Best Whole-House Air Filters: Media Cabinets and 4-Inch Filters
The best whole-house air filters: media cabinets and 4-inch MERV 11 to 13 filters from Honeywell and AprilAire, why deep media helps, and when to call a pro.
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The best whole-house air filter setup is a media cabinet in the return duct with a 4 or 5-inch MERV 11 to 13 filter. EPA's technical summary explains why: deeper, extensively pleated filters reach high MERV ratings with low airflow resistance, which lessens the risk of choking a furnace fan that a 1-inch MERV 13 can pose. If you are adding a cabinet, our pick is the Honeywell F100F2010 for 20x25 returns, which takes Honeywell's FC100A1037 MERV 11 filter.
If you already have a cabinet, buy its matching filter: the AprilAire 213 (20x25) or 413 (16x25) for AprilAire units, or Honeywell's FC200E1029 MERV 13 for 16x25 Honeywell cabinets. Cabinets are usually installed by an HVAC contractor, who can also check the system's airflow, as EPA recommends for high-efficiency filters.
Our top picks at a glance
1. Best cabinet to add
Honeywell F100F2010 Media Air Cleaner, 20x25Type: Media air cleaner cabinet · Size: 20 x 25 in · MERV: Depends on filter: FC100A1037 is MERV 11 · Fits: 20x25 return duct
2. Best MERV 13 for 20x25 AprilAire cabinets
AprilAire 213 MERV 13 Filter, 20x25x4Type: 4-inch media filter · Size: 20x25x4 · MERV: 13 · Fits: AprilAire 20x25 cabinets
3. Best MERV 13 for 16x25 AprilAire cabinets
AprilAire 413 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x4Type: 4-inch media filter · Size: 16x25x4 · MERV: 13 · Fits: AprilAire 16x25 cabinets
4. Best MERV 13 for 16x25 Honeywell cabinets
Honeywell FC200E1029 MERV 13 Media Filter, 16x25x4Type: 4-inch charged media filter · Size: 16x25x4 · MERV: 13 · Fits: Honeywell 16x25 media air cleaners
5. Best if you keep a 1-inch slot
Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)Type: 1-inch pleated filter · Size: 16x25x1 (other sizes available) · MERV: 13 (MPR 1900, per Filtrete) · Fits: Standard 1-inch slots
| Pick | Type | Size | MERV | Fits | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell F100F2010 Media Air Cleaner, 20x25Best cabinet to add | Media air cleaner cabinet | 20 x 25 in | Depends on filter: FC100A1037 is MERV 11 | 20x25 return duct | Amazon |
| AprilAire 213 MERV 13 Filter, 20x25x4Best MERV 13 for 20x25 AprilAire cabinets | 4-inch media filter | 20x25x4 | 13 | AprilAire 20x25 cabinets | Amazon |
| AprilAire 413 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x4Best MERV 13 for 16x25 AprilAire cabinets | 4-inch media filter | 16x25x4 | 13 | AprilAire 16x25 cabinets | Amazon |
| Honeywell FC200E1029 MERV 13 Media Filter, 16x25x4Best MERV 13 for 16x25 Honeywell cabinets | 4-inch charged media filter | 16x25x4 | 13 | Honeywell 16x25 media air cleaners | Amazon |
| Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)Best if you keep a 1-inch slot | 1-inch pleated filter | 16x25x1 (other sizes available) | 13 (MPR 1900, per Filtrete) | Standard 1-inch slots | Amazon |
Best cabinet to add
Honeywell F100F2010 Media Air Cleaner, 20x25
A 20x25 media air cleaner cabinet that holds a 4-inch-class filter in the return duct.
