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Quick answer: If your heating and cooling system can handle it, use a MERV 13 filter during pollen season, which is the EPA’s suggested minimum when upgrading [1]. If your system has a thick media cabinet (often from AprilAire), buy the matching MERV 13 cartridge. If you’re not sure your system can take a denser filter, ask an HVAC technician before you switch [1].
At a glance
- EPA suggestion
- MERV 13 or higher, if your system can take it [1]
- "Extremely high" tree pollen in Atlanta
- 1,500 grains per cubic meter of air or more [2]
- Long-term trend
- Oak and juniper pollen rose at the Atlanta station, 1992 to 2018 [3]
- Earlier seasons
- Several pollen seasons trended earlier over the same 27 years [3]
- Main culprits
- Oak, walnut and hickory, not pine [4]
Why Atlanta needs better filters
Atlanta’s only pollen counting station certified by the National Allergy Bureau is run by Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, which reports the grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air over the past 24 hours [2]. On its scale, a tree pollen count of 90 is already “high” and 1,500 or more is “extremely high” [2].
It isn’t just a bad-year problem. Researchers who studied the Atlanta station’s records from 1992 to 2018 found that pollen concentrations rose for several tree types, including oak and juniper, and that several species’ seasons started earlier over that period [3]. The yellow film on cars is mostly pine, but a University of Georgia forester notes that few people are allergic to pine; oaks, walnuts and hickories give people the most trouble [4].
How we chose
- MERV rating from the maker, tested to the ASHRAE method the EPA describes [1]. We focused on MERV 13, with one MERV 12 pick for systems that can’t take a denser filter.
- Particle capture claims taken from each maker’s own product page.
- Fit: two standard 1-inch-and-up pleated filters for most furnaces and air handlers, and two cartridges for AprilAire whole-house air cleaners.
- Recall check: we searched the CPSC recall database for each brand on November 2, 2026. We found no recalls of these filters.
Our picks
Best for: Most furnaces and air handlers during pollen season
Nordic Pure MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter
A MERV 13 pleated filter sold in standard 1-inch and deeper sizes. Nordic Pure says it captures over 90% of particles from 1.0 to 10.0 microns, the size range that includes pollen.
- MERV 13 [5]
- Over 90% capture of 1.0 to 10.0 micron particles; up to 75% of 0.3 to 1.0 micron particles, per maker [5]
- Electrostatically charged synthetic media, moisture-resistant frame [5]
- Sold in several depths and many sizes; made in the USA, per maker [5]
Safety check: No CPSC recall found for Nordic Pure (checked 2026-11-02).
Watch out: A denser filter can restrict airflow in some older or undersized systems. Confirm your system can take MERV 13, and change it on schedule.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Systems that struggle with MERV 13
Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated Air Filter
One step down from MERV 13, for systems whose fan or filter slot can't handle the denser filter. The EPA's advice is to use the highest rating your system can accommodate, so this is the fallback, not the first choice.
- MERV 12 [6]
- Over 90% capture of 3.0 to 10.0 micron particles; 80% to 90% of 1.0 to 3.0 micron particles, per maker [6]
- Electrostatically charged synthetic media [6]
Safety check: No CPSC recall found for Nordic Pure (checked 2026-11-02).
Watch out: Catches fewer fine particles than MERV 13. If your system can take MERV 13, use the pick above.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: AprilAire 4-inch whole-house air cleaners (replaces the 413)
AprilAire UK413 MERV 13 TriPure Filter + Upgrade Rails
AprilAire is phasing out its 413 cartridge, and the UK413 is the maker's direct replacement. It includes one-time upgrade rails and a 3-inch MERV 13 filter. AprilAire says one filter lasts up to 12 months.
- MERV 13 [7]
- Fits AprilAire models 1410, 1610, 2140, 2400, 2410, 2416, 3410, 4400 and others listed by the maker [7]
- Up to 12 months per filter, per maker [7]
- Replaces the AprilAire 413 [7]
Safety check: No CPSC recall of AprilAire filters found (checked 2026-11-02). A 2005 recall covered AprilAire electronic air cleaners, not these media filters.
Watch out: Only fits AprilAire and Space-Gard cabinets listed by the maker; check your cabinet's model number first. The first purchase includes rails you install once.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: AprilAire 2210 and 2216 cabinets and related models
AprilAire 213 MERV 13 Air Filter
The matching MERV 13 cartridge for AprilAire's other common cabinet size. Using the maker's cartridge keeps the seal tight, so air doesn't sneak around the filter.
- MERV 13 [8]
- Fits AprilAire 1210, 1620, 2210, 2216, 3210 and 4200; with the 1213 kit, also 2120 and 2200 [8]
Safety check: No CPSC recall of AprilAire filters found (checked 2026-11-02).
Watch out: Only fits the listed cabinets. AprilAire also sells a newer UK213 upgrade for this size, so compare the two before you buy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Buying guide
- Read the size off your old filter. The printed size (for example 16x25x1) is what you need; the depth matters as much as the width and height.
- Check what your system can handle. Higher MERV filters catch more but can restrict airflow in some systems. The EPA suggests asking a technician to find the most efficient filter your system can take [1].
- Change filters on schedule, and more often during peak pollen. The EPA notes every filter needs periodic replacement to work [1].
- Check the daily count before you open windows; the Atlanta station posts it each day in season [2].
Sources
- U.S. EPA: What is a MERV rating?
- Atlanta Allergy & Asthma: Pollen Counts (NAB-certified station)
- Manangan A, et al. Long-term pollen trends and associations between pollen phenology and seasonal climate in Atlanta, Georgia (1992–2018). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2021;127(4):471-480 (via CDC Stacks)
- University of Georgia CAES: Don't Blame Pine Trees for Springtime Sneezes
- Nordic Pure: MERV 13 Pleated Air Filters
- Nordic Pure: MERV 12 Air Filters
- AprilAire: UK413 (Replaces 413) MERV 13 TriPure Filter + Upgrade Rails
- AprilAire: 213 MERV 13 Air Filter
Common questions
What MERV rating should I use for pollen?
The EPA suggests at least MERV 13 if you're upgrading, or as high a rating as your system's fan and filter slot can handle. Ask an HVAC technician if you're not sure your system can take a MERV 13 filter.
When is pollen season in Atlanta?
Tree pollen peaks in spring. A study of the Atlanta counting station from 1992 to 2018 found that several tree pollen seasons have shifted earlier and that oak and juniper pollen levels rose over that time.
Is the yellow pine pollen what makes me sneeze?
Usually not. A University of Georgia forester notes that few people are allergic to pine pollen; oaks, walnuts and hickories cause more trouble.