Furnace filters can be helpful in keeping your indoor environment safe and healthy. To enjoy high Indoor Air Quality when using air filters, you must choose the right brand and size of this device.
This review looks at some of the best brands of 16x25x1 furnace filters for your HVAC system. We also briefly look at how the filters work and which MERV rating range you should focus on when selecting a furnace filter.
Are 16x25x1 Air Filters Good for Homes?
16x25x1 air filters are suitable for homes. Your home should be free of all types of contaminants, including pollen, dander, mite dust, smoke, and others. Such contaminants can undermine your Indoor Air Quality, which the level to which the indoor environment is clean and healthy.
If there are any contaminants in your house, people who are sensitive to such airborne particles will begin to experience allergic reactions. Such small particles that trigger allergic reactions in people are called allergens.
A good 16x25x1 air conditioner will effectively protect you and others from such allergens. This means that it will be safe for people who have allergens to stay in your home if you have these filters installed in your HVAC system.
Also, a 16x25x1 furnace filter will keep the Indoor Air Quality high. This means that you will enjoy staying indoors because the filter will remove all the dust particles and other contaminants that interfere with the indoor air environment’s quality.
How do Air Filters Work?
There is nothing complicated about the way that air filters work. Primarily, your air filter is a mechanical device that effectively sieves all small particles and lets the air pass through. However, to understand how this process works, you must consider the nature of the materials used to make air filters.
Your air filter is made of a substrate material of interwoven fibers. According to specific standards, the fibers are interwoven to ensure that they completely trap all the tiny particles that may be found in the air. Moreover, the design of air filters’ surfaces is based on the need to ensure that the filter does not interfere with the flow of air in your HVAC system.
The surfaces of most furnace filters are electrostatically charged. This means that they carry a small charge. The charge attracts contaminants because they mostly carry the opposite charge to that of the substrate. Thus, your mechanical furnace filter attracts and traps all the microparticles found in the air in your house but lets the air pass to the HVAC system.
What MERV rating air filter should I use?
The MERV rating of an air filter that you should use is a personal choice. However, it is recommended that you choose furnace filters with a MERV rating of at least 10. Such furnace filters will serve you well by collecting about 90% of all the airborne contaminants in your house.
The MERV rating of a furnace filter represents the extent to which the device will attract and trap contaminants in the air in your home. The MERV rating ranges from 1 to 16. An air filter with a MERV rating of 16 will effectively capture 99% of all the house’s contaminants.
Moreover, such a furnace filter will trap any contaminant that ranges in size from 0.3 to 1 micron. Therefore, the higher the MERV rating of your furnace filter, the greater the contaminants percentage that it can successfully trap and remove in the house.
Fiberglass vs. Pleated Air Filters
Many people are torn between using fiberglass or pleated air filters. The following compassion should help you make up your mind on what suits your needs best.
Cost: Fiberglass furnace filters are cheaper than pleated ones. Pleated furnace filters are more expensive because they are manufactured using a different technology. Therefore, if you are cost-conscious, it may be wise to go for a fiberglass furnace filter.
Design: Pleated air filters, unlike fiberglass ones, are made from 100% substrate materials. The fibers are interwoven according to specific standards to increase the surface area and ensure that the filter can capture very tiny particles in the air.
Performance: Pleated air filters are better than fiberglass ones because they can successfully attract and trap very tiny particles. The weaving of the fibers in a pleated furnace filter increases the surface area. Tiny particles that do not get trapped when they first land on the surface of a pleated furnace filter eventually get caught as they try to move through the substrate.
Convenience of use: It is more convenient to use a pleated furnace filter than a fiberglass one. Because of the high surface area of a pleated furnace filter, the device lasts long before it becomes full of contaminants. Fiberglass furnace filters tend to get full of contaminants within a short time. This means you will have to replace your fiberglass furnace filter more often than you would do if you installed a pleated furnace filter.
How to Measure Air Filters
Air filters are measured in terms of length, width, and thickness. These are expressed in inches. For example, a 16x25x1 furnace filter measures 16 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
There are two sets of measurements for furnace filters, the nominal and actual ones. The actual furnace filter measurements are usually less than the nominal ones.
For example, a furnace filter with a nominal size of 16x25x1 may have an actual size of 15.5×19.5×0.5.
