20x20x1 Air Filters – FAQ & Buyer’s Guide!

In order to properly maintain the heating and cooling system (HVAC) in your home or business, it is vital that you regularly replace your air filter. Air filters are designed to improve air quality by reducing a variety of particles found in the air you breathe every day.

These are certainly not limited to lint, dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, smoke, smog, etc. You can also be exposed to viruses and bacteria, so improving the air is better for your overall health.

List of Top-Rated 20x20x1 Air Filters

PhotoProductMERVPackageDetails
1. Filtrete Micro Allergen Defense 70071247152 - Air Conditioner Filter 20x20x1Filtrete 9802-4PK114View on Amazon
2. Flanders PrecisionAire 10155.01202 EZ Flow - Washable Air Filter 20x20x1Flanders PrecisionAire 10155.01202412View on Amazon
3. Canopy Air MERV 8 - EZ Flow Air Filter 20x20x1Canopy Air 20x20x1 MERV 884View on Amazon
4. Filtrete Healthy Living Ultra Allergen UR02-6PK-1E - 3M Air Filter 20x20x1Filtrete UR02-6PK-1E126View on Amazon
5. True Blue 120201 - True Blue Air Filter 20x20x1True Blue 120201212View on Amazon

When choosing an air filter, you will frequently see MERV and MPR ratings which measure air quality. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is based on how the efficiency of your air filter in comparison to other models. The Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) was created by and is only used by 3M, so only filters under the 3M / Filtrete brand contain an MPR rating.

Air filters can be disposable or washable, so choosing between the two depends on your own needs and lifestyle. If you are an allergy sufferer who frequently needs to replace filters for better overall air quality in your space, you might consider using a washable or reusable filter.

These also hold an economical advantage since there are less to buy. The disposable ones are fantastic options for individuals who do not want to bother with the washing required for reusable filters.

Another common difference you will see when is whether they are pleated or not. Pleated filters are usually made from a synthetic wire material to allow filtering of small and microscopic particles. Non-pleated air filters are most effective for large particles, such as lint, dust and even insects.

To help you in deciding which air filter to choose, I have reviewed 5 of the best air filters available today, including the Filtrete Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Air Filter and the Flanders PrecisionAire EZ Flow Air Filter. Any of these top 5 air filters are great options to help you with improving your air quality.

The Best 20x20x1 Air Filters Reviews

1. Filtrete Micro Allergen Defense 70071247152 – Air Conditioner Filter 20x20x1

Features

  • Rating: MERV 11 and 1000 MPR
  • Color: White
  • Type: Electrostatic
  • Pleated: Yes
  • Recommended Duration: Up to 3 months

The well-known Filtrete brand, made by 3M Corporation, has earned a reputation in the filtration industry. This Micro Allergen Defense model is more than just an ordinary air conditioner filter. With an MPR rating of 1100 (equivalent to a MERV 11 rating), this provides a high degree of filtration to get impurities out of your air. Since MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, this air filter is a great choice when considering having desirable air quality.

Created using a washable and reusable material, this is a fantastic option for you if frequently buying air filters is unappealing. This reusability factor also adds an element of being environmentally-friendly since you are not having to constantly purchase and throw away new air filters every few months. By eliminating the waste that disposable filters cause makes this a “green” alternative.

These filters are electrostatically-enhanced and have been created with several layers. They are commonly referred to as electrostatic since the friction between the air and filter causes the air molecules to become positively charged. This static creates a charge that essentially sucks in all of the unwanted air parts, leaving you with a higher quality of air to breathe in each day.

Pros

  • Reusable
  • Surpasses fiberglass designs
  • Large and small particles

Cons

  • Frequent washing necessary

2. Flanders PrecisionAire 10155.01202 EZ Flow – Washable Air Filter 20x20x1

Features

  • Rating: MERV 4
  • Color: White
  • Type: Disposable
  • Pleated: No
  • Recommended Duration: Up to 30 days

The Flanders PrecisionAire is both an economical and environmental value. With a Flat Panel EZ Flow design, this filter protects your HVAC unit with a one-piece design which is easier to install than some other models. The metal retainer used is surrounded by a chipboard frame, allowing for a strong design built to last longer.

