18x20x1 Air Filters – FAQ & Buyer’s Guide!

Having a good filter allows you to enjoy clean air while lowering your energy bills. There are many options on the market, and the right choice depends on what fits your furnace and what will not strain your HVAC system. You need something practical and suited for residential use, and in this guide, we will cover some of the most common alternatives as well as some of the best options on the market at present.

How to pick a 18x20x1 air filter

When buying a filter, you need to pay attention to the measurements. Manufacturers will state the size as a given figure, but that does not necessarily indicate the actual numbers. In most cases, the nominal and the real numbers are different, and you should thus refer to the furnace manual or measure the space for accuracy. Once you get the correct dimensions, you can now decide on what filter will work best for your home and why:

Disposable fiberglass

This type of filter will be easy on your pocket, and for this reason, many people tend to lean towards its use. It works great for spaces where the needs are not as intense as it has a MERV rating of about two or three. With this kind of score in play, you should expect that it will eliminate some of the unwanted particles in the air, mainly dealing with dust. However, you should not use it where you need high filtration standards as it mostly works to protect the furnace and not efficiently clean the air. It works for rooms with minimal needs.

Washable filters

With these filters, you get to make an initial investment that keeps giving through the filter’s lifespan. The good thing about them is that you can use them for a long time, cleaning them when it is necessary. They feature a MERV rating that lies between one and four, and they work for homes where the filtration needs are not much. The issue with these filters is that they require often cleaning if you wish to keep your HVAC system from clogging. Also, lack of proper cleaning exposes you to micro-organisms, which can make their way to the rooms through the vents.

Pleated disposable

These filters are right where you wish to have clean air blowing through your home, where you have pets, children, or medical needs. They feature MERV ratings of between 6 and 12, and they last for about three months. Regular changing is necessary if you wish to keep your system from straining. People with mild allergies can rely on these filters for allergen-free air.

Pleated electrostatic

These can either be reusable or disposable, and they are ideal for homes where the filtration needs are high such as in a home where people suffer from severe allergies. They work by attracting and capturing particles in the environment, in the sizes of microns, and they are suitable for all kinds of climates, owing to their ability to resist microbial growth. Their MERV ratings lie in the ranges of eight to twelve, and they generally last for about ninety days under regular use.

With all these options, you will be in a position to choose what is best for your family. Remember that the higher the MERV rating, the more the system will have to work and where you do not take caution, you may end up voiding your warranty. Let us take a quick look at some of the top choices in the market and what makes them suitable for residential use:

List of Top-Rated 18x20x1 Air Filters

Photo	Product	MERV	Lifespan	Details
	Aerostar 18x20x1 MERV 11	11	60-90 days	View on Amazon
	Filtrete 9845-4PK	11	90 days	View on Amazon
	AIRx DUST-182001-6	8	90 days	View on Amazon
	Flanders 10255.01102	4	30 days	View on Amazon
	Nordic Pure 18x20x1M8-6	8	1-3 months	View on Amazon

The Best 18x20x1 Air Filters Reviews

1. Aerostar 18x20x1 MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter, Made in the USA, 6-Pack

For almost a decade Aerostar Filters has been providing the market with high-quality filters at reasonable prices, with this furnace filters 18x20x1 being one of their best-performing products. This MERV 11 rated filter works great for families with pets and children as it can remove pollutants from the environment, leaving it clean and friendly for everyone. What’s more, the MERV rating does not affect the flow of air, and you should thus not deal with increased utility charge.

This filter comes in a pack of six, and given that each filter will last you about three months under standard use, you will have what you need for nearly a year and a half. It features electrostatic charges which attract and capture unwanted particles in the air from sizes of one micron going up. That means that you no longer have to spend tons of time working to remove dust on surfaces as the filter will catch most, if not all, of it. The same goes for allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and smoke, amongst other particles.

Without these allergens in the vents, your HVAC system will be able to run more efficiently, and you will thus incur fewer costs related to maintenance. This filter will serve you for about ninety days. However, you may have to increase the changes in hot and cold months when your unit is working at its optimum.

Product Features

• Actual dimensions of 17.5*19.5*0.75
• MERV 11 rating
• Comparable to MPR 1000-1200
• Weighs 3.8 pounds
• Electrostatic charges

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to install
• Reasonable pricing
• Long-lasting
• Works for people with mild allergies
• Sturdy build

Cons

• Narrow

2. Filtrete 18x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1000, Micro Allergen Defense, 4-Pack

Changing your filter often ensures that your quality of air remains high and that your HVAC system will not strain when moving air through the vents. For most people, remembering that a filter change is due is easier said than done and more often than not, they end up forgetting until they see dusty surfaces or experience a breakdown.

