Aerostar MERV 13 5-inch Furnace Filter: MERV 13

Why it matters

The Aerostar MERV 13 5-inch Furnace Filter is a pleated furnace and air conditioner filter rated MERV 13.

MERV 13 is the highest grade most homes use: it catches a good share of fine particles (0.3 to 1 micron), including much wildfire smoke, but adds more airflow resistance, especially in 1-inch frames.

Deep pleated filters hold several times the media of a 1-inch filter, so they run with less resistance and last longer.

As general guidance, check a 1-inch filter monthly and change it every one to three months; deeper 4- and 5-inch filters usually last six to twelve months.

This listing is the 20x25x5 size; order by the size printed on your old filter's frame.

The Aerostar listing names 2 filters per box.

Compared with the Aerostar Pleated MERV 8 Air Filter: MERV rating 13 here vs 8.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Good fit if

Wildfire smoke season
Allergy households
Homes that change filters on schedule

Look elsewhere if

Systems that whistle or short-cycle with denser filters

Pros and cons

Pros

MERV 13

Cons

Denser media: check that your system handles MERV 13
Measure your slot: nominal and actual sizes differ

Limitations to weigh

Specifications are the maker's or seller's own figures; check fit against your equipment's model number and the actual size.

Specifications

The bracket shows where each figure comes from.

Model number	20x25x5 MERV 13	Retailer
MERV rating	13	Retailer

Alternatives worth comparing

Filterbuy 16x25x5 Smoke & Allergy Defense MERV 13 Air FilterMERV 13 from Filterbuy.

AIRx MERV 13 4-inch Furnace FilterMERV 13 from AIRx.

Simply MERV 13 4-inch Furnace FilterMERV 13 from Simply.

More hvac and furnace filters we cover

All hvac and furnace filters, compared in one table · Every Aerostar product we cover

Final verdict

A sensible choice for wildfire smoke season. Confirm the model it fits before ordering.

Where to buy

Prices change often; the button shows today's price.

Check price on Amazon

Each button opens this exact model. We may earn a commission on tracked links; it never changes what we publish. Disclosure

Questions buyers ask

Is MERV 13 right for my home?

MERV 13 is the highest grade most homes use: it catches a good share of fine particles (0.3 to 1 micron), including much wildfire smoke, but adds more airflow resistance, especially in 1-inch frames. If your system is old or the filter slot is a 1-inch return grille, watch for whistling or a filter that bows; those are signs to step down a grade.