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If the filter is too big, then it won’t fit into the filter slot and you won’t be able to put the cover back on. This can cause dirty air to infiltrate the inside of your furnace (and home).
What happens if your air filter is too big?
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.
Can you cut down air filters to fit?
Answering the Question: Is it okay to cut an air filter to fit? Simply put, yes, you can cut an air filter if you know what you are doing, and if the filters you use will not become too weak from the cutting.
How tight should an air filter fit?
How tight should a Furnace Filter fit? When you remove the existing filter, take note of the dimensions printed on its frame. Your new filter will need to match this size for the system to run efficiently. It should fit snugly but not so tight that you can’t easily slide the filter in and out.
Do air filters 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.
Can I use a 1 inch filter instead of 4?
Question: Can i use a 1 inch filter instead of 4 inches? Answer: If you are okay with more frequent replacement and little stress on the system, 1” filter can be budget-friendly alternative of 4” filters.
Are more expensive air filters worth it?
More expensive filters like Pleated Residential filters filter out dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander and even bacteria and so are worth the money especially for those with severe allergies. HEPA filters filter bacteria and viruses and are worth the extra money for those with respiratory conditions like emphysema.
What happens if air filter is backwards?
By installing your filter backwards, air will have a harder time flowing through the filter and your air handler will have to work harder to make up for the loss of airflow. This could lead to higher utility bills and possibly damage your furnace or air conditioner.
Does the arrow point up or down on an air filter?
Air filters have arrows printed on the sides of them that show you which way they are supposed to be installed. These arrows should be pointing in the direction that air flows through your system, which is away from the supply ducts and (typically) toward the blower.
What are standard air filter sizes?
Standard air filter sizes include: 10X20 14 X 20 20X20 12X12 14X24 24 X 24 12X20 14X25 20X24 12X24 14X30 20X25 12X30 15X20 20X30.
What size air filter do I need without a filter?
Follow these 3 easy steps to measure your HVAC filter size: Step 1 – Measuring Length and Width (L x W). (If your filter is not a square, the smallest measurement goes first). Step 2 – Measure the thickness (Depth) of your filter from front to back. Step 3 – Put Your measurements together (L x W x D).
How often should you change your air filter?
Here are averages that may help you know how regularly you should get a new air filter at your residence: Vacation house or one occupant and no pets or allergies: every 6–12 months. Ordinary suburban home without pets: every 90 days. One dog or cat: every 60 days.
What is an actual size?
A nominal size can have several different actual sizes. Actual Size is the true size of your filter. If “actual size” is printed it means the actual size of the filter is the same as the nominal size.
What is my furnace filter size?
Almost always, furnace filter sizes are printed on the side of the filter. They are read as Length x Width x Depth. When inspecting furnace filters, homeowners may find two different sets of sizes. First, there is the nominal size expressed in whole numbers.
Can an air filter be too thick?
If you get a filter with pleats that are too thick, your filter could get dirty quickly. Thus, making your AC unit work harder than it needs to. A good benchmark to follow when considering MERV ratings is that if it’s more than 13, the pleats are most likely too thick for your filter.
Can I stack two 1 inch air filters?
Can You Stack Air Filters? Do not stack multiple smaller air filters on top of one another to fit them into a larger air handler. Installing multiple 1” air filters in a 2” slot, for example, can cause costly damage to your AC unit, as residential furnaces are not equipped to handle this level of airflow restriction.
Can you stack 4 1 inch air filters?
While a 4-inch-thick filter is more efficient than a 1-inch filter, the right size depends on your furnace. If you measure the filter slot, and it’s large enough to accommodate the thicker filter, then you can use it. What you can’t do is stack filters — use only one.
