These filters are made to order based on your measurements. Please measure your existing filter before ordering — manufacturer labels are often inaccurate.
The product photo is for reference only. Actual sizes may vary. We list the smallest dimension first on the label (this does not affect fit or performance).
Questions? Feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help!
Built to order in the precise 11 x 20-1/8 x 1″ dimension you need, this Exact Filters® air filter solves a problem standard catalogs can't — a true custom fit for systems that don't accept common filter sizes.
Even a quarter-inch of gap around a filter can allow a significant percentage of return air to bypass the media entirely, which is why the exact fit matters as much as the filter's efficiency rating.
A MERV 8 rating is the most common mid-efficiency specification and the one most HVAC manufacturers print in their owner's manuals as the recommended minimum for standard systems. It captures everyday dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores while keeping airflow resistance moderate — a sensible balance for buildings without specific air-quality concerns.
Specifications
Nominal size: 11 x 20-1/8 x 1″
Actual dimensions: 11 x 20-1/8 x 3/4″
Efficiency rating: MERV 8
Quantity: 12 filters per carton
This 11 x 20-1/8 x 1″ filter size is frequently ordered by homeowners with older systems, property managers handling mixed-vintage HVAC equipment, and facilities maintenance teams servicing buildings where no two return grilles seem to measure the same.
Features
Suitable for forced-air furnaces, central AC, heat pumps, and packaged HVAC systems
Sold as a 12-pack so you have a full year of replacements on hand
Cardboard frame with reinforced media for structural stability during handling and installation
Orientation arrow printed on the frame to ensure correct airflow direction at install
Same 11 x 20-1/8 x 1″ size, different efficiency rating
100% synthetic non-woven, proprietary media that can be recycled. Engineered with a gradient density composition that achieves it's MERV rating using the mechanical method of particle capture. Media does not rely on an electrostatic charge to capture particulate, since electrostatic charged filters dissipate over time.
Filter Support Grid
Expanded metal is continuously laminated on the air leaving side to provide pleat stability during operation. Pleat shape is maintained allowing full media utilization which improves dust holding capacity.
Frame
Heavy-duty, two piece, moisture-resistant frame with diagonal support members. Frame is bonded to the media at all points of contact for unsurpassed frame strength. Interlocking corners and positive media-to-frame seal reduce the possibility of air bypass.
Removes
MERV 8 rating reduces up to 75% of large airborne particles including dust and lint, dust mite debris, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria and virus carriers.
Life
Recommended 90 day changeout
Quantity
12 Filters
Part Number
M8 - 11 x 20 1/8 x 1 - E
A Complete Guide to HVAC, Furnace & AC Filter Ratings
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is the industry-standard scale for how effectively an HVAC filter captures airborne particles. The scale runs from MERV 1 (basic dust and lint) to MERV 16 (very fine particles), with the sweet spot for most homes and light-commercial systems sitting between MERV 8 and MERV 13. Higher numbers capture smaller particles but add airflow resistance — always confirm your equipment's maximum supported MERV before upgrading.
The short answer
Most homes do well on MERV 8 to MERV 11. Upgrade to MERV 13 if you have pets, allergies, or wildfire smoke exposure — and your HVAC system supports it. Use MERV 1–4 only for equipment protection on systems that can't handle pleated filters.
Every MERV rating, every common size. Click to browse the full lineup — pleated, fiberglass, washable, and extended-surface options in each efficiency tier.
What each MERV rating captures, how it affects airflow, and how often to replace it. Use this chart to match a filter to your system and your indoor air priorities.
Efficiency percentages are based on ASHRAE 52.2 test methodology and reflect typical values across standard pleated filters at each MERV rating.
What Each MERV Rating Captures
Airborne particles are measured in microns. The smaller the particle, the higher the MERV rating you need to capture it efficiently. Here's the particle-size scale every homeowner and facility manager should know.
Pollen & Lint
10+ μm
Dust Mite Debris
3–10 μm
Mold Spores
2–20 μm
Pet Dander
1–10 μm
Auto Emissions
1–3 μm
Wildfire Smoke
0.4–2.5 μm
Bacteria
0.3–10 μm
Virus Carriers
0.3–1 μm
As a rule of thumb: MERV 8 captures particles down to about 3 microns, MERV 11 captures down to about 1 micron, and MERV 13 captures particles as small as 0.3 microns with meaningful efficiency.
Which MERV Rating Do I Need?
