How To Find An Affordable and Reliable 20x25x1 Air Filter?

Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, sinus congestion…those with allergies know these symptoms all too well. Even with medication, these symptoms can really shut down your work efficiency and enjoyment of recreational time at home. While it’s easy to blame these on allergies alone, there may be another source for your sniffling and sneezing. Believe or not, your furnace or AC filter may be the perpetrator!

List of Top-Rated 20x25x1 Air Filters

PhotoProductMERVLifespanDetails
1. Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter (2-Pack) - Highest Rated Furnace Air FilterFiltrete UR03-2PK-6E1500MPR/MERV1290daysView on Amazon
2. Nordic Pure M12-6 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters (6 Pack) - Best Premium AC/ Furnace Air FilterNordic Pure 20x25x1M12-61500MPR/MERV123monthsView on Amazon
3. 3M Filtrete Dust and Pollen Filter (6 Pack) - Best Furnace Air Filter Value PackFiltrete 20x25x1 3M600MPR/MERV73monthsView on Amazon
4. Flanders MERV 6 Air Filter - Best Pleated Furnace Air FilterFlanders 81555.012025MERV660daysView on Amazon
Honeywell CF108A2025/A Standard Air Cleaning Filter, 20 x 25 x 1-InchHoneywell CF108A2025/AMERV83monthsView on Amazon

While these filters themselves are not causing your ill reactions, their failure to efficiently complete their job may be causing unpleasant debris and particles to propagate through your climate control system. These filters are designed to keep those undesirable materials out, but when they become clogged up, they can no longer be effective. Simply put, it may be time to replace your furnace air filter.

Like many homeowners, you likely need a 20 x 25 x 1 air filter to fit the output vents on your furnace or air conditioner. Finding this size air filter while still finding quality construction and performance can be a chore you simply don’t have time for in your busy day.

To save you time and effort comparing models online or in a store, I’ve put together the top 5 best 20 x 25 x 1 furnace air filters available on the market today.

Using a side-by-side comparison of several key specifications, I intend to show that not all air filters are alike – especially when it comes its construction and performance. Cost is another major factor I cover, in order to empower you to make a financially prudent move when buying replacement filters.

Some of the key factors I examine in these reviews are each model’s lifespan, construction, and filtration levels. These specifications and more should help you sort through this growing market and find the best model to fit your needs and budget. Read on to learn more about these performance-driven 20 x 25 x 1 furnace air filters.

Top 5 Furnace Air Filters (20 x 25 x 1) of 2019

When it comes to furnace air filters, nearly every traditional brand has a contemporary offering. But even some new companies have sprung up to challenge these giants, leading to competition and more competitive pricing. As such, there has never been a better time to do what is right for your family’s breathing health and replace your air filter.

Before you make that move, read the following chart and detailed reviews in order to succinctly compare and contrast what each of these 20 x 25 x 1 air filters has to offer. I’ve compiled a significant amount of industry information into the table below, making it easy to understand what differentiates these filters besides brand. After contrasting each product, be sure to read on for a detailed review of each of these effective 20 x 25 x 1 air filters.

The Best 20x25x1 Air Filters Reviews

1. Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter (2-Pack) – Highest Rated Furnace Air Filter

Features

  • Size – 20” x 25” x 1”
  • Construction Material – Electrostatic fiberglass
  • Filtration Level/Rating – 1500 MPR/ MERV 12
  • Average Lifespan – 90 days

Filtrete air filters have become a tried-and-true option for homeowners across the decades and that reliability continues today. These filters provide the kind of filtering capability you can count on to keep your in-home air free of contaminates that lead to coughing and allergy congestion.

Much of this model’s particle-trapping capacity derives from its built-in 3-in-1 technology from 3M. A proprietary technology not used by competitors, this construction uses a special kind of electromagnetism to trap harmful particles and prevent them from circulating into your home.

In straight forward terms, this means that small particles like smoke, debris from coughs and sneezes, bacteria, and viruses won’t have a chance to catch hold with your family. Even large particles like lint, dust, and pollen are no match for this unique filtration technology. In all, this equates out to a MERV 12 and 1500 MPR rating, which is about as high as you can buy without verging into expensive “allergy” air filters.

As always, Filtrete recommends changing this filter every 90 days to optimize performance and air flow. Though not everyone keeps to this schedule, the great performance of this filter should help serve as a reminder. Even among some worthy competition, these Filtrete 20 x 25 x 1 air filters are one of the best you can buy today.

Pros

  • Proprietary 3M technology attracts debris
  • Captures everything from smoke to pollen
  • Enhanced models available up to 2800 MPR
  • Optimized to allow airflow

Cons

  • Challenging fit in some older furnaces
  • May not be compatible with AC systems

2. Nordic Pure M12-6 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters (6 Pack) – Best Premium AC/ Furnace Air Filter

Features

  • Size – 20” x 25” x 1”
  • Construction Material – “Synthetic material”, recycled cardboard
  • Filtration Level/Rating – 1500 MPR/ MERV 12
  • Average Lifespan – 3 months

In some ways, Nordic Pure has become a challenger to the throne long held by Filtrete air filters – and rightly so! Nordic Pure’s 20 x 25 x 1 air filters are really stepping up their game when it comes to purifying contaminated air in your home. They truly provide a premium filtration experience that you won’t turn back from.

