AprilAire 410 vs 413 (and 210 vs 213): Which Media Filter Should You Use?

The AprilAire 410 is a MERV 11 filter and the AprilAire 413 is a MERV 13 filter; both are 16 x 25 x 4 nominal, fit the same AprilAire cabinets and are changed every 12 months, according to AprilAire. The 413 captures more small particles, per the EPA's MERV efficiency bands, so choose the highest MERV your system can handle. AprilAire is now replacing both with its TriPure UK411 and UK413 kits.

AprilAire 410 vs 413 Side by Side

The AprilAire 410 and 413 differ only in MERV rating: the 410 is MERV 11 and the 413 is MERV 13, with identical dimensions and cabinet fit. AprilAire also lists the 413 for its UV14 and UV24 units. Table 1 compares them with the 416 and the new UK413.

MERV rating and what each captures

The AprilAire 410 is rated MERV 11 and, per AprilAire, removes up to 96% of dust, pollen and common allergens. AprilAire says the MERV 13 413 removes up to 97% of common allergens and 92% of viruses, based on ASHRAE 52.2 testing. If you're comparing other 4-inch MERV 13 filter options, see our MERV 13 filter collection.

Size: nominal 16 x 25 x 4 vs actual dimensions

The AprilAire 410 and 413 are both 16 x 25 x 4 nominal, but their actual size is 16.52 x 29.38 x 4 inches, according to AprilAire. The actual width of 29.38 inches is far wider than the nominal 25. That's why a generic 16x25x4 filter won't fit an AprilAire cabinet.

Which cabinets each filter fits

The AprilAire 410 and 413 both fit the 1410, 1610, 2410, 2416, 3410 and 4400 cabinets, per AprilAire. Older 2140, 2400 and Space-Gard 2400 cabinets take them with Upgrade Kit 1413. DFS carries a 410 filter listing for these cabinets.

Table 1 puts the four filters for this cabinet family side by side. The UK413 needs AprilAire's upgrade rails.

Table 1. AprilAire 410 vs 413 vs 416 vs UK413

The 410, 413 and 416 share one cabinet list. The UK413 fits the 1410, 1610, 2140, 2400, 2410, 2416, 3410 and 4400 once the upgrade rails are installed.

MERV 11 vs MERV 13 vs MERV 16: What the Numbers Mean

A higher MERV number means a filter captures a larger share of small particles, according to the US EPA's MERV efficiency table. The biggest jump between MERV 11 and MERV 13 is in the smallest size band. Table 2 shows the EPA's minimum efficiencies.

EPA efficiency bands by particle size

The EPA's MERV table shows a MERV 11 filter captures at least 20% of 0.3–1 micron particles, while a MERV 13 filter captures at least 50%. At larger sizes, the gap narrows. MERV 11 is also widely sold in other sizes; see our MERV 11 filter collection.

Table 2. EPA MERV Efficiency Bands (Minimum Capture)

Where the AprilAire 416 fits in

The AprilAire 416 is a MERV 16 filter that fits the same cabinets and size as the 410 and 413, but it must be replaced every 6 months. AprilAire says it traps up to 99% of airborne allergy and asthma triggers. That higher capture comes with twice as many filter changes per year.

Airflow: choosing the highest MERV your system can handle

The EPA advises choosing as high a MERV rating as your system fan and filter slot can accommodate. AprilAire doesn't publish airflow resistance figures for the 410 or 413. MERV 13 media can add resistance, so ask a technician to check your system if you're unsure.

How Long Each Filter Lasts and the TriPure Change

AprilAire says its MERV 10, 11 and 13 filters should be changed annually, and its MERV 16 and MERV 13 + Carbon filters every six months. AprilAire is also phasing out the 4-inch 410 and 413 in favor of TriPure kits. ENERGY STAR's general advice is to inspect air filters monthly.

12 months for MERV 10, 11 and 13; 6 months for MERV 16 and carbon

The AprilAire 410 and 413 both last 12 months, while the 416 lasts 6 months, under AprilAire's interval rule. AprilAire's MERV 13 + Carbon filters, such as the 413CBN, also follow the 6-month schedule. Check the filter monthly, as ENERGY STAR recommends for any HVAC filter.

AprilAire is sunsetting the 4-inch 410 and 413

AprilAire is sunsetting its 4-inch 410, 413, 210, 213, 310 and 313 filters in favor of TriPure UK kits. AprilAire describes the UK413 as the filter that replaces the sunsetting 413. The matching kits are the UK411, UK413, UK211, UK213, UK311 and UK313.

