CARRIER KH03HL003 Compatible Aluminum Mesh Filter, 16x25x2

Description

Product Overview

The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 is a professional-grade, enhanced-capacity permanent filtration solution specifically designed as a direct replacement for the Carrier KH03HL003 aluminum mesh filter. This 16x25x2 washable filter provides high-efficiency pre-filtration with doubled dust holding capacity for Carrier commercial rooftop units, air handlers, and split systems operating in demanding commercial and industrial HVAC environments. Its 2″ depth construction with enhanced aluminum mesh captures large airborne particulates while extending cleaning intervals significantly compared to standard 1″ filters, protecting expensive secondary HEPA filters and sensitive system components.

Carrier OEM Compatibility: This model is precision-engineered to match the exact specifications of the factory Carrier KH03HL003 part, ensuring a perfect fit (actual size 15.5″ x 24.5″ x 1.75″) in standard Carrier commercial equipment designed for 2″ depth filtration. Proper fitment is critical to eliminate air bypass, which can introduce unfiltered air and compromise indoor air quality in Carrier commercial units. The precision-manufactured dimensions ensure a secure, rattle-free fit in Carrier filter tracks without modification or adaptation.

Enhanced 2″ Depth Design: Unlike standard 1″ filters requiring cleaning every 30-90 days, the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s 2″ depth provides 97 grams per square foot dust holding capacity—double that of 1″ filters. This enhanced capacity extends cleaning intervals to 60-120 days in typical commercial applications, significantly reducing maintenance labor costs. The three integrated corner drain holes ensure complete moisture removal after each wash cycle, maintaining optimal filtration performance throughout the filter’s 5-10 year service life in demanding commercial applications.

This filter excels in applications requiring extended service intervals including multi-family housing, retail spaces, office complexes, hospitals, and light industrial facilities utilizing Carrier commercial HVAC systems. The 275°F continuous temperature rating makes it ideal for rooftop units and makeup air applications where high ambient temperatures would rapidly degrade standard filters. Manufactured in the USA by American Metal Filter Company using premium domestic aluminum, the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 combines Carrier OEM compatibility with superior extended-service washable performance and environmental responsibility.

Industrial & Commercial Applications

Multi-Family Housing & Apartment Complexes

Carrier rooftop units in multi-family housing benefit significantly from the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s extended service intervals. The 2″ depth with 97 g/sq ft dust holding capacity extends cleaning cycles to 60-120 days compared to 30-90 days for 1″ filters, reducing maintenance crew workload by 53%. For property management companies maintaining multiple rooftop units across large portfolios, this translates to substantial labor cost savings while maintaining consistent indoor air quality. The enhanced capacity is particularly valuable during peak pollen seasons when particulate loading increases, allowing the filter to handle seasonal variations without requiring mid-season cleaning.

Retail Spaces & Shopping Centers

Commercial retail facilities with Carrier HVAC systems benefit from the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s extended service intervals that minimize maintenance disruptions during business hours. The 2″ depth provides double the dust holding capacity, extending the time between filter maintenance from monthly to bi-monthly or quarterly intervals. This is particularly valuable for retail spaces operating extended hours where HVAC maintenance must be scheduled carefully to avoid impacting customer experience. The enhanced capacity also provides better protection for expensive secondary filtration during high-traffic holiday seasons when particulate loading increases.

Office Buildings & Corporate Facilities

Modern office buildings with Carrier commercial HVAC systems appreciate the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s reduced maintenance frequency that minimizes disruption to daily operations. The 2″ depth extends cleaning intervals to quarterly or semi-annual schedules in many applications, allowing facilities to consolidate HVAC maintenance with other building system services. Office facility managers benefit from reduced labor costs associated with less frequent filter cleaning, while the enhanced dust holding capacity ensures consistent air quality during extended service intervals. The 16x25x2 size is common in office building air handlers serving conference rooms, executive suites, and common areas.

