MERV 13 Filters
MERV 13 filters capture smaller particles than MERV 8 or 11, such as smoke and fine dust, and are often recommended for allergies and wildfire season. Shop PureFilters pleated 3-packs in 1, 2 and 4 inch sizes, Honeywell FC200E and Aprilaire 213 and 413 media, plus MERV 13 filters for Aldes and Fantech air exchangers.
Compare MERV 11 and MERV 16 filters, or browse all furnace filters.
MERV 13 filter guide: smoke, allergies and airflow ▾
What MERV 13 is good for
Beyond the dust, pollen, pet dander and mould spores that MERV 11 handles, MERV 13 traps finer particles such as smoke. That is why it is often suggested for allergy sufferers and during wildfire smoke events. A furnace filter only cleans air that passes through it, so running the system fan more often helps when air quality is poor.
Check your system first
Denser media means more resistance to airflow. Many systems handle MERV 13, but some older furnaces or systems with a 1-inch slot can lose airflow, which affects comfort and efficiency. Check your furnace or air handler specifications, or ask your HVAC technician, and replace like for like when unsure. Deeper 4-inch filters such as Honeywell FC200E1029 (16x25x4) or Aprilaire 413 (16x27x4) spread the air over more media. Our MERV rating guide has a comparison chart.
How often to change MERV 13 filters
1-inch filters are typically changed every 1 to 3 months, and 4-inch media filters last longer. During wildfire smoke a filter can load up faster, so check it more often and change it when it looks dark. See our filter change guide.
