The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-25-x-1

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber
Published on
February 22nd, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben has over a decade of experience in cleaning projects of all types along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States. Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), 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 and leading teams goes back as far as he can remember.

The Cleaning Institute

Furnace filters are designed to trap dust and particles that circulate in the air to improve the air quality in the building. Not only do they create a cleaner interior setting, but they also help the furnace operate more effectively without having to work as hard, which can extend the lifespan of the parts. We tested different furnace filters to determine which ones stood out in the industry and were most effective in removing harmful contaminants while maintaining their durability. Our top pick is the Filtrete 20x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500, Healthy Living Ultra Allergen because it outperforms fiberglass, is washable and features non-electrostatic three-month pleated one-inch filters. It’s three times better at capturing small particles compared to non-electrostatic pleated filters and captures particles measuring 3 to 10-micron. Our honorable mention is the Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack because it is hypoallergenic and includes antimicrobial pleated electrostatic filter material. It proves to be a superior air filter for both residential and commercial properties.

Testing Categories

We have our years of experience testing different types of products in a range of various industries, which has led us to create testing categories for more accuracy when narrowing down the top items we review. With the furnace filter 20-x-25-x-1, we created categories that include application, efficiency, and durability.

Application: The application of the furnace filter is an important category that allowed us to review how easy the product was to install in the appliance. We examined the size and if it was accurate with the description on the packaging to determine if it fit securely or was loose.

Efficiency: The efficiency of each furnace filter was an additional category that allowed us to determine the results that were delivered. We examined each filter to determine how many particles, dander, and smoke was collected before it needed to be replaced.

Durability: The construction and durability of each filter was an additional factor we reviewed to determine if it could hold up well to frequent use without falling apart. We examined the quality of the materials to ensure that it was worth its price tag and had more value compared to other filters in the industry.

Top Pick

Filtrete 20x25x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen

The Filtrete AC Furnace Filter, MPR 1500, Healthy Living Ultra Allergen is designed with 3-in-1 technology, which allows it to trap air particles to ensure cleaner air flows back into the home.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The product traps pollen, pet dander, lint, and household dust. It has a MERV rating of 12, which is higher compared to similar filters and does a better job at cleaning the air. The filter should be changed every 90 days for one-inch filters and every 12 months for four to five-inch filters to ensure that it delivers quality results. The product is capable of pulling in and trapping more unwanted particles compared to standard filters, which includes cough and sneeze debris, smoke, lint, viruses, and bacteria. Not only will it clean the air but it can also prevent illnesses from spreading during each season. The installation process is easy due to an arrow that is added on the frame of the filter to indicate to the consumer what direction the product should be installed. The fibers on the filter are thinner and are more closely woven to prevent fewer particles passing through, which can reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues. The product is also constructed in the U.S.A.

Biggest downsides: The filters can only be used in residential properties and can’t be installed in commercial buildings, which can make them less versatile. Due to the efficiency and high filtration of the product, it may cause the furnace or blower to work harder than necessary, which can lead to overheating and mechanical issues that can become costly. Although they’re designed to work efficiently, they can also block airflow. The filters may also be too small for some furnaces despite the description on the packaging.

Honorable Mention

Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6
MERV 12 Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack

The Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters can be used for both residential and commercial properties. They’re hypoallergenic and have antimicrobial pleated electrostatic filter material.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Nordic Pure filters are made in the U.S.A. and are comparable to an MPR rating of 1500-1924. It’s designed to collect dust, pollen, lint, mold spores, pet dander, candle soot, smoke, viruses, bacteria, smog, and exhaust with a MERV rating of 12, which allows it to deliver better results compared to similar filters. It’s effective in capturing small, allergy-aggravating microparticles that can make it difficult to breathe easily in the building. The product will even trap more than 90 percent of 3.0 to 10.0 microns of contaminants and 90 percent of particles ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 microns. The manufacturer recommends the filters are changed every three to six months, which can allow it to last longer compared to similar products in the industry. The air quality will also smell fresher and cleaner with smoke or other scents removed while the furnace is running. The materials used to construct the filter are high-quality and allow the product to be durable, which makes it easy to install and won’t put it at risk of falling apart during application or use.