Healthcare & Medical Facilities

Hospitals and medical centers with Carrier commercial systems require reliable pre-filtration with minimal maintenance disruption. The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s 2″ depth with enhanced dust holding capacity extends service intervals to 60-120 days, reducing the frequency of filter maintenance in critical areas where HVAC access must be carefully scheduled. The permanent aluminum construction eliminates concerns about filter media shedding during extended service intervals—critical for healthcare environments where air quality directly impacts patient outcomes. The extended capacity allows healthcare facilities to schedule filter maintenance during planned maintenance windows rather than emergency interventions.

Light Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities

Light industrial environments with Carrier commercial HVAC systems face elevated particulate loading that typically requires frequent filter maintenance. The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s 2″ depth with 97 g/sq ft capacity provides extended service intervals even in dusty manufacturing environments. The enhanced capacity captures larger volumes of industrial particulates, significantly extending the life of expensive final-stage filters. The washable design allows on-site cleaning without production interruption, while the doubled capacity reduces cleaning frequency from monthly to bi-monthly intervals—cutting maintenance labor costs by 53%.

Data Centers & Server Facilities

Data centers and server facilities with Carrier precision cooling systems require reliable pre-filtration with minimal maintenance disruption to 24/7 operations. The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s enhanced 2″ depth provides extended service intervals that allow maintenance to be scheduled during planned maintenance windows rather than emergency interventions. The doubled dust holding capacity ensures consistent filtration performance throughout extended service intervals, protecting sensitive electronic equipment from particulate contamination. The permanent aluminum construction provides consistent performance without the risk of media breakdown during extended service in continuous operation.

Construction Features

Enhanced 2″ Depth Aluminum Mesh Media

The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 features enhanced aluminum mesh construction in a 2″ depth format, providing 97 grams per square foot dust holding capacity—double that of standard 1″ filters. The increased depth allows for greater media volume within the same face dimensions, extending the interval between cleaning cycles significantly. The multi-layer design captures airborne particulates while maintaining low resistance to airflow—essential for commercial systems where excessive pressure drop reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption. The enhanced capacity is particularly valuable in applications with variable particulate loading, providing consistent performance throughout seasonal variations.

Heavy-Duty .030″ Aluminum Frame

Constructed from .030″ extruded aluminum alloy, the frame provides enhanced structural rigidity essential for 2″ depth filters in commercial applications with high-velocity airflow. The aluminum construction resists corrosion from humidity and environmental exposure common in commercial HVAC systems, maintaining dimensional stability throughout the filter’s 5-10 year service life. The frame supports high-volume airflow without flexing or warping, even at operating temperatures up to 275°F. Precision-mitered corners with aluminum rivets ensure the frame maintains the exact 15.5″ x 24.5″ x 1.75″ dimensions required for proper fit in standard Carrier 16x25x2 filter tracks.

Integrated Corner Drain System

Three strategically placed corner drain holes ensure complete water removal after cleaning cycles—particularly important for 2″ depth filters where moisture retention in the deeper media can extend drying time. The drainage system accelerates drying time from 8-10 hours to 3-5 hours, preventing moisture retention that could reduce filtration efficiency or promote microbial growth in the media. Proper drainage is essential for maintaining the filter’s washable performance over hundreds of cleaning cycles in commercial environments. The drain holes are positioned to allow gravity drainage when the filter is oriented vertically or horizontally during the drying process.

