Nordic Pure 12x20x1 Pure Carbon Pleated Odor Reduction Filters - 24

Our review of the Nordic Pure 12x20x1 Pure Carbon Pleated Odor Reduction Furnace Air Filters finds them best for homeowners and light commercial users who need a simple, affordable way to reduce odors and airborne particles. The single biggest reason to buy is the activated carbon media: the pleated design contains roughly three times as much carbon per filter compared with a typical flat carbon pad, which helps absorb common household odors and VOCs while maintaining airflow. This pack of 24 offers a practical balance of value and routine maintenance for apartments or as pre-filters in HVAC setups.

Key Features

• Pleated carbon media: The pleated design increases activated carbon surface area to capture odors and VOCs more effectively than non-pleated carbon filters.
• MERV 8 efficiency: Approximately MERV 8 rating provides reliable capture of dust and pollen without overly restricting airflow in most residential systems.
• Durable construction: A moisture-resistant beverage board frame and bonded metal mesh support grid keep the pleats stable and prevent sagging during use.
• Non-woven base media: The polyester base media resists mold and bacterial growth so the filter stays sanitary for its service interval.
• Made in the USA: Domestic manufacturing helps ensure consistent build quality across the 24-pack supply.
• Nominal and actual sizing: Labeled as 12 x 20 x 1 nominal with actual dimensions of 11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 which is important for fit checks.

Who It's For

The filters are a good match for residential customers in apartments or single-family homes who want odor reduction alongside basic particle removal, and for industrial or commercial users seeking a carbon pre-filter ahead of higher-efficiency equipment. They work well for rooms with cooking, pet, or mild chemical odors and for users who replace filters on a regular schedule.

Those who need high-efficiency filtration for allergy or medical-grade air cleaning should look for a higher MERV or HEPA-rated solution; similarly, anyone with nonstandard filter slots should measure carefully because the actual size is 11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 and some buyers reported size confusion.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective odor reduction from the concentrated activated carbon media in a pleated design.
• Good balance of particle capture and airflow with an approximate MERV 8 efficiency level.
• Solid build with moisture-resistant frame and metal support grid for durability.
• Value pack of 24 provides long-term supply and lower per-filter cost.

Cons

• Actual dimensions are slightly smaller than nominal size, and a few customers reported fit concerns when they did not measure their slot first.
• Not intended as a replacement for high-efficiency HEPA filtration where medical-grade air cleaning is required.

Specifications

Brand	Nordic Pure
Nominal size	12 x 20 x 1 in
Actual size	11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in
Pack quantity	24 filters
Filter media	Pleated polyester with activated carbon
Frame	Moisture-resistant beverage board with metal mesh support
Efficiency rating	Approximately MERV 8

Our Verdict

The Nordic Pure 12x20x1 Pure Carbon pleated filters are a practical, cost-effective option for homeowners and businesses that need routine odor control and basic particle removal. With a sturdy build, concentrated carbon media and a 24-pack value, they make sense as a stand-alone residential filter or as a pre-filter in higher-efficiency systems, provided buyers confirm the actual dimensions before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these filters remove cooking and pet odors?
Yes. The activated carbon in the pleats is designed to absorb common cooking and pet odors as well as some VOCs.

Do these fit a 12 x 20 x 1 slot?
They are labeled nominally as 12 x 20 x 1, but the actual size is 11 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in, so measure your slot to ensure a proper fit.

Can these replace a HEPA filter?
No. These are approximately MERV 8 and are suitable for odor control and basic particle capture, but they do not provide the same level of fine-particle filtration as HEPA.