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How do I know which furnace filter to buy?
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 to buy for my furnace?
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.
Does it matter what furnace filter you use?
It’s important to choose your filter wisely, because a furnace with the wrong filter won’t work efficiently. A filter that removes the smallest particulate matter provides the cleanest air, but it might not provide enough airflow for the furnace.
How do I know what size air filter I need?
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 much does a furnace filter cost?
Although flat filter designs offer the most savings upfront, they need to be replaced more frequently and may cost you more in the long run. Replacing these filters can cost anywhere from $40 to $200 a year.
How do I choose an air filter?
Size, MERV rating and material – these are the three primary factors used to pick the proper air filter for your home. 1) Filter Size. 2) Material & MERV Rating. Rating Average Filtration Efficiency. Be Careful About High MERV Ratings.
What is the standard home air filter size?
For example: 16x20x1, 20x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x20x1 are all standard sized air filters. Every unit has a specific sized filter which allows the it to perform correctly and efficiently. Most AC and HVAC units use standard sized filters, but some do require a custom size air filter to be purchased and installed.
What is the most common furnace filter size?
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What happens if air filter is too small?
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.
Do expensive air filters work better?
Expensive air filters give you more surface area to filter particulate matter. All dimensions being equal, a filter with a higher MERV rating and more pleats per inch will have the same or better air flow than the same filter with a lower MERV rating and fewer pleats.
Are pleated filters better than fiberglass?
While fiberglass air filters will do the job in the most basic way, in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. They can filter out smaller particles – important for people with airborne sensitivities. They are less likely to clog in a short amount of time, and they can last up to 90 days.
What MERV rating should I get for home?
As a general rule, residences do not use higher than MERV 8 filters. We do recommend that everyone uses filters that have at least an 8 MERV rating. These filters will remove the majority of pollutants from your indoor air.
Can I use a different size furnace filter?
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. However, if the slot is less than 4 inches wide, you’re stuck with using that thickness.
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.
What are standard furnace 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.
Can you change furnace filter yourself?
To Change Your Home Air Filter, You’ll Need To Turn Off Your Furnace. To prevent the HVAC unit from turning on while you are changing the filter, make sure you turn the thermostat to the “off” position. This will help protect your HVAC system from loose debris or maybe a loose filter fitting escaping into the duct.
How often should you replace your furnace filter?
In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
What does MERV mean in filters?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles.
Are air filters one size fits all?
Air filters aren’t meant to be snug. In fact, if you have to force an air filter in or out, it’s the wrong size, which is why standard sizes are often half an inch smaller than they’re advertised. This can be confusing because if you need a 16 x 25 filter, you’ll find it measures 15 1/2 x 24 1/2.
