Are furnace filters the same as air conditioner filters?
First understand Air Filters, Furnace Filters, Ac Filter and Air Conditional Filters are all the same filters. So when if need to find home air filter sizes, HVAC filter sizes, furnace filter sizes or ac filters size or air conditioner filter sizes you are looking at the same thing.
What size furnace filter do I Need?
The nominal size of a furnace filter is a rounded-up number that fits more into standard filter marketing. For example, you might see a filter that measures at 20x0x1 or 20x20x5. The 20×0 refers to the dimensions of the frame, while the 1 or 5 refers to the thickness.
Are 4-inch furnace air filters better than 1-inch filters?
Let’s look at a few examples. The 4-inch thick air filter has a definite advantage over the 1” filter in terms of longevity, airflow and maximum filtering potential. Thus, if it fits your furnace, then a 4-inch air filter is better than a 1-inch air filter in regards to improving air quality.
Do furnace filters improve indoor air quality?
The primary purpose of a filter is to protect HVAC equipment, not to improve indoor air quality, as many homeowners have been led to believe. Many furnace manufacturers recommend that you use a low-cost fiberglass filter, but when I asked a representative of one major maker, his response was “no comment.”.
Does my furnace filter have to be the exact size?
Any brand will fit, as long as you have the correct size. For example, your furnace filter label may read: 20x20x5 inches. That's not the exact size, however, as there are three different EXACT sizes available for that item: 19" 7/8 x 19" 7/8 x 4" 3/8.
Can a furnace filter be 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 I use a smaller filter in my furnace?
For most systems you can use a standard sized filter within 5/8-in smaller than the air filter housing. If you are not able to find a standard sized filter within that parameter, you will need to order a custom sized air filter.
Is a bigger furnace filter better?
Some AC specialists have also noted that thicker filters are better at providing a tight fit that doesn't allow unfiltered air through. At the same time, a thicker filter is less restrictive and will allow for better flow of purified air. A 4-5” filter is usually best for people that need superior filtration.
What happens if I put the wrong size filter in my furnace?
When you use the wrong size air filter, or you install it incorrectly, the filter can't effectively prevent dust from accumulating on the system's motors and blowers. You'll end up with a dirty furnace that can't properly perform, and all of that debris could end up harming the system's internal components.
How do I know what size filter to buy for my furnace?
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.
Is it OK if my 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.
What is the most common furnace filter size?
10x20What is the most common size furnace filter? Currently, the most common size furnace filters are 10x20. But should your system need custom sized air filters, note that we offer custom sizing ranging from 8 x 24 x 1 to 25 x 30 x 1.
Should a furnace filter fit tight?
A furnace filter should fit snug inside of your unit. If it is too loose, then air will still come in even while your furnace is running. On the other hand, if it is too tight, you may not be able to remove the filter when it is time to change (if that's what you decide).
Do higher MERV filters restrict airflow?
Wrong. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.
Can a furnace filter be too good?
Past about MERV 13, a high efficiency filter can cause more harm than good in a residential heating and cooling system. The makeup of these high-efficiency filters can be too restrictive for the unit, creating a barrier to good airflow.
Are 4 inch or 1 inch furnace filters better?
A 1” filter's material becomes clogged with contaminants quickly, reducing air flow through the HVAC system while eliminating effective contaminant removal. A 4” filter provides more surface space to trap contaminants, facilitating proper air flow and continual contaminant removal.
Can I put a thicker filter in my furnace?
Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick. In our tests, we found that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. That means it's better for you and for your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
How tight should a furnace filter fit?
A furnace filter should fit snug inside of your unit. If it is too loose, then air will still come in even while your furnace is running. On the other hand, if it is too tight, you may not be able to remove the filter when it is time to change (if that's what you decide).
Can I use a 4 inch filter instead of 5?
Personally, as a home inspector, I recommend installing a 4-5 inch media filter if it is possible for your system. Most HVAC systems can be retrofitted to fit these thicker high efficiency filters. Your system will run better with more air flow, and the filter won't clog as easily.
What is the nominal size of a furnace filter?
The nominal size of a furnace filter is a rounded-up number that fits more into standard filter marketing. For example, you might see a filter that measures at 20x0x1 or 20x20x5. The 20×0 refers to the dimensions of the frame, while the 1 or 5 refers to the thickness.
What is the difference between a Stiffer filter and a 5-inch filter?
Stiffer builds for steadfast seal: 1-inch filters have less material to control , which means the frames are thinner. Thin frames have flimsy seals which let through unfiltered air, defeating the purpose of your filter. 5-inch frames are thicker and fit into the furnace more seamlessly.
What is a 5 inch air filter?
Larger area for catching debris: 5-inch air filters offer a thick surface area of accordion-shaped material to catch all the dirt you want to keep away from your family. For cleaner air, the thicker filter provides less debris slipping through the cracks.
Why is furnace filter thickness important?
Why Does Furnace Filter Thickness Matter? Like the length and width, thickness is an important part of furnace filter sizing and getting the right fit to optimize performance. Air filter thickness ranges in size from 1 to 5 inches in depth - some options are more common than others, and your furnace may dictate what thickness you can use.
How thick should an air filter be?
BUT, never try to force an air filter to fit into a space that it isn’t designed for. If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that’s made for a 1-inch thick filter the efficiency will actually be worse.
What is the best filter for AC?
At the same time, a thicker filter is less restrictive and will allow for better flow of purified air. A 4-5” filter is usually best for people that need superior filtration.
Which is better, a 4-inch or 3-inch air filter?
