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Choosing the Right Filter
Air filters come in a variety of sizes and types. The primary differences between air filters are their size (length, width, and thickness) and the air filter material, also known as the “media,” used to capture airborne particles. Nordic Pure offers all commonly used air filter sizes, and if your system requires a size we do not stock, we can manufacture a custom air filter to fit your system. Custom air filters are typically ready to ship within 1 to 5 business days.
Understanding how your heating and cooling system works helps explain why choosing the right air filter is so important to both system performance and indoor air quality. In a furnace or air conditioning system, air enters through the return, passes through the air filter, and then moves into the air handler. From there, it flows over the cooling coils or heat exchanger—where the air is cooled or heated before being distributed throughout the home via ductwork. This circulation is driven by a powerful blower system. Because the air filter is the only component in the HVAC system designed to remove airborne impurities, both regular filter replacement and proper air filter selection have a direct impact on indoor air quality. Neglecting the air filter allows polluted air to circulate through the entire system, reducing operating efficiency, contaminating ductwork with dust, pollen, dust mites, and other pollutants, and exposing occupants to unhealthy air. Although many types of air filters exist, they generally fall into two categories: disposable air filters and reusable air filters.
Reusable air filters may seem appealing at first, particularly because replacement costs can add up over time. However, reusable air filters are typically less effective than disposable air filters and introduce additional concerns. They are often messy to remove, difficult to clean, and require a suitable cleaning area. In many cases, strong or potentially toxic cleaners are needed for proper cleaning. These chemicals can be absorbed into the air filter and later released back into the circulating air, posing a potential health risk. For these reasons, Nordic Pure does not endorse or sell reusable air filters.
Make-your-own air filters are another option sometimes considered by homeowners, particularly when HVAC systems do not accommodate standard air filter sizes. These air filters typically use fiberglass media. Fiberglass can be difficult and uncomfortable to handle, as small fibers may break off and irritate the skin. In addition, fiberglass provides only minimal filtration effectiveness. Many make-your-own air filters also lack a proper frame to secure the media, which can cause the air filter to collapse inside the system and potentially require a service call. Nordic Pure does not recommend make-your-own air filters. Instead, our manufacturing expertise allows us to produce custom-sized air filters at prices comparable to off-the-shelf alternatives, using higher-quality media available across all MERV ratings. These custom air filters are built with durable frames and internal support to prevent collapse.
Disposable panel air filters are the most commonly used air filters in furnaces, air conditioners, and HVAC systems. Because they are disposable, these air filters eliminate the need for cleaning and make replacement quick and easy. Disposable panel filters are constructed as a single, self-contained unit consisting of the air filter media, internal support materials (such as wire, metal fabric, or cardboard), and a rigid frame. The frame typically made of cardboard, plastic, or metal—is designed to withstand installation and maintain its structural integrity during system operation. The frame’s dimensions define the air filter’s length, width, and thickness.
Fiberglass air filters are a type of disposable panel air filter that uses fiberglass as the filtration media. These air filters are inexpensive and designed primarily to capture large airborne particles. However, they are ineffective at filtering smaller particulates and are brittle, which can make handling difficult and potentially hazardous. There is also a risk that fiberglass fibers can break loose and enter the airflow, creating health concerns. For these reasons, Nordic Pure does not endorse fiberglass air filters.
Pleated air filters are also disposable panel air filters, but they use a fabric-like filtration media that is more effective at capturing smaller airborne particles. The media is pleated during manufacturing, which significantly increases the surface area available for filtration, often more than doubling that of non-pleated air filters. This increased surface area allows pleated air filters to remove more particulates from the air while maintaining airflow. As a result, pleated air filters provide a much higher level of filtration than fiberglass air filters.
Electrostatic pleated air filters represent an advanced version of pleated air filters. In addition to high-quality media and increased surface area, these air filters contain a permanent electrostatic charge. This charge causes airborne particles to cling to the air filter media, improving filtration efficiency. Another benefit of electrostatic media is that it does not support the growth of bacteria, which can be a concern with other air filter types. Nordic Pure manufactures and sells only electrostatic pleated air filters, available in a wide range of lengths and widths, with thicknesses from 1” to 6”.
To help consumers compare the performance of different air filters, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed a standardized rating system known as the MERV rating.
