16x20x1 Air Filters – FAQ & Buyer’s Guide!

If you consider how much money goes into clearing your utility bill, owing to heating and cooling consumptions, you would see how important it is for your central heating and cooling system to be efficient. With an active air filter, you enable your heating and cooling system to run free of contaminants, allowing airflow to take place with ease.

Where the air filter in place is dirty and in need of replacement, you will find that it works as a deterrent against airflow and the system has to work almost twice as hard as it should, thereby driving up the utility bill. You can also find yourself dealing with a breakdown in the end.

Also, where you feel that the airflow is not as much as you would like, it would do you good to check if the filter is clogged as this can also lead to a breakdown. Seeing the above scenarios will have you thinking that you do, indeed need a high-quality air filter. But how should you go about it with so many promising products on the market?

List of Top-Rated 16x20x1 Air Filters

PhotoProductMERVPackDetails
1. 16x20x1 Merv 8 Furnace Filter (12 Pack)Glasfloss CECOMINOD094130812View on Amazon
2. Nordic Pure 16x20x1 MERV 10 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter, Box of 6Nordic Pure 16x20x1106View on Amazon
3. Filtrete 16x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1000, Micro Allergen Defense, 2-PackFiltrete AD00-2PK-6E112View on Amazon
4. Honeywell CF108A1620/A Standard Air Cleaning Filter, 16 x 20 x 1-InchHoneywell CF108A1620/A81View on Amazon
5. 16x20x1, Flanders Air Filter, MERV 8 (Pack of 4)Flanders 87357-01162084View on Amazon

We are here to make this decision simpler by offering a few pointers in this regard:

The Selection Process

All the products that we list below have undergone various tests to check their suitability for use in the home, office, and other areas where an effective central heating and cooling system is of the essence. The one thing that is common in all of them is that they work without preventing the flow of air, as they get rid of smoke, dust, pollen, and other contaminants in the atmosphere.

The filters come in the same size, which is thick enough to ensure that the replacement intervals are far-spaced and that the filters work for longer and with enhanced efficiency. You can start waving goodbye to those exaggerated utility bills at this point.

What do you need to know?

One, a good air filter will help you clean the air in your space without getting in the way of air movement. Do you know those allergens that keep triggering reactions with every season? For some people it is dust, for others it is smoke, and for some people, it is every pollutant that dares to come near them. Well, with an air filter, you can keep these contaminants out of your space and away from your loved ones.

Also, maintaining an air filter is a breeze. For most of such products, such as the ones on our list, all you need to do is to remove the old one and slip in the new one and just like that; you can enjoy clean air. This simplicity works great, and you get to save tons of money which you could have used to get a professional to do something which you can do without breaking a sweat.

You also get to have a variety of options from which you can choose. From electrically charged filters to pleated choices, there is so much in store for you. In this list, you will find that we have focused on a few alternatives which meet the market demands, but that is not to say that there aren’t tons of other options out there.

Other than filtration options, you also have many sizes to work with, in this case, being the 16*20*1. Now, here is the thing with air filter sizes. The box may read what you want, but you have to pay extra attention to the actual dimensions which could differ from that. Very many people end up with a size that is a tad too small or too big. Be sure of what you need before parting with money as companies will not refund you for a mistake on your part.

The prices range based on the filtration methods, and you can expect to part with anything from twenty dollars going up for a high-quality filter. Replacement costs also vary. With these few pointers in mind, let us take a quick look at the winners in this category:

The Best 16x20x1 Air Filters Reviews

1. 16x20x1 Merv 8 Furnace Filter (12 Pack)

This 16x20x1 air filter is ideal for someone who has pets at home, owing to its high-efficiency ratings. The good thing about it is that it can work for several applications, ranging from primary to pre-filter uses. It comes with pleated filters made in a way that they do not absorb moisture, even when exposed to humid conditions, and this ensures that the filter does not develop mold. It also features double walling, which ensures that the filter remains stable throughout its operation and increases its life. Additionally, this strength allows for the filter to withstand abuse during handling and shipping without coming apart. You will be happy to know that the materials used in its construction are environmentally friendly and that they have less impact on landfill.

Product Features

  • Nominal dimensions of 16*20*1
  • The actual size is 15.5*19.5*.875
  • MERV 8 rating
  • Made in the USA
  • Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Features pleated filters
  • Double walls

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Work in various environments
  • Do not absorb moisture
  • No microbial growth
  • Great value for your money
  • Environmentally friendly
  • High dust holding capacity

Cons

Tricky installation procedure

2. Nordic Pure 16x20x1 MERV 10 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter, Box of 6

This furnace filter 16x20x1 features electrostatic technology that works to improve the quality of air in your home by getting rid of small particles in the air such as dust and pollen. The use of synthetic material in their construction ensures that they do not trap and hold water, thus preventing the growth of mold in the filter.

