Your Trion Air Bear model number holds the key to ordering the right replacement filter—but finding it isn't always intuitive. After helping thousands of homeowners identify their Air Bear filter sizes, we've mapped exactly where Trion places model information on every cabinet type. This guide cuts through the confusion with specific location instructions for Supreme, Cub, and Right Angle units, plus a quick decoder for translating model numbers like 455602-225 or 259112-105 into your actual filter dimensions.
Quick Answers: Trion Air Bear Air Filters
What are they? Trion Air Bear filters are 5-inch deep pleated media filters designed for whole-house HVAC air cleaning systems. Manufactured since 1947, they use electrostatically charged synthetic media with radial pleating to capture particles down to 1 micron.
Standard sizes: 16x25x5, 20x20x5, 20x25x5
MERV options: MERV 8 (standard), MERV 11 (superior), MERV 13 (optimal)
Cabinet types: Air Bear Supreme, Air Bear Cub, Air Bear Right Angle
Replacement interval: Every 6-12 months
Key advantage: Over 10x more efficient than standard 1-inch filters with higher dirt-holding capacity and longer service life.
Top Takeaways
✓ Model number location varies by cabinet type – check access door (Supreme), side panel (Cub), or end cap (Right Angle)
✓ Air Bear systems use three standard filter sizes: 16x25x5, 20x20x5, and 20x25x5—all with 5-inch depth
✓ Model numbers decode to filter specs: numbers like 255649-102 or 455602-225 indicate dimensions and MERV rating
✓ Wrong filter size impacts efficiency and protection: dirty or improperly fitted filters can increase energy costs by 15%
✓ Indoor air quality matters: with 90% of time spent indoors and pollutant levels 2-5x higher inside, proper filtration protects your family's health
Where to Find Your Air Bear Model Number
Every Trion Air Bear unit has a rating plate containing your model number, serial number, and key specifications. On Air Bear Supreme models, check the front access door panel—the label is typically positioned in the upper left corner when you open the cabinet. For Air Bear Cub units, look along the side panel near the filter access opening. Right-angle models place this information on the end cap panel opposite the filter insertion side.
Decoding Your Model Number
Trion model numbers follow a consistent format that tells you everything about your filter requirements. A number like 455602-225 breaks down as follows: the first six digits identify the cabinet series and configuration, while the suffix indicates the filter size and MERV rating. Common model patterns include 255649-102 (20x25x5 MERV 8), 259112-105 (16x25x5 MERV 11), and 455602-225 (20x20x5 MERV 8). The filter cartridge itself also displays sizing information—look for dimensions printed directly on the existing filter frame if the cabinet label is worn or missing.
Common Air Bear Filter Sizes
Air Bear systems primarily use three standard filter sizes:
• 16x25x5 – Air Bear Supreme 1400 and Air Bear Cub models
• 20x20x5 – Air Bear Supreme 2000 compact cabinet
• 20x25x5 – Air Bear Supreme 2000 and Right Angle models
All Air Bear filters feature 5-inch deep media with radial pleating and electrostatically charged synthetic material—this combination captures particles down to 1 micron while maintaining excellent airflow through your HVAC system.
"After manufacturing air filters for over a decade and helping millions of customers find the right fit, we've learned that the most common mistake homeowners make is guessing at filter sizes rather than checking the model number. That two-minute investment in locating the correct model saves hours of dealing with returns, poor filtration, or worse—damage to your HVAC system from an improperly fitting filter."
Essential Resources on Trion Air Bear Air Filters
Don't take your indoor air for granted! These resources will help you make informed decisions about your Air Bear filtration system.