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. ASHRAE assigns a MERV number to air filters used in heating and cooling systems to indicate their filtration efficiency. The MERV rating measures how effective a filter is at capturing airborne particles on the first day of use, regardless of whether the air filter is used in a furnace, an air conditioner, or a combined HVAC system. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with lower numbers indicating lower filtration efficiency and higher numbers indicating higher efficiency.
Airborne particles that pass through an HVAC system are measured in microns, or one-thousandth of a millimeter. For reference, a human hair is approximately 100 microns wide. Nordic Pure air filters are designed to capture airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, helping improve indoor air quality in furnace, air conditioning, and HVAC systems.
Learn more: MERV Rating Chart | Interactive MERV Tool | Nordic Pure
Fiberglass air conditioner furnace filters are designed to capture only large particles and to protect your heating and air conditioning system; they do nothing to remove smaller particles like many allergens. These types of air conditioner furnace filters also have either no MERV rating assigned to them or in some instances, have a MERV rating of from 1 to 4. Nordic Pure anti-allergenic air conditioner furnace filters not only protect your HVAC system from dust and other airborne particles, but our Nordic Pure air filters remove over 95% of the pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, tobacco smoke, and other airborne particles in the indoor air. Since the average person spends 2-3 times more time indoors than outdoors, it is the healthier choice.
Air flow is generally measured as a difference in air pressure on each side of the filter, measured by an instrument that uses water in a measured column to show air pressure. The higher the pressure difference, the more the water in the instrument moves. Its movement is measured in inches. The more inches of water moved, the more the pressure difference. This is called air flow resistance.
The more efficient an air filter is, the more it tends to resist air flow. However, for example, our MERV 12 air conditioner furnace filters provide only a few fractions of an inch more resistance than ordinary air conditioner furnace filters that are much less efficient at removing particles from the air. Our MERV 12 – 1″ air conditioner furnace filters have a low resistance of only 0.25 at 300 feet per minute of airflow, which works fine with virtually all systems, when used according to manufacturer or professional recommendations.
LEARN MORE: NordicPureMERVDataProductGuide_2026.pdf
Nordic Pure manufactures air filters using a filter media that contains a permanent electrostatic charge. This charge causes dust to cling to the air conditioner furnace filter media using the same principle as static electricity. As a consequence, our air filters are far more effective and efficient than traditional pleated air filters. Nordic Pure does not endorse or sell reusable metal electrostatic air filters.
You should not use more than one air filter in any one place in the HVAC system due to the airflow restriction it imposes on the HVAC system. Consult your service manual regarding specifications for your particular furnace or air conditioning system.
Air Purifiers help neutralize odors and provide additional filtration. As effective as our air filters are in controlling airborne particulates throughout the home, it is simply impossible to rid your indoor air of all the potentially harmful particulates that could be present in your indoor air. As a result, we strongly suggest adding an air purifier to various areas of your home where odors or allergens are most likely to accumulate. For example, small portable air purifiers placed in strategic areas. Laundry rooms, pet rooms, and bathrooms are all excellent places to locate an air purifier. Air Purifiers help neutralize odors and provide additional filtration. We are experts in air purification technology and offer only products we have tested extensively and are known for their effectiveness. For more information and to see our selection of air purifiers, go to: https://www.nordicpure.com/shop/air-purifier/
Aluminum washable air filters require frequent cleaning and careful drying before reuse. If moisture remains, mold and bacteria can develop inside your HVAC system. Because they are messier and need more maintenance than disposable pleated air filters, many homeowners choose disposable options for easier upkeep and more reliable performance.
SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. SEER ratings are set by US law and regulatory entities. The SEER is defined as the ratio of total cooling output (in British thermal units, or BTU) to the total energy consumed (in watt-hours) during the unit’s normal annual usage period. As a general rule, higher SEER is more efficient and will save energy costs in the long run.
Nordic Pure air filters are built as a premium, heavy-duty air filter with a reinforced 2-part frame and overlapped sidewall construction for superior strength and shape retention. This helps ensure a more secure fit, reliable performance, and added protection for your HVAC system.
Finding Your Filter Size
Your air conditioner furnace filter’s size is measured by the width x length x thickness in inches. For example, a pleated air filter that is 20x25x1 means 20 inches wide by 25 inches long by 1 inch thick. The actual measurements of each air conditioner furnace filters typically vary slightly from the listed size. The actual size of our 20x25x1” air conditioner furnace filter is 19 ½ x 24 ½ x ¾”. This is normal. Most air conditioner furnace filters have the Nominal and ACTUAL size printed on them. But if they don’t you will need to measure them in order to get the exact size. On the larger 4” and 5” air filters each HVAC unit manufacturer may have slightly different exact dimensions, even if they all have 20x25x5 printed on them. Measure to be sure you are ordering the correct air filter. Our air filters may vary up to 1/8 of an inch due to the nature of the air filter manufacturing process.
