Aerostar vs Filterbuy Air Filters
An honest, side-by-side look at pricing, quality, and value - updated April 2026
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Aerostar (AFD) | Filterbuy |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Discount | 8% off every order BEST | 5% off |
| MERV Options | MERV 8, 11, 13 | MERV 8, 11, 13 |
| Filter Depths | 1", 2", 4", 5" | 1", 2", 4", 5" |
| Custom Sizes | Yes - 1/8" precision, cut in-house | Yes - 1/8" precision |
| Shipping | Free (continental US) | Free (continental US) |
| Return Policy | 30 days | 90 days BEST |
| Made in USA | Yes - Orlando, FL (Con-Air) | Yes - USA manufactured |
| Odor/Carbon Filters | Not currently offered | Activated carbon line |
| Bulk Pricing (1") | ~$6-7/unit in 6-packs | ~$7-9/unit in 4-packs |
| 5" Whole-House | Aprilaire, Honeywell compatible | Aprilaire, Honeywell compatible |
Where Filterbuy Has the Edge
Filterbuy offers a 90-day return window (vs our 30 days) and carries an activated carbon filter line for odor control. If you need carbon filters or want a longer return period, Filterbuy is a reasonable choice. We compete on subscription savings, bulk pricing, and the fact that every Aerostar filter ships from the same Orlando facility where it was manufactured.
Need a Custom Size?
We cut filters to the nearest 1/8" at our Orlando facility.
Build Your Own FilterSubscription Savings: 8% vs 5%
This is the single biggest differentiator between the two brands. Aerostar's Subscribe & Save program takes 8% off every recurring order. Filterbuy offers 5%. On a household that spends $150/year on filters, that gap adds up to roughly $4.50 more in your pocket each year - and it compounds if you manage multiple properties.
Both programs let you pick your delivery frequency (every 1, 2, 3, or 6 months), and both let you cancel anytime. No contracts, no commitments. The difference is simply how much you save while the filters show up on schedule.
For landlords, property managers, and Airbnb hosts buying in bulk, the 8% discount stacks on top of already-lower per-unit pricing. A 6-pack of 1" MERV 8 filters through Aerostar's subscription typically runs $36-42, depending on size.
MERV Ratings: What Each Brand Offers
Both Aerostar and Filterbuy sell pleated filters in MERV 8, 11, and 13. The filtration media is synthetic in both cases, and select models use an electrostatic charge to improve particle capture. For most homeowners, MERV 8 handles dust, pollen, and lint. MERV 11 adds pet dander and finer allergens. MERV 13 can capture some bacteria, smoke particles, and virus carriers - the standard that gained popularity after 2020.
Pressure Drop and System Compatibility
Every step up in MERV rating adds static pressure. That's not a flaw - it's physics. Denser media catches smaller particles, but air has to work harder to pass through. If your return grille whistles after switching from a fiberglass filter to MERV 13, the filter isn't defective. Your ductwork is undersized for that level of filtration.
If you're unsure which MERV level your system can handle, start with MERV 8 and work up. Your HVAC tech can measure static pressure at the return to give you a definitive answer.
Custom Sizing
Both brands offer custom-cut filters to the nearest 1/8 inch. The difference is supply chain. When you order a custom Aerostar filter from Air Filters Delivered, it's cut and assembled at Con-Air Industries' facility at 4157 Seaboard Rd in Orlando, then shipped from that same building. There's no third-party fulfillment center in the middle.
Custom filters are non-returnable at both companies - that's standard across the industry because they're cut to your exact specs. Measure your existing filter (the actual size printed on the frame, not the opening) and order that number. If you measure the grille opening instead, your filter will be too large.
Which Brand Fits Your Situation?
Choose Aerostar if you:
Want the highest subscription discount (8%), prefer factory-direct pricing from the manufacturer, need a custom-cut filter for a non-standard opening, or manage multiple properties and need bulk logistics.
Choose Filterbuy if you:
Want a longer return window (90 days), need activated carbon filters for odor control, or prefer their specific brand packaging and experience. Both brands make solid filters - the "right" answer depends on what you prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Aerostar filters the same quality as Filterbuy?
Both brands use synthetic pleated media, manufactured in the USA. Select models use electrostatic charge for improved particle capture. Aerostar filters are made by Filtration Group (now part of Parker Hannifin) - the same company that supplies filters to commercial and industrial clients. Quality is comparable across MERV ratings.
Why is Aerostar's return policy shorter?
Aerostar offers 30 days vs Filterbuy's 90. The shorter window reflects the reality that air filters stored improperly can warp and degrade. If a filter arrives damaged in shipping, the team handles replacements immediately - usually without requiring a return.
Can I get a custom size from Air Filters Delivered?
Yes. The Build Your Own Filter tool lets you specify dimensions to the nearest 1/8 inch. Custom filters are cut at the Orlando facility and typically ship within a few business days. They're sold in case quantities (usually 6-packs) and are non-returnable.
Is the 8% subscription discount worth it?
On a typical household spending $100-200/year on filters, the 8% discount saves $8-16 annually. The bigger value is convenience: filters show up on schedule so you never run a dirty filter past its lifespan. You can pause or cancel anytime.
Do Aerostar filters work with my HVAC system?
Aerostar filters are standard-sized replacements that fit any residential HVAC system using the same dimensions. Compatible with Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Honeywell, Aprilaire, and others. If your system takes a 16x25x1 filter, an Aerostar 16x25x1 drops right in.
Ready to Try Aerostar?
Factory-direct pricing. Free shipping. 8% off with Subscribe & Save.
Shop All Filters Build Custom FilterLast updated April 2026. Competitor data sourced from public websites. Prices and policies may change.