Pick the scenario that matches your situation. These are the recommendations our team gives on calls every day.
Standard home, no allergies
Go with MERV 8 or MERV 10. Solid baseline for dust, pollen, and equipment protection without straining your HVAC.
Pets (dogs, cats, birds)
Step up to MERV 11. Captures fine pet dander that slips through MERV 8 without major airflow impact on modern systems.
Allergies or asthma
Choose MERV 11 or MERV 13. MERV 13 captures the fine allergens MERV 11 misses.
Wildfire smoke region
Use MERV 13. Wildfire smoke particles are 0.4–2.5 microns, in MERV 13's effective range.
Newborn or infant at home
Consider MERV 13 if your system supports it. Otherwise MERV 11 is a strong safer-bet alternative.
Remodeling or nearby construction
Temporarily switch to MERV 8 and change more often. Fine construction dust clogs higher MERVs fast.
This is the single biggest question homeowners ask when upgrading. Higher MERV filters restrict airflow more, and an HVAC system that can't move enough air can short-cycle, freeze the coil, or overheat the blower motor. Here's how to know if yours can handle a higher MERV.
Quick compatibility checks
Check your equipment documentation. Most modern furnaces and air handlers list a maximum supported MERV (often 11 or 13). Owner's manuals and service labels typically note the spec.
Look at the filter slot depth. A 1″ slot limits your options to thinner pleated filters. A 4″ or 5″ media cabinet can handle much higher MERV because the deeper pleat area lowers airflow resistance.
Listen and feel. After upgrading, check that airflow from vents feels normal for 24–48 hours. Weak airflow, unusual blower noise, or a warm supply when the AC is running are signs the filter is too restrictive.
Older systems (pre-2000) or low-static-pressure blowers are more likely to struggle with MERV 13 in a 1″ slot. Consider MERV 8 or MERV 10 as a safer upgrade path.
When in doubt, step up gradually. Move from MERV 8 to MERV 10 or MERV 11 first. If airflow stays normal, you can try MERV 13 on your next order.
4″ and deeper filters win the trade-off. A MERV 13 filter in a 4″ media cabinet typically has lower airflow resistance than a MERV 11 in a 1″ slot.
Not Sure Which MERV You Need?
Answer five quick questions about your home, pets, and HVAC system. We'll recommend the right MERV and send you straight to the right collection.
Not all filter ratings are the same. MERV is the industry-standard scale used by HVAC professionals and published through ASHRAE testing. FPR (Filter Performance Rating) is a proprietary system from Home Depot used on filters sold in their stores, including Honeywell-branded product. MPR (Micro-Particle Rating) is 3M's internal scale for their Filtrete line. Both FPR and MPR can be useful within their own brand lineups, but they aren't directly comparable across retailers — MERV is the only universal standard.
Cross-reference values are approximate. Brands may vary slightly in how they rate specific products.
MERV vs HEPA — What's the Difference?
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are a separate classification beyond the standard MERV scale. True HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns — roughly equivalent to MERV 17–20. HEPA filters have significantly higher airflow resistance than residential MERV filters and generally require specialized equipment (standalone air purifiers or HVAC systems specifically engineered for HEPA). For most homes, a MERV 13 filter in a properly sized cabinet delivers excellent air quality without HVAC equipment modifications.
Understanding MERV Ratings for HVAC, Furnace & AC Filters
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is the air-filter-industry standard used to compare how well one filter performs against another. It was developed under ASHRAE 52.2, the testing methodology that measures a filter's efficiency at trapping particles across three size ranges: 0.3–1.0 microns, 1.0–3.0 microns, and 3.0–10 microns. The higher a filter's MERV, the higher percentage of particles it removes from the air passing through it — particularly in the smaller size ranges that MERV 1–4 filters barely touch.
Why MERV matters for indoor air quality
Indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air — the EPA has noted indoor air can contain 2 to 5 times higher pollutant concentrations than outdoor air. Your HVAC system recirculates that air through your home or building several times per day, and the filter is what determines whether that recirculation cleans the air or just shuttles the same dust and allergens around. Stepping up from a MERV 1–4 fiberglass filter to a pleated MERV 8 or MERV 11 is one of the single most cost-effective indoor air quality upgrades available.
