14x30x1 Air Filters – FAQ & Buyer’s Guide!

Many people often get confused when it comes to choosing an air filter that is right for their home. Some feel that the expensive choices may not be worth the investment while others battle with MERV ratings, trying to figure out which option will work for their needs. These are some of the common issues that arise when buying a home filter, and we are here to answer some of the pressing questions that you may have in mind. However, before we get into that, let us take a quick look at some of the best options on the market:

List of Top-Rated 14x30x1 Air Filters

PhotoProductMERVLifespanDetails
FilterBuy AFB14x30x1M8pk4FilterBuy AFB14x30x1M8pk483 monthsView on Amazon
Filtrete UT24-2PK-6EFiltrete UT24-2PK-6E1390 daysView on Amazon
Filtrete AOR24-6PK-2EFiltrete AOR24-6PK-2E1190 daysView on Amazon
Nordic Pure 14x30x1M12-6Nordic Pure 14x30x1M12-61230-90 daysView on Amazon
Flanders 10155.011430Flanders 10155.011430430 daysView on Amazon

The Best 14x30x1 Air Filters Reviews

1. FilterBuy 14x30x1 MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter, (Pack of 4 Filters), 14x30x1 – Silver

This furnace filters 14x30x1 comes in a pack of four, and it features pleats in its design. The advantage of such a setup is that the dust-holding capacity is quite large and you can count on this filter for a low resistance airflow, keeping the environment free of pollutants. It works for air conditioners, HVAC systems, and Furnaces and with its MERV 8 rating, you are sure that it will not strain your system, leading to a breakdown. It has a capture rate of at least 90% of the pollutants in the air including but not limited to pollen, dust, and household fibers, and it is an ideal option for people with allergies.

The MERV 8 rating is comparable to an MPR 300/600, which allows you to enjoy clean living. This filter and its components are 100% made in the USA, and you thus have the assurance that you are buying a quality filter that will serve you for an extended period. Additionally, it features a beverage board frame which can remain stable under different climates, without absorbing moisture from the environment. You can thus count on it to work in humid climates while resisting microbial growth. Under standard use, you can enjoy its service for about three months. Where you have children, pets, or allergies, you should consider making filter changes more frequently.
This filter can also work in commercial spaces where the filtration needs are moderate.

Product Features

  • Pleated filter
  • Pack of four
  • Made in the USA
  • 90% capture rate
  • Lasts three months
  • Synthetic media
  • Beverage board frame

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Durable build
  • Works for mild allergies
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Fast installation process
  • Anti-microbial growth

Cons

  • Narrow

2. Filtrete 14x30x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1900, Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen, 2-Pack

This 14x30x1 air filter filtrete features 3-in-1 technology which allows it to trap the unwanted particles in the environment, thereby allowing your system to push clean air through the vents. It can capture pollutants such as bacteria, smoke, viruses, and dust, amongst others, and owing to its high dust-holding capacity; it can serve your needs for up to ninety days under standard use. It features an MPR rating of 1900 which is equivalent to a MERV 13 score. It is thus ideal for people with severe allergies and can catch debris from coughs and sneezes, keeping the air free of contaminants.

It is essential to change the filter every three months or so when using this filter regularly if you wish to maintain its optimal performance.

Product Features

  • 3-in-1 technology
  • MPR rating of 1900
  • MERV 13 rating
  • Available in 4”, 4” slim fit, and 5.”
  • Lasts 90 days

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Gives you value for your money
  • Suitable for people with severe allergies
  • Efficient in contaminant elimination
  • Works in wet climates
  • Long-lasting
  • Protects your HVAC system

Cons

  • Restricted airflow

3. Filtrete 14x30x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1200, Allergen Defense Odor Reduction, 6-Pack

This air conditioner filter 14x30x1 is also available in frustration-free packaging if you wish to have an easy time in the installation process. Tests on the filter show that it is at least twenty more times effective in the removal of odors when compared to other filters on the market and it can work for your HVAC system, furnace, and air conditioner.

It features an active carbon layer which removes smells related to pets, cooking, cleaning chemicals, and other odors that are unpleasant in the home. Through the use of 3-in-1 technology, the filter can capture even the tiniest of particles in the air. The 1200 MPR rating is equivalent to a MERV rating of 11 and is thus suitable for people with mild allergies.

