Nordic Pure 20x24x4 Pleated Plus Carbon Air Filters MERV 8 - Odor

In this review the Nordic Pure 20x24x4 Pleated Plus Carbon air filter is evaluated for homeowners who want better indoor air quality and odor control without heavy airflow restriction. The bottom line: this filter is best for those who need to reduce pet and cooking smells while maintaining reliable particle filtration. It combines a MERV 8 filter material fused to an activated carbon layer to trap odorous gases and vapors, and its construction aims to preserve airflow while offering about 33% more surface area than standard pleats.

Key Features

• Dual material construction: A MERV 8 filtering layer fused with an activated carbon layer provides both particle filtration and odor adsorption in one unit.
• Actual sizing guidance: The filter lists both nominal 20 x 24 x 4 and actual dimensions 19 3/8 x 23 3/8 x 3 5/8 so customers can measure their slot and ensure proper fit before purchase.
• Improved surface area: The pleated design delivers roughly 33% more surface area, which helps keep airflow steady while increasing contaminant capture.
• Odor control: The activated carbon attracts and holds VOCs, making the filter useful for homes with pets or regular cooking odors.
• Sturdy build: A heavy duty, moisture resistant beverage board frame and bonded metal mesh support give the filter extra durability in HVAC systems.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured domestically, which may matter to buyers looking for local production and quality control.

Who It's For

This filter is aimed at homeowners with forced-air HVAC systems who want a clear improvement in smell control and a reliable particle filter without the airflow penalties of higher MERV ratings. It is well suited to households with pets, frequent cooking, or mild odor concerns where MERV 8 level filtration and activated carbon are appropriate.

It is not the best choice for those needing hospital-grade filtration or removing ultrafine particles; users who require higher than MERV 8 performance or specialized allergen control should consider higher-rated options. Also, always compare the actual dimensions to your filter slot before ordering to avoid fit issues.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective at combining particle filtration with odor adsorption thanks to the activated carbon layer.
• Sturdy frame and metal mesh support improve durability and maintain pleat integrity under airflow.
• Good balance of filtration and airflow due to increased pleated surface area, making it HVAC-friendly.
• Made in the USA, which may appeal to buyers seeking domestic manufacturing.

Cons

• Some customers report the actual dimensions differ from the nominal 20 x 24 x 4, so careful measurement is required before purchase.
• MERV 8 is not sufficient for users who need near-medical filtration or capture of the smallest particles.

Specifications

Nominal Size	20 x 24 x 4 in
Actual Size	19 3/8 x 23 3/8 x 3 5/8 in
MERV Rating	MERV 8 (equivalent to MPR 800)
Filter Type	Pleated plus carbon (activated carbon layer)
Frame	Heavy duty, moisture resistant beverage board
Support	Metal mesh support grid bonded to pleats
Origin	Made in the USA

Our Verdict

The Nordic Pure 20x24x4 Pleated Plus Carbon filter is a solid, cost-effective choice for homeowners who want both odor control and dependable particle filtration without sacrificing airflow. It delivers good build quality, useful carbon adsorption for pet and kitchen smells, and clear size information - just measure the filter slot to confirm the actual dimensions match before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this filter reduce pet and cooking odors?
The activated carbon layer is designed to adsorb odorous gases and vapors, so it can noticeably reduce pet and cooking smells compared with non-carbon pleated filters.

Does MERV 8 provide strong particle filtration?
MERV 8 captures common household airborne particles and is equivalent to MPR 800; it is effective for general home use but not intended for medical-grade filtration of the smallest particles.

Do these filters fit standard 20 x 24 x 4 slots?
Nominal size is 20 x 24 x 4, but the actual dimensions are 19 3/8 x 23 3/8 x 3 5/8 in, so measure your filter slot and compare to the actual size to ensure a proper fit.