Benefits of Air Filters
There are many benefits of using a high-quality furnace filter. They range from helping you prevent the spread of conditions such as coughing to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
- Preventing allergies: Your furnace filter will trap all the allergens found in the air in your home. This will protect people who are allergic to specific airborne contaminants.
- Maintaining indoor air quality: Your furnace filter will maintain the Indoor Air Quality of your room by removing contaminants, including dust and smoke. This will create a comfortable environment in your house.
- Protecting your HVAC system: Your furnace filter will keep your HVAC system in good condition. If you install the wrong furnace filter, the HVAC system will strain to keep the air in your room comfortable.
Best 16x25x1 Air Filter Comparison Table
1. Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter
- OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC 3-month pleated 1 in. home air filters for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system
- DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
- ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES particles such as lint, pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and smog
- 1000 MPR has a rating of MERV 11
- The higher the MPR, the more microparticles--such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria and viruses--your filter will capture from the air passing through it
The Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter is the perfect protection against dust, smoke, and other equally significant contaminants that may be found in your home.
This air filter is specially designed to attract and trap the large contaminants commonly found in homes. Its surface has an electrostatic charge that does an excellent job of keeping your house clean and free from smoke, mites, and dust.
Furthermore, there are six pieces of air filters in every pack. You will enjoy the convenience of using your air filters for a long time and not have to open the compartment to replace them quite often.
Moreover, the fibers of this furnace filter are pleated. Air filters with pleated furnaces are more helpful than those with unpleated fibers. The pleated fibers have a higher surface area that ensures a more significant percentage of the contaminants is captured.
Pros:
- There are six pieces of furnace filters in every pack
- The fibers of the air filters are pleated for maximum air filtration performance
- The furnace filter is perfect for keeping off dust because its surface is electrostatically charged to attract such contaminants.
Cons:
- The furnace filter has a relatively low MERV rating of only 5
2. Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter
- OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC 3-month pleated 1 in. home air filters for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system
- DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
- ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES microscopic particles such as smoke, cough and sneeze debris, bacteria and viruses--and large particles, including lint, household dust and pollen
- 1500 MPR has a rating of MERV 12
- The higher the MPR, the more microparticles--such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria and viruses--your filter will capture from the air passing through it
One of the most exciting features of the Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter is its high MERV rating of 11. Furnace filters with high MERV ratings of 11 or more are quite effective in attracting and trapping contaminants. They can remove up to 92% of all the contaminants in your home. This increases your Indoor Air Quality dramatically for your convenience.
This furnace filter can capture microparticles, including those that cause flu, colds, and coughs. The surface is designed to attract and capture particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. This air filtration level helps keep you and your loved ones comfortable and healthy while at home.
The only notable drawback of using this furnace filter is that it comes in packs that contain only four pieces. You will find it more convenient to purchase a filter that is packaged in six or more pieces.
Nevertheless, your Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter will last for about 90 days; therefore, you will not have to replace it as regularly as one would imagine.
Pros:
- Higher MERV rating of 11 for effective air filtration performance
- Built to attract and capture microparticles
- Easy to install and use
Cons:
- It comes in a pack that contains only four pieces
3. Aerostar Clean House 16x25x1 Air Filter
- Nominal Size: 16x25x1; Actual Size: 15 3/4" x 24 3/4" x 3/4"
- Comparable to MPR 600 Clean Living and Honeywell Micro Defense Plus FPR 5
- Designed to filter microscopic particles such as lint, dust mites, spores, and pollen
- Simple to install and a cost-effective step towards a healthier home environment. For best results, change your filters every 60 to 90 days but increase frequency to 30 days during peak summer and winter months
- 100% synthetic electrostatic media for high efficiency with low air flow resistance. Manufactured in the USA by Filtration Group, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of filtration solutions making the world safer, healthier & more productive
The Aerostar Clean House 16x25x1 is one of the best furnace filters that you can use to improve your Indoor Air Quality and keep everyone safe.
It has an electrostatically charged surface that can successfully capture all contaminants, including dust, mite, fur pieces, and smoke.
This furnace filter can help prevent allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to some contaminants. Its surface can capture even small allergens that measure 0.3 microns wide.
