Carrier Furnace Filter Size by Model Number: Find Your Exact Replacement Filter

Last Updated: March 2026 | Need help? Call us at 910-401-3910

Can't figure out which filter fits your Carrier furnace? You're not alone. Unlike brands that use a simple 1-inch return vent filter, most Carrier systems use a dedicated filter cabinet mounted to the furnace — and that cabinet determines which replacement filter you need, not the furnace model number itself.

This guide walks you through exactly how to identify your Carrier filter cabinet, match it to the correct replacement filter, and avoid the most common ordering mistakes.

Quick Answer: How Carrier Filter Sizing Works

Here's what trips most people up: your Carrier furnace model number does NOT directly tell you your filter size. Instead, you need to find the model number on your filter cabinet — the metal box attached to or installed near your furnace where the filter slides in.

Your Carrier system likely has one of these four filter setups:

Don't know which one you have? Keep reading — we'll show you exactly how to find out.

Step 1: Locate Your Filter Cabinet Model Number

Walk to your furnace and look for a metal cabinet or box attached to it. This is where your filter slides in. On the front or side of this cabinet, you'll find a sticker or label with a model number.

Where to look:

• On the front door of the cabinet (most common)
• On the side panel near the top
• Inside the cabinet door
• On the furnace itself if there is no separate cabinet (you likely use a standard return vent filter)

The first few letters of the cabinet model number tell you everything you need to know.

Step 2: Match Your Cabinet to the Right Filter

Carrier Infinity Air Purifier — GAPAAXCC Cabinets → GAPCCCAR Filters

The Infinity Air Purifier is Carrier's premium whole-house air cleaning system. It uses MERV 15 media filters with Carrier's proprietary Captures and Kills™ technology that electrically inactivates trapped bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.

How to identify: Your cabinet model number starts with GAPAAXCC followed by four digits indicating size.

Reading the model number: The last four digits tell you the nominal size. GAPAAXCC1625 = 16×25 size. GAPAAXCC2025 = 20×25 size.

Shop Carrier Infinity MERV 15 Filters →

Carrier Performance Air Purifier — PGAPAXX / DGAPAXX Cabinets → PGAPXCAR / AGAPXCAR Filters

The Performance Series Germicidal Air Purifier uses MERV 13 cartridge filters. These are thinner than Infinity filters and include metallic foil tabs that activate the cabinet's ionization array.

How to identify: Your cabinet model number starts with PGAPAXX or DGAPAXX followed by four digits.

PGAPXCAR vs. AGAPXCAR — What's the difference? Nothing. They are the same filter. Carrier is transitioning from the PGAPXCAR part number prefix to AGAPXCAR. If your current filter says PGAPXCAR2025 on the frame, AGAPXCAR2025 is the identical replacement, and vice versa.

Shop All Carrier Performance PGAPXCAR / AGAPXCAR Filters →

Carrier EZ Flex Cabinet — EZXCAB → EXPXXFIL Filters

The EZ Flex is Carrier's expandable media filter cabinet. It's a common add-on installed by HVAC contractors during furnace installation. EZ Flex filters expand like an accordion when inserted into the cabinet.

How to identify: Your cabinet model number starts with EZXCAB. The cabinet also has a "month indicator" dial on the front to track filter changes.

Upgrading your EZ Flex filter: If your cabinet currently has MERV 10 filters (EXPXXFIL0016 or EXPXXFIL0020), you can upgrade to MERV 13 (EXPXXFIL0316 or EXPXXFIL0320) without any modifications. Same cabinet, same dimensions, better filtration.

How often to replace: Carrier recommends replacing EZ Flex filters every 6–12 months depending on household conditions. Homes with pets, allergies, or nearby construction should change closer to 6 months.

Shop Carrier EZ Flex Filters →

Standard Return Vent Filters (No Cabinet)

If your Carrier furnace does not have a separate filter cabinet, you use a standard return vent filter. These are the flat or pleated filters that slide into a slot in the return air duct or at the furnace air intake.

How to find your size:

1. Remove your current filter and read the size printed on the frame (example: 20×20×1)
2. If no size is printed, measure the length, width, and depth and round up to the nearest inch
3. That rounded number is your nominal size — the size you order by

Standard filters are available in MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 at Atomic Filters.

Shop Standard Air Filters by Size → | Use Our Filter Size Chart →

Carrier Furnace Model Numbers and Compatible Filter Cabinets

While the furnace model number doesn't directly tell you the filter size, it does tell you which filter cabinets are compatible with your system. Here are common Carrier furnace models and the filter cabinets typically paired with them.

Carrier Infinity Series Furnaces

These top-of-line furnaces are most commonly paired with the Infinity Air Purifier (GAPAAXCC) cabinet or the EZ Flex (EZXCAB) cabinet.

