The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-25-x-5

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

Furnace filters are an essential part to install in a commercial or residential furnace to ensure that the appliance can continue to operate well and prevent dirt and grime from circulating in the building. The filter needs to be changed every few months to ensure that the furnace can continue to function correctly and to reduce energy usage in the building. WIthout replacing furnace filters, it can be easy for issues to develop and for the lifespan of the appliance to be affected.

We tested different types of furnace filters to determine which was the most effective and had the highest quality. Our top pick is the Lennox Healthy Climate 20x25x5 x6673 MERV 11 Box Filter because it’s constructed from aluminum honeycomb and is effective in trapping pollutants in the air. The product is one of the few on the market that fits Lennox furnaces correctly and is easy to install. Our honorable mention is the Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12 for its ability to remove pollen, mold, and dust that circulates in the air and can lead to allergies or respiratory issues. It’s even constructed with a recycled frame from beverage board paper, which makes them an eco-friendly option that is still durable and high-quality.

Testing Categories

We created separate testing categories to ensure that we could accurately rate each furnace filter and narrow down the top choices. With our years of experience in performing tests on different types of products, we understand the necessary categories to use for a higher level of accuracy with our results. The top categories for the furnace filter tests include efficiency, durability, and application.

Efficiency: The efficiency and ease of use of each furnace filter allowed us to determine how well it worked when removing pollen and dirt in the air. We examined how well it operated and the results that it delivered, which determined its overall value.

Durability: The durability and construction of each filter was another consideration based on the quality of materials that are used to construct each product. The durability of the product influences how long it lasts and how well it filters the air after several months.

Application: Application is an additional category that determines how easy the filter is to install and if it’s an accurate size for each furnace. Filters that don’t have accurate sizes can operate poorly and can cause the panel to be difficult to close.

Top Pick

Lennox Healthy
Climate 20x25x5 x6673
MERV 11 Box Filter

The Lennox Healthy Climate MERV 11 Box Filter is a replacement for the HCXF20-10, HCF20-10. It has aluminum honeycomb filtration to trap mineral pollutants and prevent them from entering the house.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Lennox box filter only needs to be changed once each season and once every six months in hard water areas. The product is constructed with high-quality materials and is easy to install due to its accurate sizing. They capture a significant amount of pollen, dust, and dander to promote cleaner air that is safer to breathe throughout the building. Allergens are also removed with the filter, which can alleviate symptoms for residents in the home. They’re comparable to electronic filters that are commonly used and can lead to plenty of savings instead of hiring a technician to replace the old filter. It’s considered to be the heart of the whole-house humidifier. The aluminum honeycomb is dipped in a clay coating to improve its efficiency and overall quality. The best time to change the filter is when switching from air conditioning to heat once the seasons change because the blower is programmed to run at a higher speed for the air conditioning to ensure better airflow. The filter can also last longer if the fan is run on auto each day.

Biggest downsides: The product only has 14 pleats, as compared to 26 pleats on other products, which can lead to replacing it twice as fast as other filters and affects its overall value. They also don’t have any weatherstripping material on the edge. The product is 4.375 inches thick and may not be appropriate if the consumer is using a one-inch filter. They can also suffer from being damaged while shipped and may be crushed in the packaging. It may not fit as snugly as other types of filters from competing brands.

Honorable Mention

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell
FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

The Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12 are effective in removing mold, pollen, dander, and dust. It prevents the growth of bacteria.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Nordic Pure product is ideal to use in households that have pets due to dander that can circulate from dogs, cats, hamsters, and birds with a MERV 12 filter. The electrostatic filter is even capable of capturing baking flour, dust mite debris, and bacteria for thorough and effective cleaning that is useful in homes where residents suffer from allergies. It has an MPR rating of 1500-1900, which is ideal for creating a healthy environment and avoiding sneezes, eye irritation, and coughing. The product can collect 90% of 3.0-10.0 microns of contaminants. The size of the filter is also accurate to avoid difficulty with installation. It also prevents the growth of bacteria or mold without the use of irritating chemicals present in the air filter. The filter is constructed with a thick cardboard box structure to reduce the risk of damage that can occur and allow it to remain durable. The cardboard is also fastened securely and doesn’t come loose easily. Foam is also present on the sides to ensure that they have a snug fit. Several pleats also contribute to the quality design and construction of the filter to ensure that it lasts longer. The product is made in the U.S.A.

