Owning your first home means tackling maintenance tasks you've never faced before—and nothing catches new homeowners off guard quite like the air filter aisle. If you've got a Maytag HVAC system and you're staring at dozens of filter options without a clue where to start, you're exactly who we built this guide for. After helping millions of homeowners find their perfect filter match, we've learned that the difference between struggling with indoor air quality and breathing easy often comes down to two things: knowing your exact filter size and understanding what MERV rating actually means for your household. Let's break it down together.
TL;DR Quick Answers
Maytag Air Filters
Maytag doesn't manufacture its own air filters—but that's actually good news for your wallet. Filterbuy offers high-quality replacement filters that fit Maytag HVAC systems perfectly, often at a lower cost than brand-name alternatives.
What you need to know:
Just match the size: Check your current filter dimensions (printed on the frame) and find the same size at Filterbuy—we stock 600+ sizes
MERV ratings matter more than brand names: Choose MERV 8 for basic protection, MERV 11 for allergies and pets, or MERV 13 for maximum filtration
Made in the USA: Our filters are manufactured in American facilities with the same commercial-grade quality you'd expect from any major brand
Skip the store run: Fast, free shipping direct to your door—or set up auto-delivery so you never forget a filter change again
Bottom line: You don't need a "Maytag" filter—you need the right size and MERV rating for your home. We'll help you find both.
Top Takeaways
Size first: Verify exact dimensions—nominal ≠ actual
MERV 11: Best balance for most homes
Schedule changes: Clogged filters = +15% energy cost
Skip OEM: Quality aftermarket works equally well
Health matters: 90% of time spent indoors—filtration protects your family
Understanding Your Maytag HVAC System
Maytag HVAC systems are known for reliability and quality construction, but they require specific filter sizes that differ from standard dimensions. Common Maytag filter sizes include 16x22x5, 16x25x5, 20x25x5, and 24x25x5—note that these are nominal sizes, and actual dimensions are slightly smaller. Before purchasing, always check the size printed on your current filter's frame or consult your system's manual. The "5" in these measurements indicates a media filter cabinet, which means your system uses thicker, longer-lasting filters that typically need replacement every 6-12 months rather than the monthly changes required by standard 1-inch filters.
Decoding MERV Ratings: What First-Time Homeowners Need to Know
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value—a standardized scale developed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) that rates filters from 1 to 16 for residential use. Higher numbers mean finer filtration, but that doesn't automatically mean "better" for every home.
MERV 8 filters capture dust, pollen, and dust mites effectively and work well for most households.
MERV 11 adds protection against pet dander, mold spores, and auto emissions—ideal if you have pets or live near busy roads.
MERV 13 filters trap smoke particles, bacteria, and even some viruses, making them excellent for allergy sufferers or households with respiratory concerns.
The EPA recommends MERV 13 for optimal indoor air quality, but always verify your system can handle the airflow resistance before upgrading.
Finding Your Perfect Maytag Filter Size
The quickest way to find your Maytag filter size is to check the existing filter. Look for numbers printed on the cardboard frame—you'll see both nominal size (rounded numbers like 16x25x5) and actual size (precise measurements like 15.38" x 25.50" x 5.25"). If there's no filter currently installed or the printing has worn off, measure the filter cabinet opening with a tape measure and round up to the nearest inch.
Pro tip: Snap a photo of your filter size and keep it in your phone notes—you'll thank yourself the next time you're ordering replacements.
Replacement Schedule & Maintenance Tips
Standard Maytag 5-inch media filters should be replaced every 6-12 months under normal conditions. However, several factors can shorten this timeline:
· Homes with multiple pets may need changes every 3-4 months
· Households with allergy sufferers benefit from more frequent replacement
· Heavy pollen seasons or nearby construction can accelerate filter loading
· Running your system continuously during extreme weather increases particle capture
Set a calendar reminder for quarterly filter checks—a quick visual inspection takes 30 seconds and can prevent costly HVAC repairs down the road. A clean filter also keeps your energy bills in check, as the U.S. Department of Energy notes that proper filter maintenance can reduce HVAC energy consumption by 5-15%.
