The easiest way to identify your AC filter size is to remove the existing filter from its slot and examine the frame of the filter. Usually, the filter size is printed along the edge of the filter’s frame.
How do I know what HVAC filter I need?
First, locate the filter slot in your furnace/air handler. Some homes have filters behind their return vents as well. Furnace filter size is measured using length, width, and depth. For example, a furnace filter that measures 18”x16”x1” is 18 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 1-inch deep.
How do I know what size filter I need for my furnace?
The easiest way to find out what size filter to get for your furnace is to simply remove your current filter and look at its dimensions. These are typically printed along one of the sides of your filter.
What is the standard HVAC filter size?
What is the most common size furnace filter? Currently, the most common size furnace filters are 10×20. But should your system need custom sized air filters, note that we offer custom sizing ranging from 8 x 24 x 1 to 25 x 30 x 1.
Does air filter have to be exact size?
Since air filters are most often sold by their nominal dimensions, it is crucial to learn how to properly measure your air filter. When making your purchase, you should order your filter by its nominal size, rather than its actual size.
What happens if you use the wrong size air filter?
The biggest concern when you use the wrong size air filter is that it may not effectively prevent dust from building up on your HVAC system’s motors and blowers. This dirties up your furnace which could affect its performance or possibly harm the system’s internal components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
How do you read an air filter size?
The size of your pleated air filter is always presented in a string of three numbers, with the first number representing the length, the second number representing the width, and the last number representing the thickness. If you’re still not sure what size filter(s) your home needs, feel free to reach out to us.
Can an air filter be too big?
If you purchase a filter that’s too large, it won’t slide into the slot correctly. If the filter is too small, it won’t cover the entire space and may allow dust and dirt to flow past.
What MERV rating should I use in my house?
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Is it OK to use a smaller air filter?
An improperly sized air filter doesn’t do its job. When it’s too small, it lets dust, mold, and other contaminants into your air vents. These then spew into your air, providing air quality problems.
What happens if I put the wrong size filter in my furnace?
When you use the wrong size air filter, or you install it incorrectly, the filter can’t effectively prevent dust from accumulating on the system’s motors and blowers. You’ll end up with a dirty furnace that can’t properly perform, and all of that debris could end up harming the system’s internal components.
Can I use a different size furnace filter?
The thicker the furnace filter, the longer homeowners can go without replacing it. Typically, furnace filter sizes with a thickness or depth up to one inch need to be replaced once every one to three months.
Can I use a 1 inch filter instead of 5?
If your system only fits a 1-inch or 2-inch filter, a high MERV rating could be detrimental. A 1-inch filter with less surface space will get clogged fairly quickly and need to be replaced much sooner than a thicker filter.