UL 900 Class 1 Fire Safety Certification

The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 meets UL 900 Class 1 fire safety standards for commercial and industrial buildings. This certification ensures the filter can withstand continuous operation at temperatures up to 275°F (135°C) without compromising structural integrity or creating fire hazards—critical for Carrier rooftop units exposed to extreme ambient temperatures. The all-aluminum construction provides non-combustible performance critical for commercial HVAC safety compliance—unlike filters with plastic components or organic materials that can melt, burn, or release toxic fumes at elevated temperatures. UL 900 Class 1 certification is often required by commercial building codes, insurance policies, and occupancy permits.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Extended Cleaning Frequency Guidelines

The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 requires cleaning every 60 to 120 days depending on application and particulate loading conditions—double the interval of standard 1″ filters. Light-duty applications (office buildings, low-occupancy facilities) in clean air environments typically achieve 120-day intervals, while moderate loading (retail spaces, multi-family housing) requires 60-90 day cleaning. Heavy-duty environments (light industrial, high-traffic facilities) may require 60-day cleaning—still double the frequency of 1″ filters. Monitor differential pressure across the filter using a manometer—clean when pressure drop reaches 0.50″ w.g. to maintain system efficiency and airflow performance. The 2″ depth provides enhanced capacity that maintains lower pressure drop throughout extended service intervals.

Water-Based Cleaning Method

To clean the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003, remove the filter from the Carrier equipment and spray with water using a standard garden hose or pressure washer (up to 1500 PSI maximum). Direct water flow from the clean side (downstream) toward the dirty side (upstream) to push accumulated particulates out of the media rather than forcing them deeper into the mesh layers. For light to moderate loading, water alone is sufficient. For heavy accumulation or sticky residue, apply an aluminum-safe detergent (pH 7-9 neutral cleaners work best), allow 10-15 minutes soak time, then rinse thoroughly with clean water until runoff is clear. The 2″ depth may require more thorough rinsing to ensure complete particulate removal from the deeper media structure.

Extended Drying Requirements

After rinsing, shake the filter to remove excess water and orient vertically or at a 45-degree angle to allow the three corner drain holes to release trapped moisture. Air dry the filter completely before reinstallation—typically 3-5 hours in ambient conditions for the 2″ depth (compared to 2-4 hours for 1″ filters), or accelerate drying with compressed air (30-40 PSI) blown through the media from the clean side. Complete drying is critical: moisture retained in the deeper 2″ media reduces dust holding capacity on the next service cycle and can promote aluminum oxidation or microbial growth. In commercial settings, maintain a spare HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 filter to allow one to remain in service while the other is being cleaned and dried, eliminating HVAC downtime during maintenance.

Inspection During Maintenance

During each cleaning cycle, inspect the filter for damage: check that the enhanced media structure remains intact without tears or punctures, verify the aluminum frame maintains dimensional accuracy (15.5″ x 24.5″ x 1.75″), and examine corner rivets for security. The filter should maintain its original dimensions and structural integrity throughout hundreds of wash cycles over 5-10 years. If inspection reveals torn media, bent frames, or loose rivets, the filter should be repaired or replaced. Minor aluminum oxidation (white powdery deposits) is normal and does not affect performance—it can be removed with a soft brush if desired, but is not necessary for continued operation.

Installation

Pre-Installation Verification

Before installing the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003, verify your Carrier equipment accepts 2″ depth filtration (16x25x2) by checking the equipment service manual or measuring the existing filter track opening. The filter track should measure approximately 15-3/4″ to 16″ wide x 24-3/4″ to 25″ high x 1-3/4″ to 2″ deep to accommodate the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s actual dimensions of 15.5″ x 24.5″ x 1.75″. If you’re replacing an existing Carrier KH03HL003 filter, the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 will fit precisely in the same filter track. Do not attempt to install this 2″ filter in equipment designed for 1″ depth—verify depth compatibility before ordering.

Filter Orientation & Installation

Slide the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 into the Carrier filter track with the media perpendicular to the airflow direction. Carrier equipment designed for 2″ filters typically has deeper filter tracks with retention clips or spring-loaded tracks—ensure the filter seats completely with the frame edges flush against the track stops. The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 can be installed in any orientation (horizontal, vertical, or angled) as the rigid aluminum construction prevents media sagging regardless of position. Some Carrier units may have an airflow direction indicator—if present, install the filter so air flows in the direction marked. If no indicator is present, orient the filter so air enters the dirty side first.

