How Do I Measure My Air Filter?
At Air Filters Delivered, a common question we hear is "How do I know what size air filter I need?" Often the nominal size is printed on the side of the filter, but when it's not, you'll need to know how to measure an air filter. Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions to find the actual dimensions and get the nominal size for your system. Keep in mind that some HVAC systems require more than one air filter, so make sure you have the right measurements for all of them.
When you need to replace your filter, these simple steps will help you measure the right dimensions. Remember, regular maintenance of your home’s cooling and heating system is essential to ensure it operates efficiently. Proper maintenance will keep good air quality in your home, increase the life span of your system, and consume less energy lowering your bills.
Your filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days depending on the type and efficiency of your filter. However, according to Energy Star, filters should be changed every month during peak summer and winter months when your HVAC system is operating at its highest capacity.
For safety, turn off your HVAC unit before attempting to change the filter. If you can't figure out how to turn off the unit, turn off the breaker. Most air filters are located to the right or bottom of the unit and can be easily pulled out of the slot. Although not common, some filters are found in air vents instead. If that is the case, you might need to contact a professional for assistance.
How to Measure an Air Filter Video Transcript
How To Measure Your Air Filter
You Know Your TShirt Size
That’s It!
You Know Your Coffee Size
That’s It!
But What Is Your Air Filter Size?
Locate Your Air Return Vent,
Ceiling Air Return Vent,
Or Air Handler
Open Up Air Vent
Take Out Filter & Check For Size
Or Measure Each Side
19.75 inches or 20 inch (Nominal Size)
by
19.75 inches or 20 inch (Nominal Size)
Measure Depth
0.75 inches or 1 inch (Nominal Size)
20x20x1 (Nominal Size)
19.75x19.75x0.75 (Actual Size)
AEROSTAR
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).
It’s as simple as that! You are now ready to buy the right filter for your HVAC. Wondering what to do with your old filter now that you’ve measured it? Read more to find out how to properly dispose of your air filter or if your dirty air filter is recyclable.
Most Common Air Conditioner Filter Sizes
At Air Filters Delivered, we offer more than just standard size filters. Our product assortment contains every hard-to-find size you can imagine, in addition to custom sizes depending on your specific needs. Below are lists of the most common air filter sizes by depth.
- 1 inch: 16x25x1, 20x20x1, 20x25x1, 16x20x1, 14x18x1,14x20x1, 14x24x1, 14x25x1, 14x30x1, 18x20x1, 20x30x1, 24x24x1, 12x24x1, 14x14x1, 16x24x1, 20x24x1, 12x12x1, 12x20x1, 16x30x1, 18x18x1, 24x30x1, 10x30x1, 12x30x1, 16x16x1, 18x24x1, 18x30x1, 20x22x1, 25x25x1, 15x20x1, 20x23x1
- 2 inch: 20x20x2, 20x25x2, 16x25x2
- 3 inch: 16x25x3
- 4 inch: 20x25x4, 16x25x4, 20x20x4, 16x20x4
- 5 inch: 20x25x5, 16x25x5
- 6 inch: 20x25x6
Knowing how to measure your air filter can help you buy the right size to replace it when it gets dirty. Pollutants and filth can enter your home through a dirty air filter, harm your HVAC system, and potentially lead to health problems for your family. Depending on the kind of air filter your HVAC system uses, you should replace an air filter every 30 to 90 days to ensure the best performance. Your HVAC system is working at high capacity during summer, so it should be changed every month.
What Exactly Does My Air Filter Do And Why Does It Need to Be Changed?
An air filter protects your HVAC system and improves the air quality in your home by capturing dust, debris, allergies, and other airborne debris. By keeping particles out of parts of the system, such as the ductwork and blower, the filter makes sure the system works efficiently while prolonging its life. The air filter makes your home healthier by removing contaminants like mold spores, pollen, and pet dander, so it's important to regularly replace it.
How Do I Know My Air Filter Size?
If you need to know how to figure out your air filter size, the air filter measurements are probably printed on the packaging. The majority of air filters are labeled with the dimensions in inches, such as "16x20x1," which indicates length, width, and thickness. If you’ve thrown away the packaging, another way to determine the right size you need is to measure the length and width of the filter slot in your HVAC system and the depth of the filter opening. Use the nominal size, which is often rounded to the nearest whole number, by the manufacturer, instead of using the exact dimensions. Sometimes HVAC systems use more than one filter, so make sure you have measurements of each one needed. After measuring, if you still aren’t sure of the correct size, look it up in your HVAC system's manual or contact one of our professionals at Air Filters Delivered for guidance.
How Do I Choose A Filter Size?
Choosing the right filter size for your HVAC system is important so it works properly and efficiently. To measure your air filter, find your air filter location, check the filter slot dimensions, and use the nominal size. This nominal size isn’t the exact dimensions, it could be slightly rounded. You should always choose a filter that fits snugly to prevent air leaks. Give us a call at Air Filters Delivered if you can’t find the size and need to know how to measure the AC filter.
How Do You Know Which Filter To Buy?
To know which air filter to buy, look at your current filter to see if the size is printed on it. Consider its MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which explains the filter's ability to trap particles and pollutants. A higher rating generally offers better filtration. Higher MERV ratings are good for homes if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or has pets. Choose the filter that meets your family’s needs. Lower MERV ratings are enough for basic dust and pollen filtration. Measure your air filter size and purchase the proper size to ensure the filter fits in the slot without any gaps.
Does An Air Filter Have To Fit Perfectly?
To ensure your HVAC system works properly, you need to know how to measure its air filter size so that it fits perfectly. If you use the wrong size, it can affect performance, and allow unfiltered air and debris in your system. This can clog your system and possibly damage it. It also might reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, and lead to breakdowns, expensive repair bills, and shorten the life of your system. Always ensure the filter fits snugly and matches the manufacturer’s specifications and measurements.
Can I Use The Wrong Size Air Filter?
Your HVAC system may experience a range of issues if you use the wrong size air filter. Using a filter that is too narrow may cause gaps that let dirt and unfiltered air flow through, lowering the quality of the air indoors and it could cause system damage. An excessively large air filter may not fit properly, making installation challenging and obstructing airflow, which can stress your system. Using the wrong filter size regularly can result in expensive utility bills and system failures. To ensure your system runs properly, always use the size indicated in your system manual or seek assistance from an expert.
What Is The Most Common Filter Size?
Filter sizes can vary based on the make and model of your HVAC system. The most common size for residential HVAC system filters is 16x20 inches, followed by 20x20 inches and 16x25 inches. Check the size of your current filter to make sure you purchase the correct fit to achieve the highest level of performance. Air Filters Delivered also has custom sizes for less common dimensions. In fact, we have just about every hard-to-find size available in our product line, so you can rest assured we likely have the size you need. We sell more than just the standard sizes of air filters.
Conclusion
Air Filters Delivered can help you determine the right size of air filter for your system and ensure the HVAC system in your home is operating at its highest level of performance. We build custom air filters and also offer many standard air filter sizes. We have filters with various MERV ratings to protect your health and your family’s health. Changing your air filter regularly keeps your HVAC system functioning properly.
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