Product Features

  • Activated carbon
  • 3-in-1 technology
  • 1200 MPR rating
  • MERV 11 rating
  • Lasts 90 days
  • Suited for residential use

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Works for mild allergies
  • Odor removal
  • Protects the HVAC system
  • Filter change alerts
  • Value for your money
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Loose charcoal pieces

4. Nordic Pure 14x30x1 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters, 6 Pack, 14x30x1M12-6

This ac filter 14x30x1 has actual dimensions of 13 7/8* 29 7/8 * ¾, and it is essential to consider these figures when buying the filter to ensure that they will work for your space. The MERV 12 rating is ideal for families with pets as it is not strenuous on the HVAC system and it allows the filter to effectively capture pet dander, fibers, dust, pollen, lint and other contaminants in the air. The electrostatic charges in play increase the effectiveness in removing pollutants.

The filter and its components are 100% made in the USA, assuring you of high quality in its build. The pleats in place increase the surface area, which, in turn, adds to the dust-holding capacity of the filter. A recycled beverage board paper frame is in place to provide support to the filter, and you should expect three months of service when using the filter regularly.

Product Features

  • Recycled beverage board paper frame
  • Lasts 90 days
  • Actual dimensions of 13 7/8* 29 7/8 * ¾
  • MERV 12 rating
  • Made in the USA

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Works for mild allergies
  • Eliminates pet dander
  • Long-lasting
  • Gives you value for your money

Cons

  • May cause pressure drops

5. E-Z Flow Air Filter, MERV 4, 14 x 30 x 1-Inch, 12-Pack

This disposable 14x30x1 filter comes in a pack of twelve, which allows you to save lots of money regarding subsequent purchases. The role of this filter is to protect your central heating and cooling system from the entry of particles which can negatively affect its performance. It features a MERV 4 rating which is low enough to ensure that airflow takes place unrestricted and yet high enough to keep your HVAC components from getting damaged. You can count on this filter to eliminate lint, pollen, and dust from your atmosphere.

The continuous chipboard design in place ensures that the filter stays firmly in place during operation, and you can thus use it in wet environments. The installation process is quite simple, and you should complete the job in under five minutes or so. The filters last for about thirty days, and it is essential to change them out often for added efficiency in your system.

Product Features

  • Lasts 30 days
  • MERV 4 rating
  • Pack of twelve
  • Chipboard frame
  • Made in the US

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • High-quality design
  • Gives you value for your money
  • Protects the HVAC system
  • Durable frame
  • Unrestricted airflow
  • Works in various climates

Cons

  • Requires frequent changes

How to pick a 14x30x1 air filter

The above filters are a sure way to improve the quality of air in your home. Many people have filters in their spaces that don’t quite work as they should and as a result, they end up paying lots of money in utility costs. Before you get a new filter, you should check how efficient your old filter is. Start by placing a cloth under the filter before setting it horizontally. Proceed to pour salt into the filter and see how many particles make their way to the other side. The number of particles that go through will give you an indication as to how much dust will make its way into the vents. With that kind of knowledge, you will know whether you will stick to the brand in place or you will seek other more effective options. If you decide to do the latter, you should consider the size of the filter and its MERV rating. If you get these two factors right, you will never spend a day inhaling contaminants and posing a risk to your HVAC’s effectiveness.

Here goes:

The Size

This factor is the easiest part to figure out as it is pretty straightforward. To know what size you should get, you should look at the label of your old filter and use these dimensions in your next purchase. You can also refer to your furnace manual where you can get the right measurements or measure the space yourself for accuracy.

You will find that most filters are an inch thick. However, there are variations as to the width and the heights of filters, and you should thus choose what is right for your home. In this case, you want a 14x30x1 filter. Note that though the manufacturer may state this on the label, you should look into the actual dimensions and see if they fit your space, rather than go with the nominal numbers which are rounded up from the real figures. Remember this, and you will not end up stating that you did not get what you paid for, which is a situation that many people have faced.

The MERV Rating

Filters have a rating known as the minimum efficiency reporting value which runs from one to sixteen. This score indicates the contaminant-holding capacity of the filter and thus how effective it will be for your space. For fiberglass, disposable panel, washable and passive filters, the MERV rating lies between one and four, and they have an efficiency rating of 60-80%. The effectiveness increases as you go up and where you use an electronic filter with a MERV rating of between thirteen and sixteen, you should expect at least 98% contaminant removal.

Seeing these ratings, you might feel tempted to go with the highest score that you can get. This decision is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you get to enjoy filtered air flowing through your vents and where you suffer from allergies, you are less likely to get triggered. On the other hand, your system will have to work harder owing to the restricted airflow, and you may experience a breakdown in the HVAC system, costing you lots of money in the end.

With these pointers, you will be able to narrow down your choices to what is suitable for you and your loved ones. All the best!

About the author

Lou Anderson

Lou Anderson

Lou Anderson is a keen home and garden innovator with over 25 years of hands-on experience in, home improvement, landscape gardening and all things appliance related to making life easier and more interesting.

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