Initial System Startup

After installation, start the HVAC system and verify proper airflow by checking supply register output and listening for abnormal sounds that might indicate filter obstruction or improper seating. Monitor initial differential pressure across the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003—expect 0.08-0.12″ w.g. for a clean 2″ filter at typical face velocities (300-500 FPM). If pressure drop exceeds 0.20″ w.g. on a new filter, verify the filter is not installed backwards and check for airflow obstructions. During the first month of operation, recheck differential pressure weekly to establish baseline performance for your specific Carrier system and application. This baseline helps optimize future cleaning schedules for the extended service intervals.

Carrier Filter Track Compatibility Notes

The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 is designed for standard 16x25x2 Carrier filter tracks. If your Carrier system has been modified or if you’re uncertain about filter track dimensions and depth, measure the existing opening before ordering. The filter’s actual dimensions (15.5″ x 24.5″ x 1.75″) must fit with approximately 1/16″ to 1/8″ clearance on all sides for proper installation and removal. Filter tracks that are significantly oversized (>1/4″ clearance) may allow bypass airflow around the filter edges, reducing indoor air quality and allowing unfiltered air to reach downstream components. Verify that your equipment is designed for 2″ depth filters before ordering—2″ filters cannot be installed in equipment designed for 1″ depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this compatible with Carrier KH03HL003 equipment?

Yes. The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 is precision-manufactured to match the exact specifications of the Carrier KH03HL003 filter (actual dimensions 15.5″ x 24.5″ x 1.75″), ensuring a perfect fit in standard Carrier commercial equipment designed for 2″ depth filtration. The filter is specifically designed as a direct replacement for the factory Carrier KH03HL003 part.

What are the advantages of the 2″ depth versus 1″ filters?

The 2″ depth provides double the dust holding capacity (97 g/sq ft versus 81 g/sq ft), extending cleaning intervals from 30-90 days to 60-120 days. This reduces maintenance labor costs by 53% while maintaining consistent filtration performance. The enhanced capacity is particularly valuable in applications with variable particulate loading or where access for maintenance is limited.

How do I clean this filter?

Remove the filter from the Carrier equipment and spray with water using a garden hose or pressure washer (up to 1500 PSI maximum pressure). For light to moderate loading, water alone is sufficient. For heavy accumulation, use an aluminum-safe neutral pH detergent (7-9), allow 10-15 minutes soak time, then rinse thoroughly until runoff is clear. Allow the filter to air dry completely (3-5 hours for 2″ depth) before reinstallation, using the three corner drain holes to release trapped moisture.

Is it UL rated for commercial use?

Yes, the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 is UL 900 Class 1 rated, which means it meets strict fire safety standards for commercial and industrial buildings. This certification ensures the filter can withstand continuous operation at temperatures up to 275°F (135°C) without compromising structural integrity or creating fire hazards. UL 900 Class 1 certification is often required by commercial building codes and insurance policies.

What is the maximum operating temperature?

The all-aluminum construction allows for continuous operation in temperatures up to 275°F (135°C). This makes the filter ideal for Carrier rooftop units and makeup air applications where high ambient temperatures would rapidly degrade standard filters with plastic or paper components. The 275°F rating significantly exceeds the capability of disposable filters that degrade rapidly at elevated temperatures.

Does it have drainage holes for cleaning?

Yes, the filter features three strategically placed corner drain holes to ensure complete moisture removal after washing. The drainage system reduces drying time from 8-10 hours to 3-5 hours for the 2″ depth, preventing water retention that could reduce filtration efficiency or promote microbial growth in the media. The drain holes work regardless of filter orientation during the drying process.

Is this a permanent filter?

