Most Common Furnace and AC Filter Sizes
10 X 20 X 1”14 X 20 X 1”16 X 24 X 1”18 X 30 X 1”20 x 20 x 1.16 x 25 x 1.20 x 25 x 1.20 x 25 x 4.
How do I know what size air filter for my furnace?
Check the old air filter for its size
The first (and easiest) way to figure out your furnace filter’s size is to check your old air filter for its size. Most air filters have their size printed on the side of the frame. The length, width, and depth of the filter are measured in inches.
Do furnace filters have to be exact size?
Your filter or HVAC unit should have both the nominal and the actual size written on it. If you can’t find the actual size, it’s a good idea to measure it just in case. Our website categorizes filters by the nominal size, making it easier to navigate and find your filter.
What happens if you put the wrong size filter in your furnace?
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.
Is MERV 12 too high?
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.
How do I know my filter size?
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 do I 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.
What happens if air filter is too small?
Air Filter Problems with Poor Fit
If the filter is too small, it won’t cover the entire space and may allow dust and dirt to flow past. If you’re not sure what size filter you need, check the manufacturer’s specifications or ask your HVAC technician for help choosing the right product.
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.
Should a furnace filter fit tight?
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.
Can you stack furnace 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 I cut a furnace filter to fit?
Some manufacturers can even customize the filters for you to fit perfectly when you or your HVAC team puts everything together. 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.
Can I use a 1 inch filter instead of 2?
The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at stopping the particles. This means that a 1-inch filter with a high MERV rating could work just as well as a 2-inch filter with the same rating.