Nominal size is the air filter’s listed size, like 16x16x1—it’s the industry standard name used when shopping.
Actual size is the air filter’s true measured size, which is usually slightly smaller. For example, a 16x16x1 air filter may actually measure around 15 3/4 x 15 3/4 x 3/4.
To avoid fit issues, match the nominal size, and confirm the actual size if your system requires a precise fit (especially for 4” or 5” filters).
Air conditioner furnace filters in most homes are generally located behind an air intake grate in your home’s walls, ceiling, basement or attic. These generally look like large vents, but the air flows into them, rather than out of them when the heating or cooling system is blowing air. They may also be located in or near the air conditioner or furnace. Many homes may have more than one, and they may be different sizes. If you can’t find your air conditioner system air filter here are some places to look:
At the central air return register, grille located in a wall or ceiling if your system uses centralized air returns instead of individual room-air return ducts. There may be several central return points, depending on the design of your system. If there are more than two, chances are the air filter was placed at the air handler instead of at these grilles. Unfortunately that means that the return ducts themselves become more soiled with dust and debris from the building.
At the air handler, look for a slot which has a removable cover. The slot may be just an inch or so wide if 1″ thick air filters are used, or it could be several inches wide if a wide high-capacity pleated or similar air filter was used. The return air plenum on an attic or basement air conditioner blower unit will usually be a large metal enclosure about the same dimensions in width and height as the air conditioner blower unit itself. Look for a filter slot right where the return plenum contacts the blower fan assembly.
At a basement air handler we also look for an air filter at the return air plenum which is often next to the bottom of the air handler if the system is an “up-flow” unit (or vice versa for the less common case of return air entering at the top of the air handler and exiting at its bottom).
Next to an electrostatic air cleaner: if your air conditioning air handler has an electrostatic air cleaner installed, look for the air filter, if there is one, next to the electrostatic air cleaner. In addition, the electrostatic air cleaner, which is a type of particle incinerating filter itself, needs to be removed and cleaned periodically. Check with your unit’s manufacturer for cleaning interval and procedures. Often the electrostatic unit can be cleaned inside a dishwasher. Often there is also a thin metal washable air filter installed along with the electrostatic air cleaner.
We recommend you check your HVAC system’s manual for additional information.
*Make sure you find all of the air filters as some systems have multiple air filters and even multiple types of air filters installed, such as a fiberglass or pleated paper air filter, a washable air filter, and an electrostatic air cleaner. These last two are cleaned, not replaced, when they’re dirty.
Change your air filters when the air conditioning system is in operation but make sure the system is turned off when you actually replace the air filters.
(Air Filter Accessibility: Air filters which are hard to access are rarely changed as often as necessary. I frequently see HVAC systems designed by someone who obviously has never had to service them. Placement of air filters and air handler access doors in very hard-to-access locations such as at the far end of a minuscule attic behind a forest of trusses means that the system is very unlikely to receive the periodic inspection and maintenance it needs. I prefer to see A/C and heating filters placed at the building side of the air return register or grille, so as to protect the return duct from debris accumulation.)
Yes. Nordic Pure makes custom air filters. Measure your air filter carefully (within 1/8 inch) before ordering. Custom filters are non-returnable. Please visit our Custom Air Filter page, or email info@nordicpure.com for any questions.
Yes, many apartment and condo HVAC systems use standard air filter sizes. While property managers often provide basic filters, you may prefer a higher-quality option. We recommend checking with your property manager first to see if you’re allowed to use your own air filter. Once approved, you can order the air filter that works best for you. If maintenance staff replace air filters for you, letting them know where your replacements are kept can help ensure they’re used when needed.
Replacing & Installing
For average HVAC use:
1” & 2” air filters: replace every 30–90 days
3”- 6” air filters: replace every 3–6 months
If you run your HVAC system daily (extreme heat/cold, wildfire smoke, pets, allergies, remodeling etc), replacing your air filter monthly can help keep airflow strong and your air cleaner.
