About 12x20x1 Air Filter
The Aerostar 12x20x1 pleated air filter delivers clean air by replacing your air system’s vent intake filter. Designed to work with most home and office AC and furnace systems with compatible intake vent sizes, filtering out dust, pollen, bacteria, and other airborne particles. Great indoor air quality is as easy as changing your air filter to Aerostar.
Fights lint, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and dust.
Every 60-90 DaysQualifies for Free Shipping
Pleated MERV 8 Media
Comparable to MPR 600 and FPR 5
Designed for Superior Filtration Efficiency
Made with electrostatically charged synthetic material that draws and captures allergens between 3 - 10 microns, including lint, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and dust.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Protect your family and loved ones with clean indoor air quality at home. Aerostar filters are a simple and cost effective step towards a healthier home environment, free of airborne allergens and particles that can trigger various allergy and asthma symptoms.
Improve Efficiency and Reduce Cost
An Aerostar furnace air filter helps keep your HVAC unit working efficiently by removing dirt and reducing strain on the motor. When your unit runs properly, it consumes less energy, requires less maintenance and will have a longer life. These factors will have an impact on your utility bill and maintenance costs. It is recommended that you change the filter every 60 to 90 days during normal times of year but increase frequency to 30 days during peak summer and winter months when your unit is working the hardest.
About Aerostar Furnace Air Filters
Aerostar filters are manufactured in the USA by Filtration Group, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of filtration solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. The Aerostar brand is known for constantly innovating and improving their technology to help make filtration more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly every day.
About MERV, MPR and FPR Rating
The three rating systems were created by different organizations. MERV is the domestic and international Industry Standard rating system established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. The other two rating systems were created by 3M and The Home Depot, but all are rating the same filter.
MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value): As you have already learned, the MERV Rating is the primary rating system used in the industry, both domestically and internationally. Established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, MERV rates a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants.
MPR (Micro-Particle Performance Rating): MPR Rating is a rating system developed by 3M. It rates the manufacturer’s Filtrete product line and their ability to capture airborne particles smaller than 1 micron.
FPR (Filter Performance Rating): FPR Rating is a rating system developed by The Home Depot for brands sold through their stores, including Honeywell. It utilizes a color code and number scale (4 to 10) that closely resembles the MERV rating.
What is a MERV Rating?
MERV ratings let you know the efficiency and level of filtration that an air filter can handle under normal circumstances. The higher the MERV rating, the finer the particles are that are filtered our of the air in your home. Many air filter retailers use MERV or a similar rating to rate their air filters.

About MERV, MPR and FPR Rating

MERV Rating is the primary rating system used in the industry, both domestically and internationally. Established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, MERV rates a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants.

MPR Rating is a rating system developed by 3M. It rates the manufacturer’s Filtrete product line and their ability to capture airborne particles smaller than 1 micron.

FPR Rating is a rating system developed by The Home Depot for brands sold through their stores, including Honeywell. It utilizes a color code and number scale (4 to 10) that closely resembles the MERV rating.
12x20x1 Air Filters FAQs
12x20x1 air filters work inside your HVAC system to exclude airborne pollutants from circulating in your space. It works by allowing air to pass through the filter capturing unhealthy contaminants, and providing you with cleaner, more breathable air.Â
Check to see if your furnace filter looks discolored or dirty, has poor airflow, or if the temperature feels uneven in your home or workplace. These are all signs that your 12x20x1 furnace filter needs to be replaced. You should replace your furnace filter every 30 to 90 days to ensure your HVAC system functions well and achieves its highest level of efficiency. If the furnace filter looks dirty, change it whether or not it's time to replace it to protect your system and make sure it doesn’t get damaged.Â
MERV ratings, also known as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, measure how effectively an air filter traps harmful particulates to make your air more breathable. They are rated using a scale from 1 to 20. A higher rating means it provides better filtration. When you’re choosing an air filter for your home, the ideal MERV rating depends on the amount of air filtration you need. It also depends on which filter is compatible with your HVAC unit. A 12x20x1 filter may be available in MERV ratings of 8. 11, or 13 with varying degrees of filtration. The size of particles these filters eliminate varies.Â
Dirty 12x20x1 furnace filters can overburden your HVAC system by causing dirt and debris to affect the air blower and coils. Your HVAC unit might stop working properly preventing airflow, and might need repairs or replacement. If you don’t change your furnace filter regularly it can elevate your utility bill creating unexpected expenses. It could also cause additional health problems for your family if anyone suffers from allergies or asthma. This is why it's important to change your furnace filter when it appears dirty.
Depending on what you need, reusable and disposable 12x20x1 air filters each have advantages. You can use reusable filters multiple times, so they’re cost-effective and eco-friendly. They do take more maintenance than disposable air filters because you have to consistently wash and dry them when they get dirty. You simply replace a disposable air filter when it gets dirty or discolored, Disposable filters are convenient and easy to use, and available with higher MERV ratings for better filtration. The choice of which to use is up to you.Â
Using the wrong size air filter can indeed damage your HVAC system potentially causing your unit to need costly repairs. The wrong size can create gaps in the compartment, allowing dust and airborne contaminants to bypass the filter and land the coils, fans, and ducts causing build-up and reducing efficiency. If the filter doesn’t fit properly, it will disrupt the airflow, and cause your system to work harder to circulate air. This type of strain can cause overheating or affect the motor. Always use the proper air filter size, which you can find in your HVAC system manual.Â
First, turn the power off in the HVAC system. Look for the filter slot, which is often close to the return air duct or air handler. Clean out any debris or dust around where the filter was placed. Before you remove it, note which direction the arrows on the old filter face. The new filter’s arrows should face the same way the old filter’s arrows did. Insert the new filter making sure it fits. Turn on the power for your HVAC system and make sure it's operating smoothly.Â
Fiberglass and pleated 12x20x1 air filters are constructed differently and differ in performance. Glass fibers are used to make fiberglass filters that trap larger particles like dust and lint. They work for basic filtration but won’t typically trap finer particles like bacteria, or allergens. Â
Pleated filters are made of folded fabric or paper and include a larger surface area enabling them to capture both larger and smaller particles like mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. They are more efficient, more durable and improve indoor air quality better than fiberglass filters. The air filter’s compatibility with your HVAC unit and the type of air filtration you need will determine which choice is best for you.Â
As long as the filter, MERV rating, and size are compatible with your HVAC system, you can use a higher MERV-rated filter. Higher MERV ratings can restrict airflow if your HVAC system isn't designed for them which can damage your system in the long run. It's a good idea to check your HVAC system manual to determine if your MERV-rated air filter is compatible with your HVAC system. If your manual states your system supports a higher-rated MERV filter, it will make your air more breathable, especially if you or a family member has allergies or pets.Â
Not all air filters eliminate odors and bacteria. Activated carbon filters should be used to reduce odors because they capture volatile organic compounds called VOCs and odor particles, while filters with HEPA and high-rated MERV ratings are designed to prevent airborne bacteria and other harmful particulates from circulating.Â