This means that if some people in your home are allergic to contaminants, installing this furnace filter will solve the problem.
The frame of the Aerostar Clean House 16x25x1 furnace filter is built from high-quality materials. It can withstand the effects of the elements, including temperature and moisture.
However, this furnace filter does not last if you would expect it to do. It may be challenging to have it work for 90 days. You may have to replace it after about 60 or so days to keep your Indoor Air Quality high enough for your comfort and safety.
Pros:
- Ideal for improving Indoor Air Quality in your home
- It has pleated fibers for effective air filtration performance
- The frame is built from high-quality materials to withstand heat and moisture
Cons:
- The furnace filters do not last for a long time before requiring replacement.
4. Filtrete 16x25x1, AC Furnace Air Filter
- Holds as much dust as 50 dusting wipes (Dry dusting wipes in normal use conditions)
- OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC 3-month pleated 1 in. home air filters for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system
- DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
- ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES particles such as lint, pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and smog
- Filtrete 1000D MPR has a rating of MERV 11
- The higher the MPR, the more microparticles--such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria and viruses--your filter will capture from the air passing through it
- FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE of your heating & cooling system or HVAC system, change your home air filter at least every 90 days for 1 in. filters, and at least every 12 months for 4 in. and 5 in. Filters
- A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool--wasting energy. Sign-up for a filter change reminder program that works for you!
- FOR RESIDENTIAL use only
- CREATE A CHANGE COUNTDOWN in the Filtrete Smart app. Simply use the app to scan the barcode on your filter’s packaging, then choose 30, 60 or 90 days for your replacement countdown. When the lifespan is up, you’ll get a notification to change your filter
The Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter is a high-end furnace filter that helps to keep your home safe and comfortable. It features an innovative 3-in-1 technology that ensures the filter traps all microorganisms that may cause breathing difficulties and conditions, including coughing and flu.
Besides, the surface of this furnace filter can attract and trap all manner of contaminants. It is perfect for fighting allergies because it can trap all kinds of allergens, including mite dust and smoke.
Installing and using this furnace filter is a breeze. You only need to align the lines indicated on its side with the flow of air in your system. Once this is done, the furnace filter will serve you for up to 90 days.
The only downside of using this furnace filter is that its packaging contains only two pieces. This means that you may have to keep replacing this furnace filter quite regularly, mainly if you keep your HVAC on for a long time every day.
Pros:
- Designed to reduce airborne allergens and microorganisms for a healthy home
- It has a high MERV rating of 12
- It is designed with innovative 3-in-1 technology for exceptional performance.
Cons:
- There are only two pieces in every pack
5. FilterBuy 16x25x1, HVAC AC Furnace Air Filter
- OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC 3-month pleated 1 in. air filters for your furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system
- DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through
- ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES large particles such as lint, household dust and dust mite debris
- MPR 600 has a rating of MERV 7
- The higher the MPR, the more microparticles - such as pollen, pet dander and smoke - your filter will capture from the air passing through it
The FilterBuy 16x25x1, HVAC AC Furnace Air Filter is a high-quality air filter that is perfect for fighting off all types of microorganisms and other contaminants.
It can effectively capture particles that measure from 0.3 microns to 1 micron in diameter. You can rely on this furnace filter to remove all small contaminants, including smoke and dust.
The pleated fibers on the surface of this furnace filter enhance its performance. The increased surface area is perfect for capturing up to 95% of all the small and large contaminants that are likely to be found in your house.
The main downside of using the FilterBuy 16x25x1 HVAC AC Furnace Air Filter is that you be forced to replace them quite regularly. Your filter will remain functional for about 60 days only. This is relatively short, considering that there are many other filter brands of similar size that can last for even 90 days.
Pros:
- The filter frames are high-quality and long-lasting because they are made from beverage boards
- 100% synthetic media provides minimal resistance to airflow
- Ideal for fighting microorganisms and allergens
Cons:
- The filters last for about 60 days only
6. Crisp Filters, 16x25x1 Air Filter
- ENHANCED AIR FILTRATION: Our 16x25x1 air filters are made using an advanced pleated technology that offers more air coverage, better particle capture performance and helps extend the life of your furnace, air conditioner, or HVAC system. Our pleats are designed with wire backed synthetic media. Our 16x25x1 air filters are also made using high quality CNK coated beverage boards.
