Furnace Filters
Best AC Filter for Pet Hair (2026): Our 3 Picks Ranked
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For the best ac filter for pet hair, the Filtrete leads with a MERV 12 rating and MPR 1500 in a 20x25x1 size. The Colorfil adds color-shift odor control for cat and dog odor, while the Nexiview offers a washable electrostatic filter you can rinse and reuse. Check the size against your slot before you buy, since the three filters use different sizes.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallFiltrete 20x25x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-Up18x20x1 Air Filter by Colorfil9.6 View on Amazon -
Also GreatNexiview 16x20x1 Furnace Filter-MERV89.2 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. Filtrete 20x25x1 Air Filter | MERV 12 | — | — | — |
| 2. 18x20x1 Air Filter by Colorfil | MERV 8 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 3. Nexiview 16x20x1 Furnace Filter-MERV8 | MERV 8 | — | — | 12-month |
Filtrete 20x25x1 Air Filter
It pairs a MERV 12 rating with MPR 1500 and 3-in-1 technology from 3M in a 20x25x1 size.
- MERV rating: MERV 12
Good for
- Owners of homes with 20x25x1 slots who want MERV 12 filtration
- Buyers who want a 2-pack for two changes
Skip it if
- You want more than 90 days between changes
- You need a filter wider than 25 inches
The 20x25x1 filter carries a MERV 12 rating and MPR 1500, and it uses 3-in-1 technology from 3M to trap particles while air flows through. Change it at least every 90 days for 1 inch filters, and the pack holds 2 filters. Its actual size is 19.62x24.62x0.78 inches.
18x20x1 Air Filter by Colorfil
It pairs MERV 8 filtration with color-shift odor control for cat and dog odor in an 18x20x1 size.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Pet owners who want a filter for cat and dog odor
- Buyers who want a color change to signal replacement
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above 8
- You need a filter larger than 18x20x1
The 18x20x1 filter carries a MERV 8 rating and is made for cat and dog odor, pet hair and dust. Its pink color shifts to yellow with use as it absorbs and neutralizes gas-phase odors, so the color change signals replacement time. It adds no scents, and the pack holds 2 filters with an exact size of 17.5x19.5x0.75 inches.
Nexiview 16x20x1 Furnace Filter-MERV8
It pairs MERV 8 filtration with a washable electrostatic design and a 12-month warranty in a 16x20x1 size.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- 12-month warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a washable filter they can rinse
- Owners of 16x20x1 slots who want MERV 8 filtration
Skip it if
- You need a MERV rating above 8
- You want a pack of 2 filters
The 16x20x1 filter carries a MERV 8 rating and uses a washable electrostatic design with pleated layers and an aluminum frame. Wash it with water and a mild detergent, let it air dry, and clean it every 3 months. It carries a 12-month warranty.
How to choose
Match the size to your slot
Size comes first: the Filtrete measures 20x25x1, the Colorfil measures 18x20x1 with an exact size of 17.5x19.5x0.75 inches, and the Nexiview measures 16x20x1. A filter that does not fit its slot will not sit right in the system, so measure the slot and compare it with the size each product gives. Do not guess from the nominal size alone when an exact size is given.
Read MERV and MPR together
MERV rates how well a filter captures particles, and the Filtrete carries MERV 12 while the Colorfil and Nexiview carry MERV 8. MPR is the Filtrete rating that rises with the microparticles it captures, and the Filtrete carries MPR 1500.
Replacement and upkeep
The Filtrete needs a change at least every 90 days for 1 inch filters, and the Nexiview needs cleaning every 3 months with water and a mild detergent before it air dries. The Colorfil changes color from pink to yellow with use, so its color signals replacement time. Follow the interval or signal each product gives, and keep a spare from the 2-pack picks on hand.
FAQ
Which filter has the highest MERV rating here?
The Filtrete, at MERV 12 with MPR 1500, above the MERV 8 rating of the Colorfil and Nexiview.
Which filter changes color to signal replacement?
The Colorfil, whose pink filter shifts to yellow with use as it absorbs gas-phase odors.
Which filter can I wash and reuse?
The Nexiview, with a washable electrostatic design that you rinse with water and a mild detergent, then air dry.
What change or cleaning interval does each filter give?
Change the Filtrete at least every 90 days, and clean the Nexiview every 3 months; replace the Colorfil when its color shifts to yellow.
