Was skeptical, but let me just say...OMG this filter is excellent. It really does stop the permeation of smells throughout the house. I can no longer wake up to the smell of coffee brewing as this filter stops the smells from the kitchen being passed through the house. Also, I can no longer draw sleepy heads out of bed with the smell of bacon! Our small house is loving this filter. Cook fish for dinner, no worries. Towels at the other end of the house will not smell like fish or curry or anything else you cook. Been 2 days since you scooped the litter, no worries, the house is not going to smell like a litter box. Now to see how long the Carbon can keep the air clean...?
Aprilaire offers four filter versions for my particular home HVAC system. I have now purchased and am in the process of using (for comparison) three of the four styles available (the two 213 rated versions, and the 216), two ordered from Amazon (the 213CBN and 216). (My own home had the model 210 originally installed. My HVAC service company installed the 213 model when service was most recently performed, and I have now decided to upgrade to the 213CBN and 216 models and have purchased them from Amazon).
As stated above my personal choice is to use either the 213CBN, or the 216 version. The 216 has the ability to remove significantly more particles of all sizes down to 0.3 μm. The 213CBN includes activated carbon filter material for better removal of odors and VOCs. Both are quite a bit more expensive than either the 210 or 213, and have potentially shorter life (6 mo vs 12 mo). I feel that the added cost is well worthwhile - my home requires only one of these filters, and if I have to replace them somewhat more frequently in order to ensure the best possible filtration for air in my home, I consider that to be money well spent.
The key difference between these filters from my point of view is this - any of the filters rated at MERV 13 or greater is going to provide a very high level of filtration, and the MERV 16 rated filter is really superior filtration. According to the EPA paper I reference below, anything above MERV 16 is considered to be a HEPA filter. Residential filters are only required to provide an efficiency of MERV 6 or greater (per ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007).
The filters that I received from purchasing here on Amazon were authentic OEM Aprilaire products in the proper packaging. I purchased from Amazon itself, not one of the third party sellers.
Below are more details of the various models available, to help explain the differences:
- 210 Clean Air Filter for Aprilaire Whole-Home Air Purifiers, MERV 11, For Dust
--- least expensive (MSRP 52.99)
--- described by Aprilaire as effective for removing airborne particles including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and pet dander
--- rated MERV 11
--- filter life stated by Aprilaire as 'up to 12 months'
--- MERV 9-12 typical applications** described as: "Superior residential, Better commercial buildings, Hospital laboratories"
--- MERV 11 particle removal efficiency is not rated for particle sizes 0.3 to 1 μm, 65-80% for 1 to 3 μm, >85% for 3 to 10 μm (see reference below for source of this information)
- 213 Healthy Home Air Filter for Aprilaire Whole-Home Air Purifiers, MERV 13, for Most Common Allergens
--- slightly more expensive (MSRP 59.99)
--- described by Aprilaire as effective for removing common airborne allergens including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander and dust mites
--- rated MERV 13
--- filter life stated by Aprilaire as 'up to 12 months'
--- MERV 13-16 typical applications include: "Superior commercial buildings, Hospital inpatient care, General surgery"
--- MERV 13 particle removal efficiency is <75% for particle sizes 0.3 to 1 μm, > 90% for 1 to 10 μm (see reference below for source of this information)
- 213CBN Odor Reduction Air Filter for Aprilaire Whole-Home Air Purifiers, MERV 13, for Odors and Most Common Allergens
--- most expensive (MSRP 94.99)
--- described by Aprilaire as effective for removing common airborne allergens + odors, including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, dust mites, pet and cooking odors, and VOCs
--- rated MERV 13 (plus activated Carbon for odor and VOC reduction)
--- filter life stated by Aprilaire as 'up to 6 months'
--- MERV 13-16 typical applications include: "Superior commercial buildings, Hospital inpatient care, General surgery"
--- MERV 13 particle removal efficiency is <75% for particle sizes 0.3 to 1 μm, > 90% for 1 to 10 μm (see reference below for source of this information)
- 216 Allergy and Asthma Air Filter for Aprilaire Whole-Home Air Purifiers, MERV 16, for Allergy and Asthma Triggers
--- most expensive (MSRP 94.99)
--- described by Aprilaire as effective for removing up to 99% of allergy and asthma triggers, including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, dust mites, viruses, and the airborne particulates associated with tobacco smoke and smog
--- rated MERV 16
--- filter life stated by Aprilaire as 'up to 6 months'
--- MERV 13-16 typical applications include: "Superior commercial buildings, Hospital inpatient care, General surgery"
--- MERV 16 particle removal efficiency is > 95% for particle sizes 0.3 to 10 μm (see reference below for source of this information)
** Ref: US EPA publication EPA 402-F-09-002, revised August 2009, "Residential Air Cleaners, second edition, A Summary of Available Information"
(VOC = volatile organic compounds, organic chemicals such as formaldehyde that are released from paint and plastics into the air)
I purchased a 1-pack of the Aprilaire 213CBN Odor Reduction Air Filter. I did not expect it to work, or I would have bought the 2-pack to save a few bucks.
But it works! My 2000-square-foot house had a distinct, pervasive odor that I would notice every time I walked indoors. Now, that odor is gone. When I enter the house, I no longer notice the smell. I can scarcely believe it.