"After shipping millions of filters directly to homeowners across the country, we've found that most first-time buyers overthink the process. Know your size, pick a MERV rating that matches your household needs, and set up a reminder to check it quarterly—that's really all it takes to protect your family's air and your HVAC investment."
Essential Resources
We've pulled together the resources that actually matter when you're figuring out Maytag air filters—no fluff, just the stuff that'll help you make a smart decision. Whether you need to nail down your exact size, understand what MERV ratings really mean, or just want someone else to remember when it's time for a new filter, these links have you covered.
1. Find Your Exact Maytag Filter Size in Seconds
Browse all Maytag-compatible filter sizes with detailed dimensions and MERV options. Stop guessing—get the exact fit your system needs.
https://filterbuy.com/brand/maytag-air-filters/
2. MERV Rating Explained: Choose the Right Protection Level
Understand what MERV ratings actually mean and which level matches your household's needs—from basic dust protection to allergy defense.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating
3. EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide
Learn why indoor air quality matters and how proper filtration fits into a comprehensive approach to healthier home air.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
4. ENERGY STAR HVAC Maintenance Tips
Government-backed guidance on filter replacement schedules and energy-saving maintenance practices for your heating and cooling system.
https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling
5. Set It and Forget It: Auto-Delivery for Hassle-Free Replacements
Never miss a filter change again. Schedule automatic deliveries at the interval that works for your home and save 5% on every order.
https://filterbuy.com/air-filter-subscription/
6. ASHRAE Filtration Standards & Guidelines
Technical resources from the organization that created the MERV rating system—for homeowners who want to dive deeper into filtration science.
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/filtration-and-disinfection-faq
7. Custom Filter Sizes: When Standard Won't Cut It
Older Maytag systems sometimes require non-standard dimensions. Get precision-cut custom filters made to your exact specifications.
https://filterbuy.com/air-filters/custom/
Supporting Statistics
These aren't just numbers on a page—they reflect what we see every day working with homeowners across the country. When customers tell us their allergies improved after upgrading to MERV 11 filters, or that their energy bills dropped noticeably after establishing a regular replacement schedule, they're experiencing these statistics firsthand.
Indoor time: Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where concentrations of some pollutants can be 2-5 times higher than typical outdoor levels.
Source: EPA Indoor Air Quality Research
Energy impact: Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your HVAC system's energy consumption by 5-15%.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy / ENERGY STAR
Best practice: The EPA and ASHRAE both recommend a minimum filter rating of MERV 13 for optimal particle capture, including bacteria, smoke, and some viruses.
Source: EPA MERV Rating Guide
Final Thoughts & Our Recommendation
Bottom line:
· Know your exact size (check current filter or measure cabinet)
· Match MERV rating to household needs (pets, allergies, etc.)
· Commit to a realistic replacement schedule
Our recommendation:
· Start with MERV 11—best balance of filtration and airflow for most homes
· Use auto-delivery to eliminate the mental load
· Don't overthink it—any quality filter beats a neglected one
FAQ on Maytag Air Filters
Q: What size filter does my Maytag use?
Check your current filter's frame for printed dimensions. Common sizes: 16x22x5, 16x25x5, 20x25x5, 24x25x5.
Q: How often to replace?
Every 6-12 months standard; 3-4 months with pets or allergies.
Q: Which MERV rating?
MERV 8 = basic dust protection | MERV 11 = pets/allergies | MERV 13 = maximum protection
Q: Must I use Maytag brand filters?
No—correct size matters, not brand name. Quality aftermarket filters work equally well.
Q: Where's the filter located?
Return air duct near air handler/furnace; look for rectangular access panel.
Ready to Breathe Easier in Your New Home?
Finding the right Maytag air filter is simpler than you think—and it starts with knowing your size. Browse our complete selection of Maytag-compatible air filters, choose your MERV rating, and set up auto-delivery so you never have to think about it again.
Learn more about HVAC Care from one of our HVAC solutions branches…
Filterbuy HVAC Solutions - Miami FL - Air Conditioning Service
1300 S Miami Ave Apt 4806 Miami FL 33130
(305) 306-5027
