Carrier EZ Flex 16x25x5 vs a 16x25x4: Will a 4-Inch Filter Fit?
Quick answer
A standard 16x25x4 is too shallow for a Carrier EZ Flex cabinet. Carrier lists the assembled 16 x 25 EZ Flex at 24.6875 × 15.9 × 4.5 in [S1], while Filterbuy's 16x25x4 is 15.5 × 24.5 × 3.63 in. [S4] Buy EXPXXFIL0016 (MERV 10) or EXPXXFIL0316 (MERV 13). [S1] [S2]
- EXPXXFIL is the replacement media without end caps; you reuse the end caps from your old filter. EXPXXUNV is the full assembly with end caps. [S1]
- Filterbuy lists the EZ Flex as a 16x25x5 and says a 3.63-inch filter leaves a gap that lets unfiltered air bypass the media. [S4]
- Carrier says to replace the filter on average every 6 months, though it can vary with conditions in the home. [S2]
EZ Flex 16 x 25 vs a standard 16x25x4
| Carrier EZ Flex 16 x 25 | Standard 16x25x4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual size (in) | 24.6875 × 15.9 × 4.5 assembled, ± 0.125 [S1] | 15.5 × 24.5 × 3.63 (Filterbuy) [S4] |
| Called | 16 x 25 (Carrier) [S1]; 16x25x5 (Filterbuy) [S4] | 16x25x4 [S4] |
| Fits | Carrier EZXCAB and FILCAB 16 x 25 cabinets, plus the other cabinets Carrier lists below [S1] | A plain 4-inch filter slot [S4] |
| MERV | 10 (EXPXXFIL0016) or 13 (EXPXXFIL0316) [S2] [S3] | Filterbuy makes MERV 8, 11 and 13 [S4] |
| Filter area | 23.14 sq ft (Carrier) [S1] | Not stated on the page we checked |
| Change interval | On average every 6 months (Carrier) [S2] | About 90 days (Filterbuy's own claim) [S4] |
Carrier's 16 x 25 EZ Flex part numbers
Other cabinets Carrier says the 16 x 25 EZ Flex replaces
From the "direct dimensional replacements" table in Carrier's EZ Flex data sheet. [S1]
| Cabinet | Nominal size |
|---|---|
| Carrier EZXCAB | 16 x 25 |
| Carrier FILCAB | 16 x 25 |
| Honeywell F35 Expandapac | 16 x 25 |
| Honeywell F100F, F150E, F200E | 16 x 25 |
| Trion Air Bear | 16 x 25 |
Changing the EZ Flex filter (Carrier's steps)
- Turn off power to the blower. [S2]
- Pull the handle on the access door, lift it and remove the door. [S2]
- Pull the used filter straight out. Take it apart and throw away the media only; keep the end caps. [S2]
- Unbox the new media and assemble it into the end caps. [S2]
- Slide it in with the airflow arrow pointing in the direction of air flow, then put the door back. [S2]
If your cabinet is a Honeywell F100 or F200 instead, see Honeywell FC100A1029 size. For a plain 4-inch slot, see 16x25x1 vs 16x25x4.
Where to buy
We don't link to specific sellers here yet. Search for the exact part number or size on this page at a retailer you trust, compare the listed actual dimensions, and check the current price. We don't list prices because they change daily.
FAQ
Can I put a 16x25x4 filter in a Carrier EZ Flex cabinet?
Not a standard one. Carrier lists the assembled EZ Flex at 4.5 inches deep [S1], and Filterbuy's 16x25x4 is 3.63 inches deep. Filterbuy says a filter that shallow leaves a gap that lets unfiltered air bypass the media. [S4]
What's the difference between EXPXXFIL0016 and EXPXXUNV0016?
Carrier says FIL is replacement media without end caps and UNV is a replacement assembly with end caps. [S1]
Is EXPXXFIL0316 the MERV 13 version?
Yes. Carrier lists EXPXXFIL0016 as MERV 10 and EXPXXFIL0316 as MERV 13. [S2]
How often should I change an EZ Flex filter?
Carrier says filters of this type should be replaced on average every 6 months, but that it can vary with conditions in the home. [S2]
Which way does the EZ Flex go in?
Carrier says to slide the assembled filter in with the airflow arrow pointing in the direction of air flow. [S2]
What we could not verify
- Bryant versions of the cabinet and filter. Retail listings say the EZ Flex also fits Bryant cabinets, but the Carrier documents we checked don't name Bryant, so we left Bryant part numbers out.
- Trion Air Bear depth. Carrier lists the EZ Flex as a replacement for 16 x 25 Trion Air Bear cabinets [S1], but Filterbuy puts Trion Air Bear filters at a different depth (4.88 in). We haven't checked Trion's own documents.
- Filterbuy's 90-day service life for its 16x25x4 is Filterbuy's own claim.
Sources
- [S1] EXPX EZ Flex Expandable Air Filter, Sizes 016, 020, 024: Product Data, Carrier (PDF hosted by a Carrier distributor). Accessed 2026-10-24. Used for: Dimensions and tolerance, FIL vs UNV, filter area, direct dimensional replacements.
- [S2] EZXCABCR High Efficiency Air Filtration System, Sizes 16 and 20: Installation Instructions (IM-EZXCABCR-03), Carrier. Accessed 2026-10-24. Used for: Replacement filter part numbers and MERV, 6-month average interval, replacement steps, airflow arrow.
- [S3] EZXCABCR EZ Flex Expandable Air Filter with Cabinet, Sizes 1016, 1020: Product Data, Carrier. Accessed 2026-10-24. Used for: Cabinet model, MERV 10 as shipped with MERV 13 replacement, replacement order numbers.
- [S4] 16x25x4 Air Filters, Filterbuy. Accessed 2026-10-24. Used for: Filterbuy 16x25x4 size and MERV options, EZ Flex listed as 16x25x5, 3.63-inch filter leaves a gap, 90-day life claim.
- [S5] 16x25x5 Air Filters, Filterbuy. Accessed 2026-10-24. Used for: Filterbuy's cut size for Carrier and Honeywell 16x25x5 cabinets, Trion Air Bear depth.
Last checked 2026-10-24. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll recheck it against the source.