Filtrete has a reminder program in play as you will see in this 18x20x1 air filter filtrete, ensuring that you know when the change should happen. Additionally, this program gives you some tips on how best to improve the air in your home.

This filter works to remove allergens in the air, and it works for homes with children and pets. People with mild allergies can also rely on this filter for efficient filtration. It gets rid of particles in micron sizes ranging from lint to household dust to pet dander, all of which can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

Installing this filter is easy as all you need to do is to remove the plastic and the label before pointing the arrow in the direction of the heating fan or air conditioner. You can then place this filter in its slot once you take out the old filter. You can easily manage this task without calling in a professional. You will be happy to know that this pack can last you a year as it comprises of four filters, with each boasting of a three-month lifespan.

Product Features

• Suited for residential use
• Features 3-in-1 technology
• MPR rating of 1000
• MERV 11 rating
• Available in 4”, 4” slim fit, and 5.”
• Weighs 3.2 pounds

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Collects pet dander
• Long-lasting
• Easy to install
• Gives you value for your money
• Strong build

Cons

• Lack of individual wrapping

3. AIRx DUST 18x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated Air Filter – Made in the USA – Box of 6

Are you looking for a way in which you can convert your entire home into a filtration system? If so, this air conditioner filter 18x20x1 is an ideal option for you. It can reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and other allergens in the air through attracting and capturing the particles. Other than reducing the contaminants in the air, this filter also protects your central heating and cooling system, thereby preventing clogging and thus lowering your energy costs. You also get to enjoy uninterrupted airflow and given that the MERV rating is not very high, your system will not strain.

It features pleats which add to the filtration surface area, thus increasing its efficiency in dust-holding. This filter should last ninety days under standard use. Where you wish to enjoy enhanced performance, aim for a filter change every two months.

Product Features

• MERV 8 rating
• Pleated filter
• Comes in a box of six
• Actual dimensions of 17.5*20.5*0.75
• Lasts ninety days
• Made in the USA
• Weighs 9.3 ounces

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great pricing
• Long-lasting
• Simple installation
• Works for mild allergies
• Removes pet dander
• Suitable for wet regions

Cons

• Brittle support grid

4. E-Z Flow Heavy Duty Air Filter, MERV 4, 18 x 20 x 1-Inch, 12-Pack

This ac filter 18x20x1 works to protect your central heating and cooling system by eliminating contaminants in the environment which could otherwise slow it down. You thus get to enjoy enhanced airflow and increased efficiency in your HVAC system. Among the particles, it eliminates include pollen, dust, and household fibers.

It features a MERV rating of 4, which works for many homes where the filtration needs are not high. For most HVAC systems, this score is not strenuous. A chipboard frame is in place to provide support and ensure that the filter lasts for long. You should enjoy service from this filter for at least thirty days before a replacement is necessary.

Product Features

• MERV 4 rating
• Chipboard frame
• Made in the USA
• Lasts 30 days
• Twelve-pack
• Double-sided metal media

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Gives you value for your money
• Strong build
• Easy to install
• Protects your HVAC system
• Enhances airflow

Cons

• Requires frequent replacements

5. Nordic Pure 18x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters, 18x20x1M8-6, 6 Pack

This 18x20x1 filter features a MERV rating of 8, which is adequate to clean the air in your home without putting a strain on your HVAC system. You thus get to enjoy an allergen-free environment while reducing energy costs. The recycled beverage board paper frame is sturdy enough to keep the filter working through the seasons, ensuring that you get your money’s worth.

The electrostatic charges in play attract and capture unwanted particles in the air and thanks to the pleats in place, this filter boasts of a dust-holding capacity that is higher than what you would find in most filters. This filter should last you about thirty to ninety days, depending on the filtration needs in your home. If you wish to enjoy optimal HVAC performance in a house with pets and children, opt to change the filter every thirty days or so.

Product Features

• Actual dimensions of 17.5*19.5*0.75
• Electrostatic charges
• Made in the USA
• MERV rating of 8
• Recycled beverage board paper frame
• Weighs 4.3 pounds

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Anti-microbial growth
• Long-lasting
• Protects your HVAC system
• Extensive surface area
• Reasonable pricing

Cons

• Lack of individual wrapping

It is essential to change your filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions. You should also consider whether there are people with allergies in the house if you have pets or other needs, which could increase the changing timings. All the best!