Manufactured using a spun-glass filter, PrecisionAire offers a low-resistance option for reducing pesky air particles and bringing in waves of fresh air. This cycle of airflow is essential for improving the quality of air that you breathe on a daily basis.

Being disposable, this filter is a no-fuss product that is easy to throw away. This is important to remember when you are due for a filter change but do not have the time or patience to wash one of the reusable alternatives. You do indeed want to replace your filters regularly since older ones are going to remove fewer germs and bacteria from the air.

Pros

  • Disposable
  • Durable design
  • Low-resistance

Cons

  • Non-reusable
  • Higher replacement costs

3. Canopy Air MERV 8 – EZ Flow Air Filter 20x20x1

Features

  • Rating: MERV 8
  • Color: White
  • Type: Electrostatic
  • Pleated: Yes
  • Recommended Duration: Up to 3 months

The electrostatic and pleated design of the Canopy Air supports better air filtration at a lower resistance, which is a bonus for decreasing the level of strain you put on your HVAC unit. With a respectable MERV rating, this model is a true value. The higher the MERV rating on a filter, the fewer dust particles and contaminants can pass through it.

it can be changed often. This is fantastic news if you are an allergy sufferer because you can get rid of pollen, dust, etc. much more frequently. The ability to breathe clean air on a consistent basis cannot be overstated. You need to change your filters often, and this is especially true if you have children, allergy sufferers, or animals in your space.

Note that Canopy often lists both the actual dimensions of 19 1/2 x 19 1/2 x ¾ and the nominal size of 20 x 20 x1 because filters are not sold by their actual dimensions. Filter label packages instead use the rounded-up nominal size to better accommodate you.

Pros

  • Reusable
  • Surpasses fiberglass designs
  • Large and small particles

Cons

  • Frequent washing necessary

4. Filtrete Healthy Living Ultra Allergen UR02-6PK-1E – 3M Air Filter 20x20x1

Features

  • Rating: MERV 12 and 1500 MPR
  • Color: White
  • Type: Electrostatic
  • Pleated: Yes
  • Recommended Duration: Up to 3 months

Known for its superior filtration, the Filtrete brand does a fantastic job of grabbing onto the usual suspects in terms of allergens such as dust mite debris and pet dander. It simultaneously lessens the amount of dust commonly found in homes and businesses, making this ideal for people with dust allergens or those with asthma.

While great at gathering larger items like dust and lint, the Healthy Living Ultra Allergen model is particularly adept at attracting and retaining microscopic material such as germs from coughing and sneezing. Not too many other air filters can offer that level of filtration to improve air quality.

This air filter uses 3-in-1 technology by sucking in undesirable air particles, trapping them, and then providing you back with fresh air in return. With this technology, you are less likely to experience poor indoor air quality and higher energy costs.

Pros

  • Very high MERV rating
  • Reusable
  • Microscopic particle attraction

Cons

  • Frequent washing necessary

5. True Blue 120201 – True Blue Air Filter 20x20x1

Features

  • Rating: MERV 2
  • Color: Blue
  • Type: Fiberglass
  • Pleated: No
  • Recommended Duration: Up to 30 days

As a more affordable air filter when compared to many other options, the True Blue Air Filter allows you to improve your air quality without breaking the bank. With an ability to hold a high amount of dust, this is not an inefficient filter by any means. Being disposable allows you to toss this filter after it has collected all of that dust and debris.

The surface of the True Blue filter is covered with an adhesive gel that creates a comparably thicker barrier to larger material. This barrier is what allows it to hold a high amount of dust due to better depth-loading. In addition to providing overall better air quality, you should consider this an affordable option, particularly If you have a problem with dust.

The dust is only one factor in a dirty air filter which is an essential part of your HVAC unit. If left unchanged, an old or unclean filter will certainly slow down the airflow and will waste energy by forcing your system to work harder. So, you can save money on energy costs as well as your time and aggravation by selecting this disposable filter.

Pros

  • Disposable
  • Depth-loading
  • Low-resistance

Cons

  • Short-lived duration
  • Higher replacement costs

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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