- Type
- Media air cleaner cabinet
- Size
- 20 x 25 in
- MERV
- Depends on filter: FC100A1037 is MERV 11
- Fits
- 20x25 return duct
Pros
- Uses Honeywell's deep FC100A1037 MERV 11 media
- Filter lists 0.23 in. w.c. pressure drop at 500 FPM
- Sealed cabinet reduces bypass compared with a loose slot
Cons
- Needs installation in the ductwork, usually by a contractor
- Sold by a third-party seller on Amazon
- Replacement filters cost more than 1-inch filters
A cabinet like the F100 replaces a thin filter slot with a sealed housing for a thick pleated filter. EPA's technical summary says incorrectly designed or installed filter frames cause bypass airflow that significantly decreases effectiveness, and that high-efficiency filters require well-sealed frames. A purpose-built cabinet addresses both.
Its matching FC100A1037 filter lists MERV 11 and a static pressure drop of 0.23 inches of water column at 500 feet per minute. Skip it if your return is not 20x25 or you do not want ductwork changes; a 1-inch MERV 13 may be enough if your system handles it.
Best MERV 13 for 20x25 AprilAire cabinets
AprilAire 213 MERV 13 Filter, 20x25x4
AprilAire's MERV 13 filter for its 20x25 whole-house air purifier cabinets.
- Type
- 4-inch media filter
- Size
- 20x25x4
- MERV
- 13
- Fits
- AprilAire 20x25 cabinets
Pros
- MERV 13, EPA's suggested minimum
- AprilAire states 15% more 0.3 to 1 micron capture than the MERV 13 minimum (its testing)
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Fits AprilAire cabinets only
- Maker's performance figures are its own claims
- Higher cost per filter
AprilAire's listing for the 213 claims MERV 13 performance that exceeds the minimum for 0.3 to 1 micron particles by 15%, and up to 97% removal of common allergens, all from testing to ASHRAE 52.2. Treat the percentages as the maker's; the MERV 13 rating is what matters for comparison.
Skip it if your cabinet is 16x25; the 413 is the match.
Best MERV 13 for 16x25 AprilAire cabinets
AprilAire 413 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x4
The 16x25 version of AprilAire's MERV 13 filter.
- Type
- 4-inch media filter
- Size
- 16x25x4
- MERV
- 13
- Fits
- AprilAire 16x25 cabinets
Pros
- MERV 13
- Designed for AprilAire's sealed cabinet fit
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Only for AprilAire 16x25 cabinets
- Single filter per pack
- Check your cabinet model before buying
The 413 is the same idea as the 213 in a 16x25 size. Confirm your cabinet model on its label before ordering; whole-house filters are not interchangeable across brands even when the nominal size matches.
Skip it if your cabinet is Honeywell or another brand.
Best MERV 13 for 16x25 Honeywell cabinets
Honeywell FC200E1029 MERV 13 Media Filter, 16x25x4
Honeywell's MERV 13 charged-media filter for its 16x25 media air cleaners.
- Type
- 4-inch charged media filter
- Size
- 16x25x4
- MERV
- 13
- Fits
- Honeywell 16x25 media air cleaners
Pros
- MERV 13
- Electrostatically charged media; EPA says this can raise MERV without more resistance
- Deep media for longer life
Cons
- Sold by a third-party seller on Amazon
- Only for matching Honeywell cabinets
- EPA notes charged media can lose efficiency as it loads
Honeywell lists the FC200E1029 as a MERV 13 media filter for its 16x25 cabinets, and another listing calls it charged media. EPA's technical summary says electrostatically charged media can achieve higher MERV ratings without increased airflow resistance, but that its efficiency tends to fall as dust loads and the charge diminishes, so stick to the replacement schedule.
Skip it without the matching Honeywell cabinet.
Best if you keep a 1-inch slot
Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 Filter, 16x25x1 (2-pack)
A MERV 13 1-inch filter for systems that handle it without a cabinet.