1. Official Air Bear Product Specifications
Get factory-direct specs including CFM ratings, MERV levels, and exact dimensions for every Air Bear model. https://www.airbear.com/
2. Air Bear Owner's Manual PDF
Download the complete installation and maintenance guide with diagrams showing exact model number locations. https://electronicaircleaners.com/docs/trion_airbear_owners.pdf
3. EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide
Understand why proper filtration matters—indoor pollutant levels can be 2-5x higher than outdoors. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
4. ASHRAE MERV Rating Standards
Compare MERV 8, 11, and 13 filtration efficiency standards to choose the right protection level for your home's specific needs. https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/filtration-disinfection
5. DOE HVAC Maintenance Guidelines
Learn how regular filter replacement impacts energy efficiency and system longevity from the U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner
6. EPA Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
Comprehensive resource on residential air cleaning technologies and their effectiveness. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-air-filters-home
7. Filterbuy Air Bear Replacement Filters
Browse compatible replacement filters by model number with American-made quality and direct-to-door delivery. https://filterbuy.com/air-bear-replacement-filters/
Supporting Statistics
Here's what the research tells us about indoor air quality and proper filter maintenance—statistics that underscore why getting the right Air Bear filter matters:
• 2-5x higher pollutant levels: Indoor air pollutant concentrations frequently exceed outdoor levels by two to five times. Proper MERV-rated filtration is your first line of defense. (Source: EPA Indoor Air Quality)
• Up to 15% energy cost increase: A dirty or improperly fitted air filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, potentially increasing your electric bills by up to 15 percent. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
• 5-inch filters last 6-12 months: Extended-depth media filters like Air Bear's 5-inch cartridges have significantly higher dirt-holding capacity than 1-inch filters, reducing replacement frequency and maintaining consistent airflow. (Source: ASHRAE Filtration Guidelines)
Final Thoughts
Finding your Trion Air Bear model number doesn't have to be a frustrating guessing game. The information is there—you just need to know where to look.
• Check the cabinet access door, side panel, or end cap depending on your Air Bear model
• Model numbers decode directly to filter dimensions and MERV ratings
• The existing filter cartridge displays sizing if the cabinet label is unreadable
• Air Bear systems use 16x25x5, 20x20x5, or 20x25x5 filters almost exclusively
Our perspective: After working with countless homeowners who've struggled to identify the right replacement filter, we've found that the two-minute investment in locating your model number pays dividends in proper filtration, system protection, and peace of mind. Trion Air Bear systems represent solid filtration technology—but they only work as designed when you're running the correct filter size and MERV rating for your specific cabinet.
Don't settle for "close enough" when it comes to your family's air quality. Get the exact model number, match it to the correct filter, and breathe easier knowing you're getting the full protection your Air Bear system was engineered to deliver.
FAQ on Trion Air Bear Air Filters
Q: How often should I replace my Trion Air Bear filter?
A: Replace every 6-12 months depending on household conditions. Homes with multiple pets, allergy sufferers, or high dust levels should change filters more frequently (every 6 months). Inspect monthly—if the filter appears significantly dirty or airflow seems restricted, it's time for a replacement regardless of schedule.
Q: What's the difference between MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 Air Bear filters?
A: MERV 8 captures dust, pollen, and mold spores—suitable for most homes. MERV 11 adds finer particle capture including pet dander and dust mite debris—ideal for allergy sufferers. MERV 13 provides the highest residential filtration, capturing bacteria and some virus carriers—recommended for homes with respiratory sensitivities or compromised immune systems.
Q: Can I use a different brand filter in my Air Bear cabinet?
A: Yes, as long as the replacement filter matches your exact dimensions (16x25x5, 20x20x5, or 20x25x5) and depth (5 inches). Quality aftermarket filters with proper dimensions and comparable MERV ratings work effectively in Air Bear cabinets. Look for filters with double gaskets to prevent air bypass.
Q: Where is the airflow direction arrow on Air Bear filters?
A: Airflow arrows are printed on the filter frame edge. Install with arrows pointing in the direction of airflow—toward the furnace or air handler. On Air Bear units, this typically means arrows point away from the return duct and toward the HVAC equipment.
Q: My Air Bear model number label is worn off. How can I determine my filter size?
A: Three options: (1) Check the existing filter—dimensions are printed on the frame. (2) Measure the filter opening on your cabinet—subtract about 1/2 inch from each dimension for the actual filter size. (3) Contact Trion with your cabinet's physical dimensions and they can identify compatible filter models.
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