Why MERV matters for your HVAC equipment
A properly-rated filter protects your blower motor, evaporator coil, and ductwork from dust buildup that slowly degrades system performance and shortens equipment life. Even a basic MERV 1–4 fiberglass filter does this job reasonably well — the air quality improvement from higher MERV ratings is the bonus on top. Just remember: a filter that's too restrictive for your equipment (typically MERV 13+ in a 1″ slot on older systems) causes its own problems. Match the MERV to the equipment and you get both cleaner air and longer system life.
How MERV interacts with filter depth
Filter depth matters as much as MERV rating. A 4″ or 5″ pleated filter has far more media surface area than a 1″ filter — often 3–5× more — which means it can deliver higher MERV ratings with less airflow restriction. If your system has a 4″ media cabinet, a MERV 13 extended-surface filter is usually a safer bet than a 1″ MERV 13 panel filter in terms of blower strain. This is why homes with whole-home filter cabinets can run higher MERV ratings comfortably.
MERV ratings for commercial and facility HVAC
Commercial systems — rooftop units, packaged units, air handlers serving offices, schools, retail, warehouses, and multifamily properties — typically specify MERV 8 at minimum, with MERV 11 and MERV 13 common in newer construction or buildings pursuing higher IAQ standards. For specialty applications, extended-surface bag filters and rigid cell filters deliver high MERV ratings at commercial airflow volumes. Facility managers and contractors can request a quote for bulk pricing.
MERV Rating FAQs
What does MERV stand for?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It's the industry-standard scale developed under ASHRAE 52.2 for rating how effectively an air filter captures airborne particles of different sizes.
What's the best MERV rating for most homes?
Most homes do well on MERV 8 to MERV 11. MERV 8 is the residential standard and captures dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander with minimal airflow impact. MERV 11 is the popular upgrade for homes with pets or allergies. MERV 13 is the highest efficiency most residential systems can reasonably support and is the right choice for wildfire smoke exposure, severe allergies, or infants.
Will a higher MERV filter reduce airflow in my HVAC system?
Yes, higher MERV filters do add some airflow resistance. Most modern furnaces and air handlers handle MERV 11 comfortably, and many support MERV 13 — especially systems with 4″ or 5″ media cabinets. Older systems (pre-2000) or systems with 1″ filter slots may struggle with MERV 13. If airflow from your vents feels weak after upgrading, step back down to MERV 10 or MERV 11.
Can I upgrade from MERV 8 to MERV 13?
Usually yes, but step up gradually. We recommend moving from MERV 8 to MERV 10 or MERV 11 first, running that for one filter cycle, and then trying MERV 13 if airflow stays normal. If your system has a 4″ or deeper media cabinet, MERV 13 is usually fine to run as a direct upgrade.
Are MERV 8 filters good enough for allergies?
MERV 8 captures pollen, dust mite debris, and most pet dander, which helps for common seasonal allergies. For more severe allergies or asthma, step up to MERV 11 or MERV 13 for better capture of the fine particles MERV 8 misses.
What MERV rating should I use for wildfire smoke?
MERV 13. Wildfire smoke particles are typically 0.4–2.5 microns, which falls squarely in MERV 13's effective range. MERV 11 provides partial smoke capture but is meaningfully less effective than MERV 13 for this use case. Change filters more often during heavy smoke events — a filter saturated with smoke particles loses capture efficiency.
What's the difference between MERV 11 and MERV 13?
MERV 11 captures up to 90% of particles 1.0–3.0 microns in size. MERV 13 captures that same range AND adds meaningful capture of particles 0.3–1.0 microns — the range that includes wildfire smoke, fine allergens, and many virus carriers. MERV 13 has slightly higher airflow resistance but is worth the upgrade for sensitive situations if your system supports it.
Is MERV the same as FPR or MPR?
No. MERV is the universal industry standard. FPR is Home Depot's proprietary rating for filters sold in their stores (including Honeywell-branded). MPR is 3M's internal rating for Filtrete filters. FPR and MPR roughly correlate to MERV within their own brand lineups, but they aren't directly comparable across retailers. Always check the MERV rating for a true apples-to-apples comparison.
What's the difference between MERV and HEPA?
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is a higher classification beyond the standard MERV scale — roughly equivalent to MERV 17–20. True HEPA captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. HEPA filters have much higher airflow resistance than residential MERV filters and generally require specialized equipment. For most homes, MERV 13 is the practical ceiling.
How often should I replace my MERV filter?
1″ filters typically last 1–3 months, 2″ filters 2–3 months, and 4″ or deeper filters 6–12 months. Homes with pets, wildfire smoke exposure, or higher occupancy should replace more often. Higher MERV ratings and more-polluted environments shorten the replacement interval regardless of depth.