Yes, the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 is a permanent metal mesh filter designed to be washed and reused rather than discarded. With proper maintenance (cleaning every 60-120 days), the filter provides 5 to 10 years of continuous service—potentially hundreds of wash cycles. This eliminates the recurring cost of disposable filter replacement ($336-630 annually for 2″ filters) and reduces environmental waste.

Where is this filter manufactured?

This filter is 100% manufactured in the United States by American Metal Filter Company (AMFCO) using premium domestic aluminum. Manufacturing in the USA ensures consistent quality control, supports domestic jobs, and provides rapid production turnaround for replacement orders. AMFCO has specialized in metal mesh filters since 1985, with expertise in commercial HVAC applications.

Can I use this to replace a 1″ filter?

No. This 2″ depth filter (actual 1.75″) is designed specifically for equipment with filter tracks that accommodate 2″ filters. It cannot be installed in equipment designed for 1″ depth filters. Always verify your equipment’s filter track depth before ordering. If your equipment uses 1″ filters, select the appropriate 1″ depth Carrier compatible alternative.

How much longer can I go between cleanings with the 2″ filter?

The 2″ depth provides double the dust holding capacity, extending cleaning intervals to 60-120 days compared to 30-90 days for 1″ filters—effectively doubling the time between maintenance. This reduces annual maintenance frequency from 4-12 cleanings per year to 3-6 cleanings per year, cutting maintenance labor costs by approximately 53%.

Why Choose the HIA201625 Carrier Compatible Filter?

The HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 provides precision compatibility for Carrier commercial HVAC systems requiring KH03HL003 specification filtration with enhanced service intervals. With 2″ depth washable aluminum construction providing 5-10 years of service life, doubled dust holding capacity (97 g/sq ft), UL 900 Class 1 certification for 275°F continuous operation, this filter eliminates recurring replacement costs while significantly reducing maintenance labor through extended service intervals.

The precision-engineered 15.5″ x 24.5″ x 1.75″ dimensions guarantee proper fit in standard Carrier 16x25x2 filter tracks, eliminating air bypass that introduces unfiltered air and compromises indoor air quality. Unlike disposable 2″ filters requiring monthly replacement at $28-53 per unit ($336-630 annually), the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003’s washable design provides hundreds of cleaning cycles over 5-10 years, saving $1,680-3,150 in recurring filter costs while reducing landfill waste. Extended cleaning intervals of 60-120 days (compared to 30-90 days for 1″ filters) reduce maintenance labor costs by 53% while maintaining optimal performance.

Made in the USA by American Metal Filter Company using premium domestic aluminum, the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 combines industrial durability with environmental responsibility. The enhanced 2″ depth aluminum mesh captures large particulates with doubled capacity while maintaining low pressure drop essential for energy-efficient operation, protecting expensive secondary filters and sensitive system components. Three integrated corner drain holes ensure complete moisture removal after cleaning—critical for 2″ depth filters requiring slightly longer drying times. The all-aluminum construction withstands continuous operation at temperatures up to 275°F without degradation, ideal for Carrier rooftop units where extreme temperatures would rapidly degrade standard filters.

Whether you’re managing multi-family housing, retail spaces, office buildings, healthcare facilities, data centers, or light industrial operations with Carrier commercial HVAC systems, the HIA201625-1-KH03HL003 delivers Carrier OEM compatibility, extended service intervals, washable convenience, and long-term cost savings. Reduce maintenance labor by 53%, eliminate monthly filter replacements, and protect your Carrier equipment with an enhanced-capacity permanent filtration solution designed specifically for commercial applications requiring extended service intervals and reliable performance in demanding environmental conditions.

Authoritative Resources

For detailed technical support, equipment specifications, installation manuals, and Carrier commercial HVAC product information, we recommend visiting the official Carrier Commercial HVAC website. This authoritative resource provides comprehensive documentation for Carrier air handlers, rooftop units, and commercial HVAC equipment to help verify filter compatibility, access technical specifications, and contact manufacturer support for equipment-specific questions.