Biggest downsides: The filters do not have the ability to remove all odors. The filters may restrict airflow in the building, which can increase the heat and cooling costs each month. The packaging does not include the MERV rating, which can be confusing for some consumers. Although six filters are included in the pack, they may not all be the same size. Some of the products may also cause gaps to be present in the filter, which can prevent all of the air from being filtered properly.

Green Pick

Nordic Pure 20x25x1 Eco-Friendly AC Furnace Air Filters

The Nordic Pure 20x25x1 Eco-Friendly AC Furnace Air Filters are constructed from non-woven, high loft anti-microbial filter media and are electrostatically charged for a higher level of performance.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Nordic Pure air filters have a MERV 6 rating, which allows them to minimize energy consumption while maintaining a high dust holding capacity for improved air quality in the home. It’s designed to capture dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. It can be replaced every 30 to 90 days to maintain the air quality in the building. The product is not only eco-friendly, but it also has a high level of durability and is made in the U.S.A. It measures 19 1/2 x 24 1/2 x ¾ and fits securely in different types of appliances without feeling loose or allowing unfiltered air to escape. The product includes a lower pressure drop when compared to pleated filters. You can reduce your carbon footprint with the air filter because it’s derived from recycled plastic bottles with an outer frame that is constructed from beverage board and recycled paper products.

Biggest downsides: The product advertises two different MERV ratings, which includes MERV 6 and 7, and can be confusing for consumers. The product is also prone to bending or becoming damaged due to the lack of durability that it offers from the recycled materials that are used. It doesn’t filter as many contaminants as other types of filters on the market and will allow cough debris, viruses, smoke, and odors to continue circulating in the home.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

Each Furnace filter delivers different results depending on the quality of materials that are used. Look at the suggested MERV rating for your specific furnace to ensure that you can purchase the right filter to work most effectively in the appliance. Some people make the mistake of purchasing a filter with a MERV rating that may be too high for the furnace, which can cause it to work too hard and will place excess pressure on the parts.

Quality furnace filters are also designed to have more pleats, which allows a larger surface area to be covered and more particles to be trapped. Purchasing a filter that has more pleats also means that you can replace it less often. Most filters with a high number of pleats last an average of three to six months. Electrostatic filters are extremely effective and are ideal to use in homes where residents may smoke or pets are present. They can collect odors, pet dander, and smoke to alleviate asthma and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Furnace filters need to be stored properly when they’re not in use to ensure that the parts and materials are protected until they’re installed in the appliance. Store the filters on a high shelf or cabinet where they can’t be accessed by children or pets. Storing the product in a hard-to-reach area will also prevent dirt from having contact with the filters on the ground. Keep the original packaging on the item to protect it from accumulating dirt that circulates in the air, especially if it’s stored in a garage or shed. The filter should not have contact with sunlight, which can dry out the materials and cause it to break down quicker. In some cases, the filters are not individually wrapped, so the use a sheet or tarp to protect the products is importance to maintain the lifespan of the filter.

The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-25-x-1

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

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Filtrete 20x25x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen

Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6
MERV 12 Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack

Nordic Pure 20x25x1 Eco-Friendly AC Furnace Air Filters

All Our Picks

Filtrete 20x25x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen

Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6
MERV 12 Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack

Nordic Pure 20x25x1 Eco-Friendly AC Furnace Air Filters

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

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The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-25-x-1

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

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Filtrete 20x25x1,AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500, Healthy Living Ultra Allergen

Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6 MERV 12 PleatedAC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack

Nordic Pure 20x25x1 Eco-Friendly AC Furnace Air Filters

All Our Picks

Filtrete 20x25x1,AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500, Healthy Living Ultra Allergen

Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6 MERV 12 PleatedAC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack

Nordic Pure 20x25x1 Eco-Friendly AC Furnace Air Filters

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Filtrete 20x25x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen

Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6
MERV 12 Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack

Filtrete 20x25x1,
AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500,
Healthy Living Ultra Allergen

Nordic Pure 20x25x1M12-6
MERV 12 Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters 20x25x1 6 Pack