The following chart should assist you:
Recommended air filter change intervals:
1 Month
Multiple Furry Pets
Heavy Dust
Heat/AC Fan – Mostly On
Windows/Doors – Open Often
2 Months
One Furry Pet
Moderate Dust
Heat/AC Fan – Moderately On
Windows/Doors – Sometimes Open
3 Months
No Pets
Light Dust
Heat/AC Fan – Mostly Off
Windows/Doors – Usually Closed
Find your air filter location (return vent, furnace cabinet, attic, basement, or wall/ceiling grille).
Turn off your HVAC system before removing the old air filter.
Look for the airflow arrow on the old air filter and note the direction.
Remove and discard the old air filter carefully to avoid spreading dust.
Install the new air filter with the arrow pointing the same direction (toward the furnace/air handler).
Write the install date on the new air filter frame so you know when to replace it.
Note: On some custom sizes, the arrow may be hard to see. Airflow generally moves from the open side toward the reinforced/mesh side.
Your 1/2″ Ring Panel will have two sides. One is a fuzzy, high-loft texture and the other is a smooth texture. The air enters through the fuzzy, high-loft side and exits out the thinner, smooth side.
Filter Performance & Air Quality
Nordic Pure air filters do not kill germs, however, the material our air filters are made of does not permit the growth of bacteria or mold. As a result, it is not necessary to add any potentially irritating chemicals to the air filter to kill germs.
See our Interactive MERV Tool to view MERV and air contaminants. MERV Rating Chart | Interactive MERV Tool | Nordic Pure
Better dust and particulate filtration is important to improving indoor air quality and can lead to better health. Dust is a combination of dirt, pollen, hair, dead skin, pet dander, dust mites, dust mite feces, and a myriad of microbiological pollutants. Though there is no way to eliminate dust, you can control the dust with adequate filtering of the air through your HVAC filter. Choosing the right air filter media enables maximum filtration without taxing your HVAC system.
See our Interactive MERV Tool to view MERV and air contaminants. MERV Rating Chart | Interactive MERV Tool | Nordic Pure
According to the American Lung Association, most people spend about 90 % of their time inside buildings...at home, school, work, or other indoor spaces. More people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the quality of air that we breathe indoors. We take for granted the cleanliness of our indoor air. Therefore, it is vital to our health that we are informed on improving our indoor air quality.
Asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions affect millions of people, making indoor air quality more important than ever. Because we spend so much of our time indoors, airborne particles, allergens, excess humidity, and odors can significantly impact breathing comfort and overall health.
Greater awareness of indoor air quality has led to improved building standards and products designed to create healthier indoor environments. Reducing harmful particles and pollutants helps protect your home and supports cleaner, healthier air for everyone, because the air you breathe every day truly matters.
Carbon & Odor Control
Yes. Activated carbon air filters help reduce household odors and smoke smells by adsorbing gases and VOCs. For best results, pair your Nordic Pure air filter with + Carbon or Pure Carbon.
Carbon air filters use activated carbon, a highly porous and non-toxic material commonly used in air and water purification. Nordic Pure + carbon air filters combine a standard pleated MERV-rated air filter with a thin carbon layer that helps reduce chemical odors and VOCs in recirculated indoor air. We also offer PURE Carbon air filters.
As air flows through the air filter, particles are captured first, then gases and VOCs are adsorbed inside the carbon’s microscopic pores. This process neutralizes odors without releasing carbon dust into the air. The carbon layer is positioned on the outflow side of the air filter for optimal performance. Odor reduction effectiveness can vary based on airflow, humidity, temperature, and odor intensity, and increased air circulation can help improve results during periods of stronger odors.
No. Activated carbon only adsorbs odors and gases when air is actively moving through the air filter. Nordic Pure carbon air filters are packaged in clean, dry boxes, so normal storage conditions won’t significantly affect the carbon’s performance. The carbon layer has a high adsorption capacity and is designed to last well beyond the typical lifespan of an air filter.
Orders, Shipping & Support
Filter quantity packs vary depending on the size and thickness of the air filter. In general, Nordic Pure air filters are available in packs of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, or 24 (depending on size). Available pack options will be shown on each product page.
Yes. You can order multiple air filter sizes in the same order. Simply add each size you need to your cart, and they’ll ship together whenever possible.
Your air filters generally ship within 1 to 5 business days. Custom air filters and Half Inch Flat Panels may take longer to make. Time in transit will vary. You will receive an email during the close day process with your tracking number when your package ships.
