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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 you know what air filter to buy?
Simply, you need the filter size that fits in your air return. You can typically find that size on the side of the air filter that you already have in use. This size will be the nominal size, which means it is rounded from its actual size.
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.
What MERV rating is best for home use?
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.
What size filter do 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.
What level of furnace filter should I use?
The higher the MERV, the better the filter. Typical MERV ratings for residential furnace filters are between 6 and 12. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, the Environmental Working Group recommends a MERV 10 or higher.
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.
Can a furnace filter be too restrictive?
All furnace filters have a MERV rating which indicates filter efficiency. The makeup of these high-efficiency filters can be too restrictive for the unit, creating a barrier to good airflow. The HVAC system may struggle to pass air through the air filter and expend more energy in its attempts.
Is MERV 11 too restrictive?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. Meaning, it can capture finer particles and clear more contaminants out of the air. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.
Is MERV 13 too restrictive?
At this point, it’s also important to note: MERV ratings go above 13. However, they’re too restrictive for normal home HVAC systems, and thus using them can cause potentially expensive problems.
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.
How do I know what size air filter for my house?
Follow these 3 easy steps: Follow these 3 easy steps: Step 1 – Measuring Length and Width (L x W). Step 2 – Measure the thickness of your filter from front to back. Step 3 – Put Your Measurements Together (L x W x D). It’s as simple as that – You are now ready to buy the right filter for your AC or Furnace.
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 air filters be changed?
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.
Are furnace and AC filters the same?
Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.