- Type
- 1-inch pleated filter
- Size
- 16x25x1 (other sizes available)
- MERV
- 13 (MPR 1900, per Filtrete)
- Fits
- Standard 1-inch slots
Pros
- No ductwork changes
- Meets EPA's MERV 13 suggestion
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Higher resistance than a 4-inch MERV 13 of similar efficiency
- Shorter life; change at least every 90 days (Filtrete)
- Fit depends on the slot
Many systems handle a 1-inch MERV 13 fine. If yours does, it is the cheapest route to EPA's suggested level. See our best HVAC filters.
Skip it if the system becomes noisy or airflow drops; that is the case for a cabinet.
How we chose
- MERV 11 to 13 in deep media. EPA advises at least MERV 13 or as high as the system accommodates, and notes that thicker, extensively pleated filters reach high MERV with low resistance.
- Sealed fit. EPA says bypass around poorly fitted frames significantly decreases effectiveness.
- Matching parts. Whole-house filters are specific to their cabinet brand and size.
Buying guide
Why a cabinet
EPA's technical summary says existing systems may not have enough fan capacity for high-pressure-drop filters, risking lost heating or cooling capacity, comfort problems and component failure. It adds that concerns are lessened or eliminated by filters with low airflow resistance from extensive pleating, increased thickness and electrostatically charged media. A 4 or 5-inch cabinet is the usual way to get there.
1-inch vs 4-inch
| 1-inch pleated | 4-inch media in a cabinet | |
|---|---|---|
| MERV available | Up to 13 and above | Up to 13 and above |
| Airflow resistance at a given MERV | Higher | Lower, thanks to more media |
| Bypass risk | Depends on the slot | Low with a sealed cabinet |
| Installation | None | Ductwork change, usually a contractor |
| Example pressure data | Varies by brand | Honeywell FC100A1037: 0.23 in. w.c. at 500 FPM (listing) |
Have the system checked
EPA says that in existing homes, the system's airflow and pressure should be measured by a professional to make sure it can accommodate a high-efficiency filter, and that simply installing one is no guarantee it will work as intended. Ask for a static pressure reading before and after.
Runtime matters
EPA notes that central systems typically run less than 20 to 25% of the time, which limits any furnace filter. It also says that, because of low runtimes, some MERV 12 and most MERV 13 to 16 filters are likely to be almost as effective as HEPA filters at reducing indoor particles. A whole-house filter is a background cleaner; a portable purifier is the targeted one. See the best air purifiers and whole-home air purifiers.
What to skip
- Ozone-generating whole-house add-ons. EPA advises avoiding devices that intentionally produce ozone.
- HEPA in a standard return without a designed bypass; see HEPA bypass systems.
- Generic filters in a sealed cabinet unless the cabinet maker approves them.
Considering a UV lamp alongside a media filter? See what EPA found about HVAC UV lights.
Frequently asked questions
What is a whole-house air filter?
Usually a media cabinet installed in the return duct that holds a 4 or 5-inch pleated filter. It filters the air your HVAC system circulates while the fan runs.
Are 4-inch filters better than 1-inch?
At the same MERV, EPA's technical summary says thicker, extensively pleated filters can have lower airflow resistance, and they usually last longer. They need a cabinet sized for them.
Do I need a professional to install a whole-house filter?
A cabinet means cutting into ductwork, so most people use an HVAC contractor. EPA also recommends a professional check of airflow when adding a high-efficiency filter.
What MERV should a whole-house filter be?
EPA advises at least MERV 13, or as high as the system accommodates. Deep media cabinets make MERV 13 easier on the fan.
Is a whole-house filter as good as an air purifier?
It cleans the whole house but only while the fan runs. EPA says systems typically run less than 25% of the time; a portable HEPA purifier targets one room continuously.
Can I use any brand of filter in my AprilAire or Honeywell cabinet?
Use the filter the cabinet maker specifies for the model and size. A poor fit lets air bypass the filter, which EPA says significantly decreases effectiveness.
Sources
- Residential Air Cleaners: A Technical Summary (3rd edition), US Environmental Protection Agency
- Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, US Environmental Protection Agency
- What is a MERV rating?, US Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19), US Environmental Protection Agency
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