Nordic Pure 14x20x1 Pure Carbon Pleated Odor Reduction Filters

In this review the Nordic Pure 14x20x1 Pure Carbon Pleated Odor Reduction filters are evaluated for homeowners and small business operators who want an affordable way to reduce odors and improve indoor air quality. The bottom line: these filters combine an activated charcoal media with a pleated design to absorb odors and VOCs while capturing everyday airborne particles, making them a solid choice for apartments, residences, or as a pre-filter in commercial HVAC systems where odor control matters most.

Key Features

• Absorbs odors: The activated carbon media is infused with naturally derived charcoal to reduce common household smells and VOCs in indoor air.
• Pleated design: The pleats provide increased carbon surface area so the filter holds more odor-absorbing media without severely restricting airflow.
• MERV 8 efficiency: Approximately MERV 8 performance captures common airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander while preserving HVAC airflow.
• Durable construction: A heavy duty, moisture-resistant beverage board frame and metal mesh support grid keep the pleats stable through use.
• Multipurpose use: Suitable as a stand-alone residential filter or as a pre-filter in higher-efficiency commercial systems to help control smells before HEPA stages.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured domestically for consistent quality and materials sourcing.

Who It's For

The Nordic Pure carbon pleated filter is best for residential customers living in apartments or houses who want to reduce cooking, pet, or musty odors while also filtering dust and pollen. It is also practical for small businesses and light commercial settings that need an odor-control layer before higher-efficiency filtration.

Customers who require hospital-grade filtration, very high MERV ratings, or exact factory-spec replacement sizes should look elsewhere; this filter is approximately MERV 8 and some buyers reported the actual dimension is fractionally smaller than nominal, so check fitting tolerances before purchase.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective odor reduction from activated carbon while maintaining good airflow.
• Pleated construction increases carbon media per filter for longer odor control life.
• Sturdy beverage board frame and mesh support resist moisture and sagging.
• Made in the USA, offering dependable manufacturing consistency.

Cons

• Actual size is 13 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4, and some customers note the filter can be fractionally too small for tight-fit slots.
• Approximate MERV 8 means it is not suitable where higher filtration efficiency is required.

Specifications

Nominal Size	14 x 20 x 1 in
Actual Size	13 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in
Filter Type	Pleated activated carbon odor reduction
Efficiency	Approximately MERV 8
Frame	Heavy duty moisture resistant beverage board
Support	Metal mesh grid bonded to pleats
Quantity	12 pack

Our Verdict

The Nordic Pure 14x20x1 Pure Carbon filters are a cost-effective option for anyone wanting reliable odor reduction and routine particle capture without sacrificing airflow. They represent good value for apartments, homes, and as pre-filters in commercial systems, provided the nominal-to-actual size difference is acceptable for the intended filter slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these filters compatible with standard 14 x 20 x 1 slots?
They are nominally 14 x 20 x 1 but the actual size is 13 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3/4 in, so measure the slot and allow for a small clearance before installation.

Do these filters remove odors and VOCs?
Yes, the media is infused with activated carbon designed to absorb common odors and some VOCs while the pleated design increases contact area.

Can these be used in commercial HVAC?
They can serve as a pre-filter in higher-efficiency commercial systems to reduce odors before secondary filtration stages, but they are approximately MERV 8 and not a substitute for high-efficiency final filters.