whistling noise.

A Note About Safety and Storage

All furnace filters need to be stored in a safe and secure setting that is out of reach for children and pets to avoid damage to the material. The filters should be kept in the original packaging to preserve the filter and prevent dust or grime from accumulating on the surface before it’s installed. Consider storing it on a shelf or in a cabinet, where it’s off of the ground, to prevent it from having contact with grime or dust on the floor. The filters can also be protected by storing them in labeled garbage bags if the packaging has been removed or if they’re not individually wrapped.

The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-20-x-1

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Filtrete 20x20x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,
Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8
20x20x1 Pleated AC
Furnace Air Filter

FilterBuy 20x20x1 MERV 13 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

All Our Picks

Filtrete 20x20x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,
Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8
20x20x1 Pleated AC
Furnace Air Filter

FilterBuy 20x20x1 MERV 13 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-20-x-1

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Filtrete 20x20x1,AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8 20x20x1 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

FilterBuy 20x20x1 MERV 13 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

All Our Picks

Filtrete 20x20x1,AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8 20x20x1 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

FilterBuy 20x20x1 MERV 13 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Filtrete 20x20x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,
Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8
20x20x1 Pleated AC
Furnace Air Filter

Filtrete 20x20x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900,
Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8
20x20x1 Pleated AC
Furnace Air Filter