I have been using these filters for years and get them replaced every six months along with getting my system serviced. They fit perfectly, work great, and are less expensive than what the service company would charge me for the same filter if I were to buy it from them.

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 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 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)

It is so easy to do it yourself rather than pay a HVAC company to do the work and charge you triple.

great filter but too restrictive for air flow in a residential HVAC system

This filter is the real deal. I'm an environmental scientist with training in industrial and occupational health. I have an active particulate meter that I placed on the register when my house was smoked out from a cooking incident. This filter literally removed 100% of PM 10, PM 2.5, and PM 1.0 from the air. Air went into it at about 200 units PM 1.0, and comes out at 0. Nada. No leakage in the filter box and super easy install. The "self seal" design actually works somehow. This filter removes all cooking odors from the house, which to me is just crazy. It is what it claims to be. The amount of media on this thing is crazy. You do get what you pay for.Those reviews that are angry about dust in their homes...you really need to get rid of your carpet; your air filter is not the issue. Most homes do not have enough continuous air handling to counter the dust produced from pets, carpet, linens, rugs, etc. Carpet is a dust sponge and major producer itself. Vacuuming provides only an illusion of cleanliness when it comes to carpet.

Since installing an HVAC system, I've always used AprilAire MERV Filters. II also have an LED UV Light installed inline.For this filter, I upgraded the original one, which was a MERV 11, up to MERV 16 to help filter out additional allergy and dust triggers. It seems to be working fine, though it's difficult to tell for sure how well it works.Cycle:- I have a heat pump / AC, so I switch these filters out every 6 months. As an experiment, I weighed one as I installed it, and after it had been in use for 6 months... It was actually lighter. Perhaps it lost some of its fibers during use, so weight was not a way to tell its filtering. The color definitely indicated it was working, as the original is white and when replaced it was more of a greyish color.Good:- Listed as filtering out 99% of allergen and asthma triggers.- Accordion style filter, so when it's new in box, it doesn't take up much space. When installed, it 'unfolds' like an accordion and you just slide it into the guide rails.Not Good:- Price - A few years ago these were much cheaper. The price has been slowly and steadily rising over the years. Thankfully since I only replace these twice per year, it's not a huge expense, and for the comfort and protection they provide, I'm willing to buy the MERV 16 and not downgrade to cheaper ones.- No / Limited Alternatives. Typically when a product like this exists, there are some after-market alternatives. I haven't found one for this, but would you really trust it anyway? Some competition would be nice though.- Since this gets installed typically into the Air Handler, depending on where you have this installed, it can be an inconvenience to get to. Mine is installed in the attic so although easy, its still a few minutes to get a ladder, get into the attic with limited space, and maneuver around on beams to get to the unit. This will be different for everyone though.Notes & Tips:- This does NOT go in your Air Return - That is typically a very 'lightweight' filter, that I suggest you replace once per month, with a very basic and non-restrictive filter. The ceiling / wall air return will filter out a lot of particulates, and really is there to help extend the life of this AprilAire filter. I buy a 6 / multi-pack of the cheapest filers I can find and replace them monthly.- Buy a set of 2. This way, anytime you replace one, you have another on hand, and then have enough time to order a replacement. Sometimes these are out of stock so I like to have an extra.- Since filters are typically "out of sight, out of mind" things, I recommend that you do two things:-- 1. Set a reminder on your phone / calendar to replace the filters. A clogged filter can restrict the air flow to your HVAC and cause issues - You need your system to BREATH to work effectively.-- 2. Write the date you are replacing the filters on the filter itself. This way, you know when taking it out, when the last time you changed it was.- The above two will could save you a lot of money, as if your system is working, one of the first things an HVAC technician will ask is when is the last time you changed your filters. They typically would also then charge more than these replacements than doing it yourself.Overall, I'll continue to use these filters as I do think they work to help filter out the air, as well as to help extend the life of the HVAC equipment itself. I just wish they were slightly cheaper.

Good product at a fair price.

These are great filters - take almost all allergens out of the air - well worth the $.They arrive on time as well.