- NEVER WORRY ABOUT YOUR AIR AGAIN: Nobody wants to think of the air they are breathing. Therefore the most prestigious accomplishment a filter can make is to ensure that you are not worrying about the purity of your air. Our Crisp 16x25x1 MERV 8 furnace filters are the ideal choice for anyone wanting clean, crisp air in their home. Our MERV 8 air filters trap debris, allergens such as pollen, and dust- so you only breathe pure and crisp air.
- TOP TIER PERFORMANCE: Utilizing a thicker build and a more pleat-heavy design than most retail air filters, our air conditioner filter offers enhanced airflow and efficiency, better capture coverage, (traps the unwanted particles) AND provides consistent, high performance filtration for up to three months.
- EASY & SIMPLE TO USE: Installing or replacing our air filters for any AC units or furnace is as simple as it gets. Simply slide the filter into the air filter return of your unit and then breathe easy, knowing your air is secure. To avoid a dip in air quality, change your filters out up to every 90 days. Houses with specific air requirement needs should change the filter more frequently. Our 16x25x1 air filter measures 15 ¾ x 24 ¾ x ¾ in size.
- THE HIGHEST STANDARDS: Every single one of our air filters is made in the U.S.A. Our filters come in a shrink wrap protective package to avoid the filter touching dust in transit, which is important to ensure the quality of your filters. We understand the importance of keeping your air clean.
One of the Crisp Filters’ hallmarks, 16x25x1 Air Filter, is its advanced air filtration capabilities. This furnace filter has a pleated surface which increases its ability to trap vast amounts of small and large contaminants.
Contaminants that fail to get trapped when they fall on the furnace filter’s surface eventually get trapped as they attempt to pass through the fibers.
Interestingly, this furnace filter does not interfere with the flow of air in your HVAC system. Thus, when you have it in place, you will not have to worry about your system overworking and getting damaged.
The MERV rating of a furnace filter is an important indicator of its performance. The higher the rating, the greater the performance of your filter.
This furnace filter has a MERV rating of 8. This is relatively low, considering that many other similar size brands have a high MERV rating of 14.
Pros:
- Enhanced air filtration capability, thanks to the use of pleated fibers technology
- It maintains a clean and crisp indoor environment by trapping all dust and smoke particles.
- Convenient for use because there are eight pieces in every package
Cons:
- Relatively low MERV rating
7. AIRx Filters 16x25x1 Air Filter
- Merv 8 16x25x1 furnace filter premium pleated filter, actual size 15.5 X 24.5 X .75
- Traps dust, pollen, lint using electrostatic air filter media, lasts 90 days in most homes
- Better airflow and efficiency by using more pleats than most retail air filters
- Made in U.S.A
- Compare to 3m Filtrete compare to clean living and dust & pollen MPR300/MPR600 filters
The AIRx Filters 16x25x1 Air Filter comes in packages that contain six pieces. Apart from giving your value for money, the high number of pieces in the replacement pack gives you peace of mind. You do not have to worry about purchasing a new pack when you have the AIRx Filters 16x25x1 Air Filter.
The AIRx Filters 16x25x1 Air Filter has exceptionally high air filtration capacity. This is shown in its 11 MERV rating, as well as a pleated surface. The pleated fibers are exceptional in attracting and trapping all types of contaminants that may be found in your house.
It is also electrostatically charged. The charge improves the filter’s overall performance because it attracts dust, mite, smoke, and other small and large airborne contaminants.
You will have to bear with the inconvenience of replacing your AIRx Filters 16x25x1 Air Filter quite often. These furnace filters do not last if you would expect them to. Typically, you will be forced to replace your AIRx Filters 16x25x1 Air Filter after about 60 days.
Pros:
- The replacement box has six pieces
- High air filtration capability
- The surface is made of pleated fibers for effectiveness
Cons:
- The furnace filters do not last for a long time
Conclusion
Furnace or air filters are ideal for keeping your indoor environment clean and healthy. A good 16x25x1 furnace filter can successfully attract and trap contaminants, including dander, mite, dust, smoke, and even microorganisms.
The best furnace filters are made of 100% substrate materials. The fibers are usually pleated to increase the surface areas and enable the filters to trap very tiny particles.