Furnace Filters
Best 16x16x1 Furnace Filter (2026): 5 Models Side by Side
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For a 16x16x1 furnace filter, the Simply leads this list: it pairs MERV 8 filtration at MPR 600 with a 6-pack and pleated construction. If you want a higher MERV rating, the Filtrete and Aerostar offer MERV 11 filtration.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallSimply 16x16x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFiltrete 16x16x1 Air Filter9.7 View on Amazon -
Also GreatAerostar Air Filter 16x16x1 MERV 11 AC9.5 View on Amazon -
Also GreatNexiview 16x16x1 Furnace Filter-MERV89.3 View on Amazon -
Also GreatZHIANZAN 16x16x1 HVAC Furnace Air Filter9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on pack size from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | MERV rating | Pack size | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Simply 16x16x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Filtrete 16x16x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | 4-pack | — | — |
| 3. Aerostar Air Filter 16x16x1 MERV 11 AC | MERV 11 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 4. Nexiview 16x16x1 Furnace Filter-MERV8 | MERV 8 | — | — | 12-month |
| 5. ZHIANZAN 16x16x1 HVAC Furnace Air Filter | MERV 8 | — | — | — |
Simply 16x16x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 8 filtration at MPR 600 with a 6-pack and pleated construction for 16x16x1 slots.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a 6-pack of MERV 8 filters
- Homeowners with a 16x16x1 filter slot
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above 8
- You want filtration lasting longer than 3 months
It measures 15.75 by 15.75 by 0.75 inches in actual size, against a nominal size of 16 by 16 by 1 inch. The construction is pleated, with a 24-point beverage board frame and hot-rolled steel wire mesh. It lasts up to 3 months, and the box includes 6 filters and an installation guide. Follow the airflow arrows when inserting it into the filter slot.
Filtrete 16x16x1 Air Filter
It pairs MERV 11 filtration at MPR 1000 with a 4-pack, pleated construction and app reminders.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 4-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration in a 4-pack
- Homeowners who want app reminders for filter changes
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above 11
- You want a change interval longer than 90 days
It measures 15.81 by 15.81 by 0.81 inches in actual size, against a nominal size of 16 by 16 by 1 inch. The construction is pleated polypropylene, with Filtrete 3-in-1 technology, and the pack holds 4 filters. The Filtrete Smart App can set 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders, and the filter should be changed at least once every 90 days.
Aerostar Air Filter 16x16x1 MERV 11 AC
It pairs MERV 11 filtration with a 6-pack and 100% synthetic electrostatic media for 16x16x1 slots.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 6-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want MERV 11 filtration in a 6-pack
- Homeowners who want a 6-pack for spares
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above 11
- You want a pack larger than 6 filters
It measures 15.75 by 15.75 by 0.75 inches in actual size, against a nominal size of 16 by 16 by 1 inch. The media is 100% synthetic electrostatic media, with low air flow resistance. Change it every 60 to 90 days in normal times, and every 30 days in peak summer and winter months.
Nexiview 16x16x1 Furnace Filter-MERV8
It pairs MERV 8 filtration with a washable and reusable electrostatic filter and an aluminum frame.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- 12-month warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a washable and reusable filter
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above 8
- You want a filter that lasts longer than 3 months between cleanings
It is a washable and reusable electrostatic filter with an aluminum frame and pleated layers. Insert it into the slot of your furnace, HVAC or AC system, and wash it with water and a mild detergent when cleaning is due. It air dries for reinstallation, with cleaning recommended every 3 months, and it carries a 12-month warranty.
ZHIANZAN 16x16x1 HVAC Furnace Air Filter
It pairs MERV 8 filtration with a washable and reusable permanent filter that slides into HVAC systems.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
Good for
- Buyers who want a washable and reusable filter
- Buyers who want MERV 8 filtration
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above 8
- You want a filter larger than 15.5 by 15.5 inches
It measures 15.5 by 15.5 by 0.82 inches in actual size, against a nominal size of 16 by 16 by 1 inch. It is washable and reusable, so it can be cleaned and used many times.
How to choose
Measure actual size, not nominal size
Actual size differs from nominal size across this list. The Simply and Aerostar measure 15.75 by 15.75 by 0.75 inches, the Filtrete measures 15.81 by 15.81 by 0.81 inches, and the ZHIANZAN measures 15.5 by 15.5 by 0.82 inches. The Nexiview has a nominal size of 16 by 16 by 1 inch. Measure your current filter and compare that figure with the actual size before buying, so the new filter fits the slot.
Compare MERV and MPR ratings
MERV and MPR are two rating scales used for furnace filters, and a higher number sits higher on its scale. The Simply is MERV 8 and MPR 600, the Filtrete is MERV 11 and MPR 1000, and the Aerostar is MERV 11 and comparable with MPR 1000-1200. The Nexiview and ZHIANZAN are MERV 8. Compare picks on the same scale, and use the rating together with the actual size and pack size when choosing.
Plan changes, cleaning and pack size
Change intervals differ across this list. The Simply lasts up to 3 months, the Filtrete should be changed at least once every 90 days, and the Aerostar should be changed every 60 to 90 days in normal times. For reusable picks, the Nexiview should be cleaned every 3 months, with water and a mild detergent, and the ZHIANZAN can be cleaned and used many times. Pack size matters for spares: the Simply and Aerostar come in 6-packs, while the Filtrete comes in a 4-pack.
FAQ
What size filter do I need for this search?
Check the nominal size your system takes, then compare it with the actual size. The Simply and Aerostar measure 15.75 by 15.75 by 0.75 inches, the Filtrete measures 15.81 by 15.81 by 0.81 inches, and the ZHIANZAN measures 15.5 by 15.5 by 0.82 inches.
When should I change these filters?
The Simply lasts up to 3 months, the Aerostar lasts 60 to 90 days in normal times, and the Filtrete should be changed at least once every 90 days. The Filtrete Smart App can set 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders.
What do MERV and MPR ratings mean?
MERV and MPR are scales for filter ratings. In this list the Simply is MERV 8 and MPR 600, the Filtrete is MERV 11 and MPR 1000, and the Aerostar is MERV 11 and comparable with MPR 1000-1200.
Which filters are washable and reusable?
The Nexiview and ZHIANZAN are washable and reusable. The Nexiview has an aluminum frame and should be cleaned every 3 months, while the ZHIANZAN slides into your HVAC system.