Biggest downsides: The size information in the description that is provided by the manufacturer may not be accurate for some types of furnace brands and can cause it to fit incorrectly, which can make it difficult to keep the access door closed over time. The filter packaging also does not claim a specific MERV rating. Some of the material may also be glued poorly and can cause the filter to fall apart. The filter does not collect smoke, germs from coughs and sneezes, viruses, bacteria, and smog. It also doesn’t absorb odors that are present in the building.

Green Pick

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

The Nordic Pure Honeywell Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters have a MERV rating of 12 and are designed to filter mold, pet dander, dust, and small particles. The pleats increase its lifespan.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Nordic Pure Honeywell Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters have a nominal size of 20-Inch by 25-Inch by 5-Inch and an actual size of 19 7/8 x 24 7/8 x 4 ⅜. The filters are used for Honeywell units and can replace Honeywell 203720, FC35A1027, FC100A1037, and FC200E1037. It’s considered to be a green filter because the frame is constructed out of recycled beverage board paper, which makes it easier on the planet. It effectively removes airborne contaminants and can be used in both residential and commercial buildings. The product is an electrostatic air filter that attracts airborne dust, pollen, dust mites, allergens, and small particles to ensure residents can breathe easier and avoid allergies or respiratory issues in each season. The thick box structure of the frame makes it solid and durable to ensure it lasts for many months and is easier to install without bending or denting easily.

Biggest downsides: The product does not trap smoke, smog, exhaust, cough and sneeze debris, viruses, or bacteria. It may not fit certain appliances well when it’s replacing Honeywell air filters, which can cause it to become loose and allow unfiltered air to recirculate back into the building. The high MERV rating can also cause some appliances to work too hard to operate, which will increase the energy usage and reduce air flow.

All Our Picks

Honorable Mention

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell
FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

The Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12 are effective in removing mold, pollen, dander, and dust. It prevents the growth of bacteria.

Price Check

Green Pick

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

The Nordic Pure Honeywell Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters have a MERV rating of 12 and are designed to filter mold, pet dander, dust, and small particles. The pleats increase its lifespan.

Price Check

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

It’s important to keep in mind that not all air filters are the same, and each varies with their efficiency and durability. Look for an accordion-style filter that is built to have a longer lifespan and can filter the air better due to there being more surface area that is present. Smaller particles are captured over a longer period of time without affecting the airflow of the appliance.

Pleated furnace filters are ideal for those who suffer from allergies and want fewer allergens to circulate in the building. Look for filters that have more pleats, which means that the product will last longer before it needs to be replaced.

The MERV rating is an additional factor that should be considered because it reveals how many contaminants and pollutants the filter will trap when the furnace is operating. Economical filters that are less effective have MERV ratings of two or three, but higher quality filters have a MERV rating of 11 or 12. Filters with MERV ratings of 11 or 12 can trap bacteria, viruses, mold, baking flour, sneeze or cough debris, and dust in the air to create a cleaner and more habitable setting.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Air filters that are not in use should be stored in a clean, dry area to preserve the materials. Store the filters in the original packaging to prevent them from accumulating dirt or being exposed to environmental elements while they’re not in use.

The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-25-x-5

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

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Lennox Healthy
Climate 20x25x5 x6673
MERV 11 Box Filter

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell
FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

All Our Picks

Lennox Healthy
Climate 20x25x5 x6673
MERV 11 Box Filter

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell
FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Furnace Filter 20-x-25-x-5

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

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Lennox Healthy Climate 20x25x5 x6673MERV 11 Box Filter

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

All Our Picks

Lennox Healthy Climate 20x25x5 x6673MERV 11 Box Filter

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

Tips for Effective Furnace Filters

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Lennox Healthy
Climate 20x25x5 x6673
MERV 11 Box Filter

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell
FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12

Lennox Healthy
Climate 20x25x5 x6673
MERV 11 Box Filter

Nordic Pure 20x25x4/20x25x5 Honeywell
FC100A1037 Replacement Pleated
AC Furnace Air Filters MERV 12