How to Measure Your Filter
Steps 1 & 2
Measuring Length and Width (L x W). (If your filter is not a square, the smallest measurement goes first).
Step 3
Measure the thickness (Depth) of your filter from front to back.
Step 4
Put Your measurements together (L x W x D).
Actual Size
A filter’s true dimensions.
Example: 19.75” x 19.75” x 1”
Nominal Size
Rounded numbers used by manufacturers.
Example 20” x 20” x 1”
View Detailed InstructionsAbout 14x18x1 Air Filter
The Aerostar 14x18x1 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.
FAQs
When you change your 14x18x1 air filter every 60 to 90 days, it helps your HVAC system run smoothly and creates better indoor air quality. A dirty air filter might lead to increased energy usage and potential repair bills. If you have a pet, dust that builds up, lingering cigarette smoke in your home, or allergies, the timeframe in which your air filter needs to be replaced may be shorter.Â
but its dense material can limit airflow in some residential HVAC systems, making them work harder. Newer HVAC systems will probably be able to use a MERV 13 filter, but older systems might be less efficient and have restricted airflow. If your system struggles with airflow, using a lower MERV rating with a 14x18x1 AC filter may be a better way to balance your air quality.
A 14x18x1 filter needs to fit the slot to ensure it works properly. Undersized filters might cause gaps that let contaminants bypass them. Forcing a larger filter to fit isn’t a good solution because it could restrict airflow. It’s possible you need a custom-sized filter if yours doesn’t fit correctly.
Using a MERV 13 14x18x1 filter will trap fine particles efficiently, but your system might be unable to handle the higher resistance. Some setups can handle a MERV 13 filter. Assessing whether your system can accommodate the filter without straining it and not letting your filter get clogged is the key to avoiding any potential problems.Â
Filters that aren’t the right size may compromise performance. Using a filter that’s too small could make your HVAC unit malfunction and won’t properly trap pollutants. A filter that’s too big might cause your system to overheat, affect airflow, or cause premature wear. If you ensure your 14x18x1 furnace filter fits correctly and change it regularly, it will maintain your circulation and ensure your system has a longer lifespan.
Newer HVAC units that use 14x18x1 air filters with higher MERV ratings should work properly and manage airflow well. Some systems can manage higher filtration, but some older HVAC systems might experience strain and cause your HVAC unit to heat or cool the air in your home inconsistently. They might also cause added resistance and force your unit to cycle more often or work harder.Â
The structural integrity of your air filter and its effectiveness may be compromised if you cut a larger filter to fit into a 14x18x1 slot. Most filters have reinforced edges, so cutting them down could cause gaps around them and create uneven airflow. While it might seem like a quick solution if it doesn’t fit, it can allow contaminants to bypass your system or damage its frame.  Â