If you need to delay delivery while on vacation or you need to enter special delivery instructions, you can sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager. With this service, you can manage all your FedEx deliveries.
We offer FREE DELIVERY on all retail orders that are to be delivered anywhere in the contiguous United States, via Fedex Ground or Home Delivery. We will ship to Alaska, Canada, or Hawaii for an additional charge. Please email us at: info@nordicpure.com and include the item(s) you wish to order and the complete shipping address to obtain a quote.
Nordic Pure accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks or money orders may be accepted if discussed and approved prior to purchase. Please contact Customer Service to coordinate payment details.
Please make certain to include complete information with your mail order including contact name, phone number or any other additional information you feel is important. Payment for your AC filters is required at the time your order is placed. Once payment is received, your order will be processed.
Safe Online Shopping Guarantee
Nordic Pure uses a secure payment gateway so that you never have to worry about credit card safety. Our SSL software (Secure Sockets Layer) is the industry standard and among the best software available today for secure online commerce transactions. It encrypts all of your personal information, including credit card number, name and address, so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the internet. Nordic Pure does not allow any transactions that do not occur on a secure connection. Further, we do not make any of your information available to any third party.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of your order unless otherwise stated on the product details page. You can either give us a call at 800-590-0339 or click on the invoice/cash sale you need to return on the Return Center screen and fill in the form. (You must log in to see your order history on this screen). We will provide full return instructions once the return has been authorized. We offer two options for the return; either you arrange and pay for the return shipping (don't forget to have insurance in case of damage during the return) or we email you a printable return label and subtract the return shipping charge (at our negotiated FedEx price/also includes our ability to file a claim for damage) from your refund. You are responsible for return shipping fees either way, but we usually have better shipping rates. Refunds are processed within 2-5 business days of receipt of the returned merchandise. Custom (this includes online custom sizes or customs where you provide your exact measurements) air filters are non-refundable or returnable. Please make sure that you order the EXACT measurement that you need to the fraction of an inch.
Nordic Pure Returns Policy - Air Filters made in the USA - Nordic Pure
The easiest way to contact us is to email us at: info@nordicpure.com.
If you need to contact us over the phone, call us at 972-382-2355 if you are in the DFW area Outside of DFW call Toll-Free 800-590-0339.
In our factory, we hand assemble all of our air filters, using only one MERV filter media at a time. If we are assembling MERV 12, then only MERV 12 is boxed and stickered as MERV 12. The same goes for all of our other MERVs.
MERV/Color Coded Examples:
MERV 6 – green
MERV 7 – gray
MERV 8 – purple
MERV 10 – yellow
MERV 11 – red
MERV 12 – blue
MERV 13 – light green
MERV 14 – teal
MERV 15 – orange
MERV 16 - silver
Our clean, white templates, or outer cardboard frames, are kept non-specific to save on manufacturing costs. That’s why they are not stamped or labeled individually.
If you need to change or cancel an order after it has been placed, please contact Customer Service as soon as possible. Once an order has been processed or shipped, changes may not be possible.
Sales tax is not charged unless you live in Texas. In that case, applicable sales tax will be added at checkout.
Subscribe & Save
With Nordic Pure’s Subscribe & Save program, you choose your air filters and how often you’d like them delivered from every 3, 4, 6, 9, or 12 months. You automatically save 10% on every subscription air filter order (no extra steps or codes needed), and shipping is free in the contiguous U.S. Once set up, your air filters arrive on a schedule that works for you without having to reorder each time.
Yes. You can skip a delivery, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time. These changes can be made by logging into your Nordic Pure account, click on Subscriptions on the lefthand side of your dashboard or by contacting Customer Service for assistance.
Yes. You will receive a reminder email five days before your next scheduled shipment so you have time to make changes before the order is processed.
No. Air filter size and MERV rating cannot be changed once a subscription is created, as each subscription is tied to a specific SKU. If you need a different air filter size or MERV rating, you will need to cancel your current subscription and place a new order for the correct air filter, then enroll that item in Subscribe & Save.
You can, however, pause or cancel your subscription at any time, change your delivery frequency, update your shipping address, or update your payment method through your account or by contacting Customer Service.
Miscellaneous
We have quantity discounts available for businesses ordering furnace/air conditioner filters in bulk. Please email us at: wholesale@nordicpure.com for a quote or further qualifying details.
Wholesale Program - Air Filters made in the USA - Nordic Pure
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