Carrier Performance Series Furnaces

Performance Series furnaces are commonly paired with the Performance Air Purifier (PGAPAXX) cabinet or the EZ Flex (EZXCAB).

Carrier Comfort Series Furnaces

Comfort Series furnaces typically use the EZ Flex (EZXCAB) or standard return vent filters.

How to Find the Model Number on Your Current Carrier Filter

If you already have a filter and just need to reorder, here's where to find the model number:

Infinity (GAPCCCAR) filters: The part number is printed on a large label on the filter frame. Look for "GAPCCCAR" followed by the four-digit size code.

Performance (PGAPXCAR/AGAPXCAR) filters: These can be tricky. The part number is usually printed near the end of the filter frame — not on the main center sticker. Look for the full model number including the size digits (example: AGAPXCAR1625-A02). The "-A02" suffix indicates the generation and is interchangeable.

EZ Flex (EXPXXFIL) filters: The part number is printed on the filter's cardboard frame. Look for "EXPXXFIL" followed by four digits.

Standard filters: Look for the nominal dimensions printed on the frame (example: 16×25×1).

Carrier vs. Bryant: Are the Filters Interchangeable?

Yes — in most cases. Carrier and Bryant are both manufactured by Carrier Global Corporation, and their filter cabinets and filters are cross-compatible:

If you have a Bryant furnace, the same filter lookup logic applies. Check your Bryant filter cabinet model number and use the tables above to find your replacement filter.

Read our full Bryant Furnace Filter Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an Infinity or Performance air purifier cabinet?

Check the label on your filter cabinet door. Infinity cabinets start with GAPAAXCC and use thicker filters (3-5/8"). Performance cabinets start with PGAPAXX or DGAPAXX and use thinner cartridges (~2.6"). The filters are NOT interchangeable between these two cabinet types.

Can I use a generic filter in my Carrier air purifier cabinet?

For Infinity (GAPAAXCC) and Performance (PGAPAXX) cabinets, you must use filters specifically designed for that cabinet. Standard furnace filters will not fit correctly and will allow unfiltered air to bypass the filter. We carry both genuine Carrier OEM filters and Atomic Compatible alternatives — like our Compatible PGAPXCAR2025 and Compatible AGAPXCAR1625 — that are designed to fit these specific cabinets at up to 40% less.

What does the "-A02" at the end of my filter part number mean?

The suffix (like -A02) indicates the filter generation or revision. Carrier periodically updates these suffixes, but the filters remain compatible. PGAPXCAR2025-A02 and AGAPXCAR2025-A02 are the same filter.

How often should I replace my Carrier whole-house filter?

• Infinity MERV 15 (GAPCCCAR): Every 12 months
• Performance MERV 13 (PGAPXCAR/AGAPXCAR): Every 8–12 months
• EZ Flex MERV 10/13 (EXPXXFIL): Every 6–12 months
• Standard 1" filters: Every 30–90 days depending on MERV rating and household conditions

My HVAC contractor installed my system — how do I find out what filter I need?

Call your contractor and ask for the filter cabinet model number. If you can't reach them, check the label on the cabinet attached to your furnace, or call us at 910-401-3910 with your furnace model number and any numbers you can find on the cabinet. We'll help you identify the correct filter.

I have a Carrier Cor thermostat — does that affect which filter I need?

No. The thermostat is separate from the filter system. The Cor thermostat can send filter change reminders, but the filter you need is determined by your filter cabinet, not your thermostat model.

What is the difference between PGAPXCAR and AGAPXCAR?

There is no difference. They are the same filter. Carrier is transitioning from the PGAPXCAR part number prefix to AGAPXCAR. If your current filter says PGAPXCAR2025 on the frame, AGAPXCAR2025 is the identical replacement, and vice versa.

Are Carrier and Bryant furnace filters interchangeable?

Yes. Carrier and Bryant are both manufactured by Carrier Global Corporation. Their filter cabinets and filters are cross-compatible. Carrier GAPCCCAR filters fit Bryant GABBXCC cabinets and vice versa. PGAPXCAR and EXPXXFIL filters are identical between both brands. Payne furnaces also use the same filter systems.

Still Not Sure? We're Here to Help.

Finding the right Carrier replacement filter shouldn't be this complicated — but with three different cabinet systems and dozens of furnace models, we understand the confusion. Here's what you can do:

📞 Call us at 910-401-3910 — Tell us your furnace model number, cabinet model number, or the part number on your current filter, and we'll identify the exact replacement you need.

📧 Email info@atomicfilters.com — Send us a photo of your filter cabinet label or current filter and we'll match it.

🔍 Use our search — Enter any Carrier filter part number (like PGAPXCAR2025, GAPCCCAR1625, or EXPXXFIL0020) in our search bar to find your filter immediately.