Best HVAC Filters for Allergies: MERV 12 and 13 Picks
The best HVAC filters for allergies: why MERV 12 and 13 catch 90% of pollen and dander-size particles, and picks from Filtrete, Nordic Pure and AprilAire.
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For allergies, our top HVAC filter is the Filtrete MPR 1500, which 3M labels MERV 12. Pollen, dust mite debris and pet dander are mostly large particles, and EPA's MERV table shows MERV 12 capturing at least 90% of 3 to 10 micron particles, the same minimum as MERV 13, with somewhat less resistance in many systems. If your system handles MERV 13 easily, the Filtrete MPR 1900 adds more capture of fine particles such as smoke.
A furnace filter is one part of allergen control. EPA's asthma guidance lists keeping pets out of the bedroom, allergen-proof bedding covers and a HEPA air cleaner among the steps that help. Filters clean air only while the HVAC fan runs, which EPA says is typically less than a quarter of the time.
Our top picks at a glance
1. Best for allergies
Filtrete MPR 1500 MERV 12 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)MERV: 12 (MPR 1500, per Filtrete) · Size: 16x25x1; 15.62 x 24.62 x 0.78 in actual · 3 to 10 µm minimum: 90% (EPA MERV table) · Pack: 2
2. Best for allergies plus smoke
Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)MERV: 13 (MPR 1900, per Filtrete) · Size: 16x25x1; 15.62 x 24.62 x 0.78 in actual · 3 to 10 µm minimum: 90% (EPA MERV table) · Pack: 2
3. Best value MERV 12
Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated Filter, 16x25x1 (6-pack)MERV: 12 · Size: 16x25x1; 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75 in actual · 3 to 10 µm minimum: 90% (EPA MERV table) · Pack: 6
4. Best for AprilAire whole-house systems
AprilAire 213 MERV 13 Filter, 20x25x4MERV: 13 · Size: 20x25x4 · 3 to 10 µm minimum: 90% (EPA MERV table) · Pack: 1
5. Best for Honeywell media cabinets
Honeywell FC100A1037 MERV 11 Media Filter, 20x25x4MERV: 11 · Size: 20x25x4 nominal (19 15/16 x 24 7/8 x 4 3/8 in actual) · 3 to 10 µm minimum: 85% (EPA MERV table) · Pack: 1
| Pick | MERV | Size | 3 to 10 µm minimum | Pack | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filtrete MPR 1500 MERV 12 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)Best for allergies | 12 (MPR 1500, per Filtrete) | 16x25x1; 15.62 x 24.62 x 0.78 in actual | 90% (EPA MERV table) | 2 | Amazon |
| Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)Best for allergies plus smoke | 13 (MPR 1900, per Filtrete) | 16x25x1; 15.62 x 24.62 x 0.78 in actual | 90% (EPA MERV table) | 2 | Amazon |
| Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated Filter, 16x25x1 (6-pack)Best value MERV 12 | 12 | 16x25x1; 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75 in actual | 90% (EPA MERV table) | 6 | Amazon |
| AprilAire 213 MERV 13 Filter, 20x25x4Best for AprilAire whole-house systems | 13 | 20x25x4 | 90% (EPA MERV table) | 1 | Amazon |
| Honeywell FC100A1037 MERV 11 Media Filter, 20x25x4Best for Honeywell media cabinets | 11 | 20x25x4 nominal (19 15/16 x 24 7/8 x 4 3/8 in actual) | 85% (EPA MERV table) | 1 | Amazon |
Best for allergies
Filtrete MPR 1500 MERV 12 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)
MERV 12 catches 90% or more of pollen and dander-size particles with less airflow risk than MERV 13.
- MERV
- 12 (MPR 1500, per Filtrete)
- Size
- 16x25x1; 15.62 x 24.62 x 0.78 in actual
- 3 to 10 µm minimum
- 90% (EPA MERV table)
- Pack
- 2
Pros
- Same 90% minimum for 3 to 10 micron particles as MERV 13
- Filtrete states 54% capture of 0.3 to 1 micron particles
- Labeled asthma and allergy friendly certified (per the Amazon listing)
Cons
- Below EPA's MERV 13 suggestion for fine particles
- Small 2-pack
- Change at least every 90 days, sooner in pollen season
Most allergy triggers that a furnace filter can catch are large. AHAM's air cleaner test, for comparison, treats pollen as 5 to 11 microns and dust as 0.5 to 3. EPA's MERV table puts MERV 12 at 90% or more of 3 to 10 micron particles and 80% of 1 to 3 microns, close to MERV 13's 90% and 85%. Filtrete labels this filter MPR 1500 and MERV 12 and states a 54% capture of the smallest test particles.