I weighed the new filter after taking it out of its packaging. After replacing my old Aprilaire 213 filter, I weighed that one as well. The 213CBN was 26oz heavier than the plain filter. So it looks like the 213CBN has about 1.5 pounds of carbon or charcoal material. I know that's not very much, but it certainly works, at least initially.
I'll update this review in a few months. I don't expect the odor control to stay effective very long. But maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised again.
What's not to like? Aprilaire filters do the job. We have been using the Aprilaire system for 12 years and it really works to maintain the air quality through the air conditioner return. The older style has a plastic frame where the filter was permanently attached. The newer version has a reusable metal frame, as shown. The filter opens like an accordion and slides into a track on the frame. This purchase was for the filter part only. See installation photos attached,
The filters work excellent in our Carrier Air Conditioner which is 12 years old. I credit our 6 month maintenance plan and these filters for us not having any problems. An HVAC this old usually begins to have problems or has to be replaced. We feel very fortunate that we learned in the Military to take care of your HVAC with mainenance every 6 months and use good filters.
These filters are recommended by our HV/AC company as being the latest and best.
We have allergies and have to change every 6 months.
They are also cheaper on Amazon than anywhere else we have looked.
They are worth every penny.,
Feature Product
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE This genuine replacement air filter was designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. by Aprilaire - the leader in indoor air quality solutions, to optimize the performance of your Aprilaire Air Purifier Model: 1210, 1620, 2210, 2216, 3210, 4200, Aprilaire or Space Gard 2200 with upgrade kit
- CREATE A HEALTHIER HOME by preventing airborne allergens from circulating through the air in your home by trapping common airborne allergens from the air as it passes through the MERV 13 filter including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, and dust mites
- BETTER PERFORMANCE thanks to the patented Aprilaire Self-Seal Technology which minimizes the amount of air bypassing the filter
- EASY AS 1-2-3 TO INSTALL in the unique Aprilaire Interlock Rail System. Unpack. Slide in. Close the door. Done.
- WORRY FREE We stand behind the performance of our air filters with our 10-year Clean-Coil Commitment
Description
A small change can make a big difference for the health of your home environment. Aprilaire delivers that difference with the Aprilaire 213 Healthy Home Filter. It removes common airborne allergens including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, and dust mites from the air as it passes through the MERV 13 filter.
In addition, your HVAC system is protected from airborne particles, which helps lower your energy costs, and can prolong the life of your equipment.
This replacement filter is easy to install, with no assembly or reinforcements to worry about. Our ‘Pure Fit Promise’ means this genuine Aprilaire filter will fit your Aprilaire air purifier exactly, and the patented Self-Seal Technology prevents contaminated impure air from bypassing the filter.
Discover a healthier home environment with the Aprilaire 213 Healthy Home Filter Replacement.
Note: MERV is a scale used to measure the effectiveness of air filters. Higher number values translate to more effective filtration. Choose the Aprilaire Filter with the MERV rating that fits the needs of your family and home.
Performance tested to ASHRAE 52.2
Standard, minimum efficiency reporting value – MERV 13
My air filter used to be one of the electric filters that you had to take out and clean every season (if you're good).
After upgrading my archaic heater, I was presented with two options. Stay with the fixed filter, or move to these. I was a bit worried given the cost of replacement filters but I jumped on it because honestly I'm lazy and don't feel like dragging that hunk of metal outside to hose it off.
At the time of purchasing these I got the two pack for ~50 dollars. Not a bad price. The filter fit perfectly in the air filter and they appear to be genuine Aprilaire, not that I would really be able to tell the difference if they weren't.
For me, the filters last about a year. I live in the Northeast so my heat is pretty much on from Oct/Nov -> March. The air handler/blower is also connected to my AC, but my AC doesn't run as much as most people because I live in a fairly wooded area. That being said I'm pleased with the performance of these filters.
We have been using the multiple packs of these filters for our two heat pumps for years now,. They are the same filters the people who service our units use, but at a considerably less price they would charge. Even they are impressed at the price we pay. They are not cheap, but they seem to work as they are supposed to. Just remember to change them at the right time! Ours are checked by the maintenance company every 6 months, and it seems like they need to change them about once a year. We do have cheaper smaller filters at the intake registers inside that help keep some of the dirt out of the entire system, which we replace more often.
Every new hvac installation should include the box that holds this filter. It might cost an extra $500.00 but it will save the system from ever needing a $800.00 cleaning as well as the loss of efficiency. Remember folks, for those who have this, it should be the only filter you have. Don't put any other filters in anywhere else where those 1" filters might normally go. You don't want to double filter. The 1" filters only reduce air flow and kill your fan motor.
Product works fine. Our unit has the filter on the bottom that lays flat instead of upright so I have not experienced the glue issue some have had. The first time I ordered them I had to order the adapter kit. Since shipping is free with Prime the cost was less that other places. The filters are designed for changing once a year I believe, however we live in a dusty area so I change it every 4-5 months. I've used them for several years not and am pleased with how they perform.
FIlter is almost identical to the one that came with the HVAC system when new. The existing filter had a wire mesh backing I assume to assist in holding the shape of the filter wile in use. This one does not have tat same level of wire mesh, owever it seems to perform comparatively the same as the old one. They are a bit pricer than I would prefer, but still performs well. I could not find this filter at my local big box retailer.
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