In terms of wrought filtration, this model’s 1500 MPR and MERV 12 rating indicate an exceptional capacity for filtration alone. But to be even more specific, these Nordic Pure filters are capable of filtering out 90% of 3.0-10.0 micron-sized contaminants such as pollen and pet dander. To add to that, these filters also block up to 90% of particles 1.0-3.0 microns in size, including dust, mold spores, and dust mites.

These Nordic Pure filters are also designed with energy efficiency in mind. This model’s deep pleated ridges allow more cooled or warm air through without extra effort, preventing build up that can risk long-term HVAC strain or damage. Plus, this improved airflow saves you money long-term as the AC and furnace are not required to work nearly as hard.

In all, these Nordic Pure air filters are nothing to cough at. In fact, with one installed on your furnace or AC, you’ll hardly have any reason to cough at all!

Pros

  • High MPR (1500) and MERV rating (12)
  • Captures 90% of large and small contaminants
  • Removes pet dander in allergy-sensitive homes
  • Improves heating and AC performance

Cons

  • “Synthetic” construction materials unclear
  • Does not filter out odors

3. 3M Filtrete Dust and Pollen Filter (6 Pack) – Best Furnace Air Filter Value Pack

Features

  • Size – 20” x 25” x 1”
  • Construction Material – Electrostatic fiberglass
  • Filtration Level/Rating – 600 MPR
  • Average Lifespan – 3 months

Most major air filter brands call for you to replace your filters every three months. This can become quite a chore, especially if you find that you’ve run out of spare filters. Rather than make another trip to the hardware store, try ordering these3M Filtrete 20 x 25 x 1 air filters. They come in a value-conscious six pack, allowing you to always have a spare at hand.

While this model doesn’t particularly distinguish itself through its raw filtering power alone, it does stand out for its electrostatic fiberglass construction. This material is capable of capturing up to 10 times as many airborne particles as standard fiberglass alone, making it a real asset in the home.

Another great boon from this model is its quick shipping. As these 3M Filtrete filters are used by many homeowners today, they ship very quickly as soon as you put in an order. That way, you won’t need to spend even one extra day coughing at home from all of the unfiltered particles.

Altogether, these air filters establish a solid standard to which other filters might be compared. Even if its filtering capacity is non-distinct, you’ll certainly remember these air filters when it comes to saving a few dollars to take on extra value.

Pros

  • Value-centered 6 pack
  • Minimizes air flow constriction
  • Average lifespan
  • Ships quickly for timely replacements

Cons

  • Lower than average MPR (600)
  • Requires replacement more often than competitors

4. Flanders MERV 6 Air Filter – Best Pleated Furnace Air Filter

Features

  • Size – 20” x 25” x 1”
  • Construction Material – Pleated fabric
  • Filtration Level/Rating – MERV 6
  • Average Lifespan – 60 days

Most furnace and AC air filters follow a similar construction style, resulting in a similar conclusion: the need to throw away filters after they exceed their lifespan. That’s a lot of garbage that Flanders wanted to cut down on. So, with their uniquely constructed MERV 6 Air Filter, you can expect an eco-friendlier solution to air filtration.

Part of this ecologically enhanced construction derives from the cardboard-like frame that surrounds this filter. This cardboard is made from post-consumer waste, giving this model pre-term credit for being green. This implementation of recycled material, in turn, makes this filter easy to recycle again, even after it has concluded its lifespan.

Another unique quality of this model is its re-engineered multi-fit construction. Many air filter users and homeowners complain that standard 20 x 25 x 1 air filters don’t fit their HVAC units. Flanders attempted to solve this common dilemma by recreating its external frame to more seamlessly fit into nearly any kind of filtration set up.

Finally, this model’s pleated fabric construction is unique in and of itself, allowing for a much different degree of filtration when compared to fiberglass filters. While this type of filter does need to be changed more often, you’ll see these efforts paid off with cleaner air during allergy season.

Pros

  • Unique pleated cloth construction
  • Eco-friendly design makes for easy recycling
  • Designed to fit most AC and furnaces

Cons

  • Lower than average MERV rating (6)
  • Requires more constant replacement (every 60 days)

5. Honeywell CF108A2025/A Standard Air Cleaning Filter, 20 x 25 x 1-Inch

Features

  • Size – 20” x 25” x 1”
  • Construction Material – Fiberglass
  • Filtration Level/Rating – MERV 8
  • Average Lifespan – 3 months

Even if you are looking to improve your home’s air quality, some homeowners don’t believe in going over the top and buying a filter stronger than is entirely necessary. For those looking to get a standard level of filtration for their standard-needs family, the Honeywell 20 x 25 x 1 air filters are great option.

At a MERV 8 filtration rating, these Honeywell air filters are positioned firmly in the middle of the road between flimsy and thick “allergy” filters. Frankly put this amount of filtration is plenty enough for most folks not afflicted by allergies and asthma.

While this filter is capable of picking up the usual pollen, dust mite debris, mold spores, and common allergens, it is also capable of trapping in two unique (but common) air contaminates: clothing fibers and carpet fibers. These fibers often enter the air through friction and everyday movement, so it is essential to filter them our whenever possible.

At the end of the day, this is a solid air filter choice that comes at a good price per unit. Though it does not come in any added value multi-packs, you can bet that this model will still act as a good cost saving option when you just need to pick up a single new air filter.

Pros

  • Energy efficient construction to cut down on furnace and AC overwork
  • Can pick up clothing and carpet fibers
  • Great price per filter

Cons

  • Lower than average micro particle capture rate at 15%

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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