Choose MERV 13 instead if smoke or very fine particles matter, or if your system handles it without airflow problems. Skip it for a system that struggles even with MERV 11.
Best for allergies plus smoke
Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)
MERV 13 adds better capture of fine particles for homes with allergies and smoke exposure.
- MERV
- 13 (MPR 1900, per Filtrete)
- Size
- 16x25x1; 15.62 x 24.62 x 0.78 in actual
- 3 to 10 µm minimum
- 90% (EPA MERV table)
- Pack
- 2
Pros
- Meets EPA's MERV 13 suggestion
- 50% or more of 0.3 to 1 micron particles (EPA MERV table)
- Filtrete states 62% microparticle capture
Cons
- Higher resistance than MERV 12 in some systems
- Small pack
- Not a substitute for a bedroom purifier
For a home dealing with both allergies and wildfire or tobacco smoke, MERV 13 is the right filter if the system can take it. EPA's table raises the fine-particle minimum from 35% at MERV 12 to 50% at MERV 13. See our best HVAC filters for more on this pick.
Skip it if MERV 13 makes the system noisy or reduces airflow at the registers; MERV 12 catches allergen-size particles almost as well.
Best value MERV 12
Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated Filter, 16x25x1 (6-pack)
A six-pack of MERV 12 filters for frequent changes through allergy season.
- MERV
- 12
- Size
- 16x25x1; 15.5 x 24.5 x 0.75 in actual
- 3 to 10 µm minimum
- 90% (EPA MERV table)
- Pack
- 6
Pros
- Six filters for regular changes
- Rated by MERV directly
- Made in the USA (per the Amazon listing)
Cons
- Slightly smaller actual size; check your slot
- No stated fine-particle percentage
- Third-party brand without Filtrete's app
Allergy season is when filters load fastest, and EPA says to change filters more often if they look heavily soiled. A six-pack of MERV 12 lets you change monthly during peak pollen without paying for small packs. Nordic Pure's listing gives the 15.5 by 24.5 by 0.75-inch actual size for its 16x25x1.
Skip it if your slot is closer to 15.75 inches; a gap lets air bypass the filter.
Best for AprilAire whole-house systems
AprilAire 213 MERV 13 Filter, 20x25x4
The MERV 13 replacement for AprilAire 20x25 media cabinets.
- MERV
- 13
- Size
- 20x25x4
- 3 to 10 µm minimum
- 90% (EPA MERV table)
- Pack
- 1
Pros
- AprilAire says it removes up to 97% of common allergens (its own testing)
- Deep media for low resistance at MERV 13
- Designed for an airtight cabinet fit
Cons
- Fits AprilAire 20x25 cabinets only
- Higher cost per filter
- AprilAire's allergen figure is the maker's claim
If your system has an AprilAire media cabinet, the 213 is its MERV 13 filter. AprilAire's listing says it removes up to 97% of common allergens and 15% more 0.3 to 1 micron particles than the MERV 13 minimum, based on testing to ASHRAE 52.2; treat those as the maker's figures. EPA's technical summary notes that deeper media can deliver high MERV ratings with low airflow resistance.
Skip it without the matching cabinet. See the best whole-house air filters.
Best for Honeywell media cabinets
Honeywell FC100A1037 MERV 11 Media Filter, 20x25x4
The MERV 11 replacement for Honeywell F100 and F200 20x25 media air cleaners.
- MERV
- 11
- Size
- 20x25x4 nominal (19 15/16 x 24 7/8 x 4 3/8 in actual)
- 3 to 10 µm minimum
- 85% (EPA MERV table)
- Pack
- 1
Pros
- Listed static pressure drop of 0.23 in. w.c. at 500 FPM (per the Amazon listing)
- Fits Honeywell F100 and F200 20x25 cabinets
- Deep pleated media
Cons
- MERV 11, below 12 or 13 for fine particles
- Sold by a third-party seller on Amazon
- Only for matching cabinets
Honeywell's FC100A1037 is the media filter for its 20x25 F100 and F200 cabinets. Its listing gives MERV 11 and a static pressure drop of 0.23 inches of water column at 500 feet per minute, a useful figure if your technician is checking system airflow. MERV 11 still captures at least 85% of 3 to 10 micron particles by EPA's table.