Over time, you should notice that you have less dust in your space, and you and your loved ones should be free of the allergen-causing pollutants in the atmosphere.

With a MERV 10 rating, this filter can capture particles that are as small as one micron, and that includes everything from dust mites to pet dander to mold spores. There is very little that this air filter cannot eliminate. You should change the filter every 30-90 days, depending on the intensity of its use.

Product Features

  • Actual dimensions 15.5*19.5*0.75
  • Electrostatic technology
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Antimicrobial
  • Made in the USA
  • Pleated fibers
  • MERV 10 rating

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Good value for your money
  • Promotes clean air
  • Great for allergies
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Smaller than most brands

3. Filtrete 16x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1000, Micro Allergen Defense, 2-Pack

This filtrete air filters 16x20x1 helps in the reduction of allergens in the air through the conversion of your central heating and cooling system into an efficient filtration system. The filter can pull in and eliminate pollutants in the atmosphere ranging from pet dander to lint, thus preventing them from going to other rooms.

Something that many people appreciate about this filter is that it comes with a reminder program which allows you to get alerts on when changes are necessary as well as some helpful tips on how to keep your air clean.

Installation is also a breeze, thus doing away with the need for professional help.

Product Features

  • Electrostatic technology
  • Manufactured by 3M
  • Reminder program
  • Dimensions 1.7*15.7*19.7 inches
  • Weighs 14.7 ounces

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Lasts up to three months
  • Reduces allergens
  • Captures small particles
  • Resistant to mold formation
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Filters are not individually wrapped

4. Honeywell CF108A1620/A Standard Air Cleaning Filter, 16 x 20 x 1-Inch

This Honeywell filter 16x20x1 is the ideal product for anyone looking to invest in a steady filter that will work through the seasons, with few replacements necessary. Not only does it ensure that airflow takes place without impediments, but it also enhances the energy efficiency of your system, thus lowering your utility bills.

The heavy duty frame in place ensures that the filter stays in place during operation and does not collapse owing to pressure.

When used regularly, the filter should last three months. If you use it often, you should look into changing it every other month.

Product Features

  • Heavy duty frame
  • Reinforced filter
  • 15% micro-particle capture rating
  • Lasts three months
  • MERV 8 rating
  • Dimensions 0.9*15.5*19.5 inches
  • Weighs 0.16 ounces

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Encourages airflow
  • Steady construction
  • Enhances energy efficiency
  • Good value for your money
  • Captures pollutants

Cons

  • Caution needed in installation

5. 16x20x1, Flanders Air Filter, MERV 8 (Pack of 4)

This Flanders air filters 16x20x1 allows you to make some good savings as you take up an investment that will ensure that you and your loved ones remain safe from allergens. It features a synthetic material that provides that the filter does not encourage the growth of mold and bacteria that would serve as a threat to your health.
Additionally, this filter can capture tiny particles ranging from smog to dust and is ideal for a home where there are children and pets.

This filter can last for as long as ninety days when used under standard conditions. The good thing about this rating is that it does not overwhelm the central heating and cooling system, and it does not restrict airflow. You should thus enjoy energy savings as a result.

Product Features

  • Comes in a three-pack
  • Dimensions 16*20*1 inches
  • Pleated filter
  • Craft die-cut frame
  • 100% synthetic wire-backed media
  • Weighs 2 pounds
  • Dimensions of 20*16*3 inches

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Removes allergens in the air
  • Gives you value for your money
  • Does not absorb moisture
  • The installation process is easy

Cons

  • Only suited for residential use

How to pick a 16x20x1 air filter

Before making that purchase, you need to think about the minimum efficiency reporting value, abbreviated as MERV, which is something that we will mention a lot in our guide. The higher this number is, the more the filtration efficiency will be. However, you should know that though air filters should not work against airflow, those with higher ratings tend to restrict the flow of air to some extent. As you go higher, you will find that you will come across such limitations. For household uses, anything from 8 will work just fine. Where your house is quite large, you can go with something in the ranges of 10. Also, check the compatibility of the filter with what you have in mind such that you don’t end up getting a low rated filter for commercial use.

You also need to think about the micro-particle performance rating, and anything between 1500 and 1900 will work for your home. This rating concerns the ability of the filter to capture particles that are smaller than 1 micron.

Replacement

As long as you follow the instructions given by the manufacturer, you will not go wrong. Of course, you can err by getting the wrong size or placing the filter in backward so be sure to exercise caution in this process. Usually, replacements are necessary every other month, but again, that will depend on the manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer where you are in doubt.

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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