Do you want to find the best 16x25x1 furnace filter?
Probably most important step is to choose a 16x25x1 filter with the right MERV rating for your HVAC system.
In this product review, I will go over...
- Choosing the right MERV
- Filter frame strength
- More pleats = more filtering ability
- The wire mesh gives filter strength
Let's get started with this guide!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick  | Top Pick | 1. Filtrete Allergen Defense
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| View on Amazon |
 | 2. Aerostar Clean
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| View on Amazon | |
 | 3. AIRX Allergy
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| View on Amazon | |
 | 4. Filtrete Clean Living
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| View on Amazon | |
 | 5. FilterBuy Silver
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| View on Amazon |
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
- Size at 16x25x1
- 3-in1 technology by 3M
- Capture fine airborne particles like lint, dust, dander, and more
- MERV 11 filter rating
- Metal grid for a strong frame
- Electrostatically charged
My overall top pick for the best 16x25x1 furnace filter goes to the Filtrete Allergen Defense made by 3M. The Allergen Defense line of filters is rated at MERV 11 to capture some of the finest airborne particles but still allowing strong airflow. With 3M's 3-in-1 filter technology, it will allow in maximum amount of air while still capturing the majority of particulates.
Top 5 Best 16x25x1 Furnace Filters
Short on time? Check out our top 5 best 16x25x1 furnace filters below! Keep reading to see our buyer's guide and the complete reviews.
How To Pick The Best 16x25x1 Furnace Filter?
The 16x25x1 filter is probably the most common furnace filter size in America.
This particular size for furnace filters can come in a wide variety of materials, but the most common will be fiberglass, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
Here are a few tips on picking the best 16x25x1 filter...
1. The MERV Rating
The industry standard for furnace filter ratings is the MERV system.
MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value and it is a measurement of how much particles the filter can remove from the air. In essence, when a filter has a higher MERV rating, it can trap small particles to a greater extent. Most HVAC systems will have furnace filters with a MERV rating from 5-11.
Anything in the 11-13 range can capture ultra fine particles like mold spores. For example, a MERV 13 filter will capture 90% or greater of particles in the 3-10 micron size.
I don't recommend that homeowners get a filter above MERV 13 because it may damage your HVAC system due to the restricted air flow. And even in the 11-13 MERV range, I would still make sure with my HVAC manufacturer that my system can handle it.
Read Also: How To Change Air Filters? (5 Step Guide)
2. Number of Pleats
Pleats are the ridges in the furnace filter material. The 'accordion' shape of the furnace filter increases its surface area so it can capture more airborne particulates.
Basically, the greater the number of filter pleats, the better the filter will work because of the larger surface area.
And if you have two filters with the same MERV rating, but one filter is more highly pleated, this means that the greater pleated filter will have a lower airflow resistance.
Basically, you can get more air flow with more pleats, but still capture the same amount of particles as a comparable filter with less pleats.
3. Frame Strength
If the frame (or wire mesh) isn't strong, eventually the filter may bend and warp inside the filter slot, which can allow air to go around the filter.
Not all furnace filter frames are equal, and manufacturers can use wide variety of materials and manufacturing methods.
Pretty much all 16x25x1 furnace filters will have cardboard frames. But these glued frames can still be quite strong if made with a good material. The best furnace filters are made with double walled beverage board which is a very strong cardboard.
Read Also: What Are The Best Furnace Filters For Mold?
4. Mesh Or Grid Support
The crosswire support of a furnace filter is the part that goes over the actual filter material in the center. Quite often it is a wire mesh, or a combination of wire mesh with a cardboard grid. Some filters glue plastic strips to the filter.
Basically, all of these materials help give the inner portion of the filter strength, and help it from warping and bending as the air hits it.
The best material in my opinion is the metal wire mesh. This is where a thin metal wire mesh wraps the filter media and gives it rigidity. All other cheaper methods just aren't as as strong as the metal mesh.
Read Also: Does Furnace Filter Thickness Matter?
What Is The Best 16x25x1 Furnace Filter?
Here are my full reviews of the top rated 16x25x1 furnace filters with their pros and cons. Check them out below...
The Allergen Defense is a premium furnace filter by Filtrete, and it is sized at 16x25x1.
These furnace filters are rated at MERV 11 and are able to capture some of the finest particles such as smoke, pet dander, dust, smog, and lint.
These Filtrete filters use 3M's patented 3-in-1 technology which allows in more air flow while capturing more particles.
3M recommends changing these furnace filters at least once every 30 days.
Pros
Cons
The Clean series are quality furnace filters made by Aerostar that are sized in 16x25x1.
These filters will capture pet dander, dust, lint, and other particulates in the air. It uses an electrostatically charged synthetic filter media in it's filters with a cardboard frame.
Changing these filters out at least every 90 day is recommended. All filters made by Aerostar are manufactured in the USA.
Pros
Cons
The Allergy series is a premium furnace filter made by AirX. These furnace filters are sized 16x25x1 which is one of the most common filter sizes.
The Allergy filters by AirX can capture ultra fine particles from 1-10 microns in size like pet dander, dust, lint, and other particulates.
Unlike other furnace filters, AirX uses double-walled beverage board for its framing for increased strength and moisture resistance. All filters by AirX are made in the USA.
Pros
Cons
The Clean Living series by Filtrete are top rated furnace filters that come sized at 16x25x1. These furnace filters are rated at MERV 5 which can still capture fine particles but it will not restrict air flow like higher MERVs.
This means that if you want more air flow through your HVAC system, but still want good dust control, these are the filters for you.
They also include 3M's patented 3-in-1 filter technology and are electrostatically charged.
Pros
Cons
The Silver series of furnace filters are made by FilterBuy and manufactured 100% in the USA. These furnace filters measure in at 16x25x1 and are rated at MERV 8.
With this 'mid level' MERV rating, it an still capture much of the pollen, pet dander, dust, and other particles but still allow substantial air flow. These furnace filters are manufactured in Alabama and are shipped directly from the factory.
They use beverage board for their frames for a durable and strong filter. The Silver FilterBuy filters can capture up to 90% of airborne particles.
Pros
Cons
My #1 Top Pick: Filtrete Allergen Defense
My overall top rated pick for the best 16x25x1 furnace filter goes to the Filtrete Allergen Defense by 3M. Here's why...
#1. MERV 11
This furnace filter is rated at MERV 11 so it can capture some of the finest particles such as dust, lint, pet dander, dust mites, and mold particles.
#2. Strong Frame
These Filtrete filters have a very sturdy frame and include a metal wire grid that holds the filter material in place. This metal mesh will help prevent buckling of the filter.
#3. 3-in-1 Technology
3M includes its patented 3-in-1 filter tech with the Allergen Defense filters which helps maximize air flow but at the same time capturing some of the smallest particles.