Nordic Pure 12x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated Plus Carbon 2 Pack - Odor Control

In this review of the Nordic Pure 12x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated Plus Carbon 2 Pack, the bottom line is simple: this filter is for homeowners who want reliable dust capture plus basic odor control without sacrificing airflow. The reviewer found it most useful in homes with pets or frequent cooking, where the activated carbon layer noticeably reduced light odors while the MERV 8 media trapped common household dust and pollen. Measure your filter slot carefully and compare to the actual size before buying to avoid fit issues.

Key Features

• MERV 8 filtration: Captures most airborne dust, pollen and common particulates for improved indoor air quality while maintaining good airflow.
• Plus carbon layer: Activated carbon helps reduce pet and cooking smells by adsorbing odorous gases and VOCs at the filter surface.
• Actual size guidance: The filter's actual size of 11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in is provided so buyers can measure their slot and ensure a proper fit.
• Sturdy construction: A moisture-resistant beverage board frame and bonded metal mesh support offer extra durability and pleat stability over time.
• Electrostatic media: Permanently charged fibers act like a magnet for finer particles, improving dust capture without heavy impedance to airflow.

Who It's For

The Nordic Pure MERV 8 Plus Carbon is ideal for homeowners with pets, light cooking odors, or allergy sufferers who need better dust and pollen control than a basic fiberglass filter provides. It works well where a balance of filtration and airflow is important, such as furnaces and HVAC systems that require a lower pressure drop.

It is not the right choice for environments needing hospital-grade filtration or for users who expect complete elimination of strong chemical odors; those situations call for higher MERV ratings or specialized carbon systems. Also, buyers who do not measure carefully should be aware the nominal and actual sizes differ.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good balance of filtration and airflow thanks to the MERV 8 media and electrostatic charge.
• Carbon layer provides measurable reduction in pet and cooking odors for everyday use.
• Durable beverage board frame and metal mesh backing improve longevity and pleat support.

Cons

• Actual dimensions are smaller than nominal size, so careful measuring is required to avoid fit problems.
• Not intended for high-demand environments that require higher MERV levels or stronger carbon adsorption for heavy chemical odors.

Specifications

Product name	Nordic Pure 12x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated Plus Carbon 2 Pack
Nominal size	12 x 20 x 1 in
Actual size	11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in
MERV rating	MERV 8 (equivalent to MPR 800)
Carbon layer	Activated carbon bonded to pleated media for odor control
Frame	Moisture resistant beverage board with metal mesh support
Country of origin	Made in the USA

Our Verdict

The Nordic Pure 12x20x1 MERV 8 Pleated Plus Carbon 2 Pack is a solid value for homeowners who want reliable dust and pollen removal plus everyday odor reduction from pets and cooking. It pairs sturdy construction with electrostatically charged media for effective performance, but buyers should measure for the actual 11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in size to ensure a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this filter reduce pet and cooking smells?
The activated carbon layer helps adsorb light pet and cooking odors, making it effective for everyday household smells but not for eliminating strong chemical fumes.

Is the listed size the exact size I should order?
Check the actual dimensions of 11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in against your filter slot because the nominal size 12 x 20 x 1 in differs from the actual measurements.

Can this filter be used in any furnace or HVAC return?
It is suitable for many furnaces and HVAC systems that accept 1 in nominal filters and where MERV 8 is compatible, but verify your system's filter type and required airflow specifications first.