Do MERV filters help with odors?
Standard MERV filters don't remove odors — MERV measures particle capture, not gas or odor absorption. For odor control, look for filters with an activated carbon layer, or pair a standard MERV filter with a dedicated carbon filter. We stock activated carbon filters for this purpose.
Can I use a MERV 13 filter in a 1-inch filter slot?
Yes, 1″ MERV 13 pleated filters exist and are available in every common size. Just be aware that a 1″ MERV 13 has higher airflow resistance than a 4″ MERV 13, and some older HVAC systems struggle with it. If your system has a 1″ slot and you want MERV 13, start with one and monitor airflow over the first few days.
What MERV rating do commercial buildings use?
Most commercial buildings specify MERV 8 at minimum, with MERV 11 and MERV 13 common in newer construction and buildings pursuing higher indoor air quality standards. Specialty applications may use extended-surface bag filters or rigid cell filters to deliver high MERV ratings at commercial airflow volumes. For bulk pricing and standing orders, facility managers can request a quote.
Does a higher MERV filter cost more?
Yes, but the difference is modest at residential volumes — typically a few dollars per filter between MERV 8 and MERV 13. Our PrimeShield house brand offers every MERV rating from 1–4 through 13 at prices below comparable retail brands. Subscribing saves additional cost and time compared to one-off orders.
Find answers to common questions on filters, sizing preferences, MERV ratings, order status updates, and more in our helpful FAQ page. Visit FAQ Page
General
How often should I replace my HVAC filter?
Most pleated filters should be changed every 90 days. However, households with pets, allergies, or heavy HVAC use may need to replace filters every 30–60 days. Commercial and industrial sites may require more frequent changes based on conditions.
Do you offer custom sizes?
Yes! If you need a filter with an exact size—down to the 1/8 inch—we can help. Visit our Custom Size Filters page to get started.
What if the filter doesn’t fit right?
We’ve got you covered with our Filter Fit Guarantee. If the size doesn’t fit your system as expected, reach out to our support team and we’ll make it right.
What makes you different from big box stores or other filter sites?
We’ve been online for nearly 20 years, and our team has over 50 years of combined HVAC experience. We sell American-made filters from trusted brands like AAF Flanders and Koch Filter—no cheap knockoffs or low-performance imports. We’re also a proud NAFA member, which means we’re committed to real air quality expertise and professional standards.
Do you sell the same filters used in commercial or government buildings?
Yes. In fact, we supply filters to schools, clinics, and government agencies nationwide. Many of our filters—especially MERV 10, 11, and 13—meet or exceed specifications for professional use. You’re getting professional-grade protection for your home.
Are your filters certified or tested?
Yes. Almost all of our filters meet or exceed ASHRAE standards and are manufactured under strict quality control. Many are used in hospitals, schools, and government facilities—so you can trust they perform as advertised.
How do I know what size filter I need?
Look for the size printed on your old filter or measure the filter slot in your system. We recommend rounding up to the nearest 1/8” for custom sizes. You can also visit our How to Measure Filters page for step-by-step help.
Do you offer bulk discounts or commercial pricing?
Absolutely. If you’re ordering for a business, property, or large facility, we’ll provide a quote and recommend the right products for your needs. Reach out to our Commercial Services team anytime.
What is MERV?
What is a MERV rating and why does it matter?
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rates how well a filter captures airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating (typically 1–13 for residential use), the finer the particles it can trap—from dust and pollen to bacteria and smoke. We offer filters from MERV 1–13 to match your system’s needs and your air quality goals. Learn More
Will a higher MERV rating restrict airflow?
Filters with higher MERV ratings are denser and can reduce airflow in systems not designed for them. MERV 8–10 is a safe choice for most homes. For MERV 11 or 13, ensure your system can handle the increased resistance or contact our team—we’re happy to help you choose the right balance of efficiency and airflow.
Will using a high-MERV filter damage my HVAC system?
Not when matched properly. All of our filters are designed for low pressure drop and optimal airflow. If you’re unsure, contact us—we’ll help you choose a filter that your system can handle safely.
Do higher MERV filters improve indoor air quality?
Yes. Filters with higher MERV ratings (10–13) trap smaller and more harmful particles like mold spores, smoke, bacteria, and allergens. They’re ideal for families, people with asthma or sensitivities, and anyone wanting cleaner, healthier air inside.