What the UK413 upgrade kit includes

The AprilAire UK413 upgrade kit includes a new 3-inch MERV 13 TriPure filter plus free one-time upgrade rails for your cabinet. AprilAire rates it for up to 12 months and claims up to 30% lower airflow resistance than leading brands. Once your cabinet is converted, use the UK-series filter listed for it.

The Same Choice in Other AprilAire Families

The same MERV 11 vs MERV 13 choice applies across AprilAire's 2xx, 3xx and 5xx filter families, each sized for its own cabinets. Table 3 maps each family. Always confirm against the list inside your cabinet door.

210 vs 213 (20 x 25 cabinets)

The AprilAire 210 is MERV 11 and the 213 is MERV 13, and both fit the 1210, 1620, 2210, 2216, 3210 and 4200 cabinets. The 2120 and 2200 take them with Upgrade Kit 1213, and AprilAire also lists the UV12 and UV22. DFS stocks an AprilAire 210 replacement filter for these cabinets.

310, 513 and the 201 (Space-Gard 2200)

The AprilAire 310 is a MERV 11 filter for the 1310, 2310, 3310 and 4300, and the 513 is a MERV 13 filter for the 1510 and 2516. The 201 is MERV 10 and fits the Space-Gard 2200 and 2250. AprilAire rates the 201 for 12–24 months, or 12 months if the fan runs continuously.

How to read your filter number

In AprilAire's 2xx–5xx families, filters ending in 10 are MERV 11 and filters ending in 13 are MERV 13, but confirm on the cabinet door. The pattern isn't a universal rule: the 201 is MERV 10. AprilAire lists every compatible filter inside the cabinet door and on the white sticker on the filter's black rail.

Table 3. AprilAire Filter Family Finder

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the AprilAire 413 if your system can handle MERV 13, and the 410 if a technician advises the lower-resistance MERV 11. The 416 suits homes focused on allergy triggers that accept twice-yearly changes. Table 4 sums up the choice.

Choose the 413 when…

Choose the AprilAire 413 when you want more small-particle capture and your system can accommodate MERV 13. Per the EPA, MERV 13 captures at least 50% of the smallest particles versus 20% for MERV 11. It fits the same cabinets and lasts the same 12 months.

Choose the 410 when…

Choose the AprilAire 410 when a technician recommends MERV 11 for your system's fan. The EPA's guidance is to use the highest rating your system can accommodate. If you're unsure, have your system checked before upgrading.

Genuine vs comparable filters

Genuine AprilAire filters and comparable filters can both be listed for AprilAire cabinets, so check that any filter's listing names your cabinet model. Match the actual dimensions too, not just the nominal size. Your cabinet door lists AprilAire's own compatible filter numbers.

Table 4. Decision Matrix

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a 413 fit where my 410 was?

Yes, an AprilAire 413 fits wherever a 410 was installed, because AprilAire lists both for the same cabinets with identical dimensions. Both measure 16.52 x 29.38 x 4 inches actual. The 413 is MERV 13 instead of MERV 11, and both are changed every 12 months.

Is the AprilAire 413 discontinued?

AprilAire describes the 413 as sunsetting and is replacing it with the TriPure UK413 kit. The UK413 is a 3-inch MERV 13 filter that comes with free one-time upgrade rails. AprilAire hasn't published an end date, so check availability for your cabinet.

Can I use a generic 16x25x4 filter in an AprilAire cabinet?

No, a generic 16x25x4 filter won't fit a 4xx AprilAire cabinet, because the AprilAire 410 and 413 actually measure 16.52 x 29.38 x 4 inches. The nominal 25-inch width is much smaller than the real 29.38 inches. Use a filter listed for your cabinet model.

How often should I change an AprilAire 416?

Change an AprilAire 416 every 6 months, according to AprilAire. AprilAire's rule is that MERV 16 and MERV 13 + Carbon filters are changed every six months. The 410 and 413 last 12 months in the same cabinets.

Where do I find my compatible filter number?

AprilAire lists all compatible filters inside your air purifier cabinet door. You'll also find the filter number on the white sticker on the filter's black rail. Check both before ordering, especially if your cabinet has been converted with TriPure rails.

Sources

• AprilAire: 410, 413, 416, 210, 213, 201, 310 and 513 product pages; UK413 upgrade kit page

• AprilAire, Air Purifiers and Air Filters FAQs (intervals, filter number location)

• US EPA, "What is a MERV rating?"

• ENERGY STAR, Maintenance Checklist