Skip it unless you have the matching Honeywell cabinet.
How we chose
- Capture of allergen-size particles. EPA's MERV table gives minimum capture for 3 to 10 microns: 85% at MERV 11, 90% at MERV 12 and 13.
- Fine particles. For smoke and fine dust, the 0.3 to 1 micron figure rises from 35% at MERV 12 to 50% at MERV 13.
- Fit. EPA says filters should fit snugly so air does not leak around them.
- Pack size, because allergy season calls for more frequent changes.
Buying guide
Particle sizes and MERV
| MERV | 0.3 to 1 µm | 1 to 3 µm | 3 to 10 µm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | - | 20% | 70% |
| 11 | 20% | 65% | 85% |
| 12 | 35% | 80% | 90% |
| 13 | 50% | 85% | 90% |
Run the fan in allergy season
EPA notes that furnace filters clean only while the fan runs, typically less than 25% of the time during heating and cooling seasons. Running the fan longer on high-pollen days filters more air but raises electricity use, and EPA says it may reduce humidity control in summer. A portable HEPA purifier in the bedroom often does more for night-time symptoms; see the best air purifiers for allergies.
Change more often
EPA says makers typically suggest every 60 to 90 days and to change filters more often if they look heavily soiled. During heavy pollen or shedding season, monthly changes are reasonable. See the HVAC filter replacement schedule.
Other steps that help
- EPA's asthma guidance lists keeping pets out of the bedroom and using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers.
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days when you can.
- Keep humidity below 60%, as EPA advises, to limit dust mites and mold. See the ideal indoor humidity level.
What to skip
- Washable filters if allergies are the reason; most are MERV 8 or lower. See whether washable HVAC filters are worth it.
- Ozone-producing add-ons. EPA advises avoiding them; ozone is a lung irritant.
- MERV 14 to 16 in a 1-inch slot without checking your system.
Frequently asked questions
What MERV rating is best for allergies?
MERV 12 or 13. EPA's MERV table shows both capture at least 90% of 3 to 10 micron particles, the size range of most pollen and dander. MERV 13 adds better capture of fine particles.
Is MERV 11 good enough for allergies?
It captures at least 85% of 3 to 10 micron particles by EPA's table, so it helps. MERV 12 or 13 captures more if your system handles them.
Do HVAC filters help with pollen?
Yes, when the fan is running. EPA says systems typically run less than 25% of the time, so a bedroom HEPA purifier is a useful addition for night-time symptoms.
How often should I change my filter with allergies?
EPA says makers typically suggest every 60 to 90 days and to change more often if the filter looks heavily soiled. Monthly is reasonable in peak pollen or shedding season.
Are Filtrete filters good for allergies?
Filtrete labels its MPR 1500 as MERV 12 and its MPR 1900 as MERV 13, and the listings say they are certified asthma and allergy friendly. Both meet the MERV levels that capture most allergen-size particles.
Will a high-MERV filter hurt my HVAC system?
It can if the fan cannot handle the resistance, EPA says. If airflow drops or the system becomes noisy, step down a level and ask a technician.
Sources
- What is a MERV rating?, US Environmental Protection Agency
- Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, US Environmental Protection Agency
- Residential Air Cleaners: A Technical Summary (3rd edition), US Environmental Protection Agency
- Asthma Triggers: Gain Control, US Environmental Protection Agency
- How to Choose the Best Air Cleaner for Your Home, AHAM Verifide
- A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home, US Environmental Protection Agency
Related guides
Are Washable HVAC Filters Worth It? The Trade-Offs in Numbers
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Best HVAC Filters of 2026: MERV 13 and Alternatives for Every System
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Best Whole-House Air Filters: Media Cabinets and 4-Inch Filters
A media cabinet holds a 4 or 5-inch filter that reaches MERV 13 with less airflow resistance than a 1-inch filter. Our top pick for adding one is the Honeywell F100 cabinet.