Furnace Filters
Best Pet Furnace Filter (2026): 3 Picks Compared
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The Simply 16x20x1 leads: its MERV 8 pleated media comes in a 6-pack and fits furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps. The Filtrete runner-up raises the rating to MERV 11 with a 1000 MPR, while the Colorfil adds a pink-to-yellow change cue.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Furnace Air Filters
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallSimply 16x20x1 Air Filter9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpFiltrete 16x20x1 Air Filter9.6 View on Amazon -
Also GreatColorfil 16x20x1 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 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 6-pack | — | — |
| 2. Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 11 | 2-pack | — | — |
| 3. Colorfil 16x20x1 Air Filter | MERV 8 | 2-pack | — | — |
Simply 16x20x1 Air Filter
Its MERV 8 pleated media comes in a 6-pack for 16x20x1 slots, with a slide-in fit and up to 3 months of use per filter.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 6-pack, the most here
Good for
- Owners of homes with pets who change filters on a schedule
- Buyers who want six filters in one box
Skip it if
- You need a higher MERV rating than MERV 8
- Your slot takes a size other than 16x20x1
The pleated media uses a 24-point beverage board with hot-rolled steel wire mesh, and the box holds 6 filters plus an installation guide. It fits air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps, and the maker gives up to 3 months of filtration per filter. Follow the airflow arrows and slide it into the filter slot or a return grille.
Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter
It pairs a MERV 11 rating and a 1000 MPR with 3-in-1 technology that pulls in and traps microparticles.
- MERV rating: MERV 11
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Buyers who want a MERV 11 filter for a furnace
- Owners who want phone reminders for filter changes
Skip it if
- You want more than two filters in one box
- You need a filter rated above MERV 11
The pleated polypropylene media uses Filtrete 3-in-1 technology to pull in and trap microparticles sized 0.3 to 1.0. The box holds 2 filters, and the Filtrete Smart App sets 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders. Change the filter at least once every 90 days for the stated performance.
Colorfil 16x20x1 Air Filter
Its pink media shifts to yellow as it absorbs gas-phase odors, giving a visible cue for the next change.
- MERV rating: MERV 8
- Pack size: 2-pack
Good for
- Pet owners who want a visible change cue
- Buyers who want odor control without added scents
Skip it if
- You want a MERV rating above MERV 8
- You want more than two filters per box
The polyester pleated media starts pink and slowly changes to yellow with use as it absorbs and neutralizes gas-phase odors. It slides into air conditioning units, heaters or other HVAC systems, and the box holds 2 filters. It adds no scents of its own.
How to choose
Match the size to your slot
All three picks here are 16x20x1 filters, but their actual sizes differ: 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches for the Simply, 15.68 by 19.68 by 0.81 inches for the Filtrete, and 15.5 by 19.5 by 0.75 inches for the Colorfil. Measure your slot or the old filter before ordering, and check the slide-in fit your system uses.
Read MERV and MPR together
MERV rates how fine a particle a filter captures, and MPR is Filtrete's own scale for microparticle capture. Here the Filtrete carries MERV 11 with a 1000 MPR, while the Simply and the Colorfil both carry MERV 8. A higher rating traps finer particles, so compare the two numbers side by side rather than judging by one alone.
Set a change schedule
The Simply and the Filtrete each give up to 3 months of use per filter, and the Filtrete maker advises changing at least once every 90 days. The Colorfil shows its own cue: the pink media turns yellow as it absorbs odors. The Filtrete Smart App can set 30-, 60- or 90-day reminders, so pick a rhythm you will keep.
FAQ
What size filter fits a 16x20x1 slot?
All three picks here are 16x20x1 filters, but check the actual size: 15.75 by 19.75 by 0.75 inches for the Simply, 15.68 by 19.68 by 0.81 inches for the Filtrete, and 15.5 by 19.5 by 0.75 inches for the Colorfil.
When should I change a furnace filter?
The Simply and the Filtrete give up to 3 months per filter, and the Filtrete maker advises changing at least once every 90 days. The Colorfil changes from pink to yellow as it absorbs odors, which marks its own change point.
What does MERV 11 mean compared with MERV 8?
MERV rates the fineness of particles a filter captures, so a higher number means finer capture. The Filtrete carries MERV 11 with a 1000 MPR, while the Simply and the Colorfil carry MERV 8.
Which pick helps with pet odors?
The Colorfil is built for pet homes: its media absorbs and neutralizes gas-phase odors and shifts from pink to yellow with use, with no added scents.