Because a 4-inch filter lasts longer, it usually provides better value. But what if the air filter compartment in your furnace is only 3” thick? In that instance, the 1-inch furnace filter is the better option versus the 4-inch filter, however, a 3-inch thick air filter is the best choice.
Can a thin air filter cause excessive wear?
The combination of a thin air filter with high MERV rate can also restrict airflow to the point that it hinders efficiency and causes excessive wear. Now that you know what thickness you need, you’re one step closer to find your perfect air filter size - click here to get started.
Can you use a 4 inch filter instead of a 5 inch filter?
Going down in thickness by an inch shouldn't be a big deal - for example, you should be able to use a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter. If you are considering a thicker air filter in order to improve air quality it may be better to focus on the MERV rating.
Can you use a 1 inch filter in a duct?
Not to mention, components could get damaged in the process. On the other side, you can certain use a 1-inch thick filter in compartments that can accommodate a deeper filter. That said, the 1-inch filter may be too shallow, causing a loose fit that allows unfiltered air into the ductwork.
Factors to consider before buying a furnace filter
Below are the most important factors to consider when selecting an air filter for your home:
Furnace filter replacement
Regular replacement of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit’s filter is an essential part of maintenance. As a homeowner, you will want to make sure your unit runs as efficiently as possible in order to minimize your electricity costs, ensure proper functioning of your unit and increase your unit’s lifespan.
How often should you replace your furnace filter?
The average home and HVAC system will need the filter replaced once every three months.
What is the job of a furnace filter?
The only job of a furnace filter is to protect your HVAC equipment from chunks of debris. If you get debris collecting in your equipment it can cause many problems such as:
Why do we need filters?
Many manufacturers market their filters so that you believe that a filter is meant for your respiratory health, helping with dust mites and allergens. I don’t doubt that those filters can do that. Remember though, filters are designed for the protection of your equipment only. If you have indoor air quality issues or certain respiratory health issues there is special equipment one can purchase to help with those issues.
What kinds of disposable filters are there?
There are many on the market. There are the inexpensive blue/white fiberglass filters all the way up to disposable accordion style filters that cost around $50 each. Some of the low-fold accordion style filters restrict too much air flow because of not having enough surface area for the air to be pushed through. Some of the accordion filters have a lot of folds giving plenty of surface area for air movement but those seem to be the costly filters that still need to be checked/changed every 30 days.
How to tell if air filter is dirty?
If a clean filter is on the border of not being in the parameters, then most likely it being dirty will make it out of specs. Meaning if the air pressure readings with the clean filter are close to being not in the parameters of what the ideal readings should be on the cheat sheet, then most likely with that filter being dirty or slightly dirty, it will make it not in the parameters .
Does a fiberglass filter make you break?
I know that the cheap fiberglass filter will allow enough air flow, catch the clogging chunks, won’t make me broke, and a cleaning every year will take care of the pesky fine particles.
Do HVAC technicians work on equipment?
Always have a qualified HVAC Technician to work on, repair and install your equipment.
Is the accordion filter restrictive?
I found that the low-fold accordion filters tended to be restrictive, even being brand new right out of the wrapper. I am sure there are a lot of neigh sayers but the manometer doesn’t lie.
Why is it important to choose the right furnace filter size?
Choosing the right furnace filter size for your home is very important. It will help maintain your furnace’s efficiency and keep your home’s air clean.
Where is the air filter located on a furnace?
The air filter on a furnace is usually located in the return air intake at the furnace. Look for where the return duct connects to your furnace, and there should be a plate that covers the slot that the air filter goes in.
How to tell the size of an air filter?
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. For example, it will say something like “16x25x1”, where 16” is the length, 25” is the width, and 1” is the depth.
What happens if your air filter is too small?
If the filter is too small, then there will be a gap around the air filter. This allows dirty air to get around the filter. It’s almost like having no filter at all.
What does MERV mean in air filters?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating is intended to be used to determine the filter’s ability to remove particulates from air.
Can you measure an air filter?
If your old air filter doesn’t have the measurements printed on its side, then you can measure the filter.
Do furnaces have return vent filters?
While AC and furnace units do a decent job of filtering air impurities on their own, return vent filters can aid in this by acting as the first line of defense.
How to measure furnace filter?
If you can't ascertain your furnace filter’s nominal dimensions, there is no need to panic. You can simply measure the opening for filter and round up to the nearest inch. For example, if the actual opening is 14 by 19 ½, the nominal dimensions you want to specify are 14 by 20.
Can you order a new furnace filter in the same size?
If you have an old filter from your furnace on which the dimensions are printed, then ascertaining size is a non-issue. You can use these provided dimensions to locate and order new filters in the same size. Keep in mind, though, that those dimensions are not the actual dimensions of the opening in your furnace where the filter is installed.
How to find the size of furnace filter?
If there is no size on your current AC filter, you can measure the legnth width depth of the filter and the filter to find the Actual Size of your filter with the Corresponding Furnace Filter size in the Furnace Filter Size (Nominal Size) Chart.
What is the highest rated furnace filter?
If you have 1 inch return vent filters or a 1 inch filter in the furnace, a pleated MERV 13 filter is generally the highest rated filter available for your system. MERV 13 filters are high efficiency filters recommended for allergy suffers. MERV 8 is around the level that begins to protect air quality in the home.
How Often Should I Change My AC Filter?
General pleated 1 inch AC Filters are changed every 2 to 3 Months Depending on use. Environments with Smoke, heavy dust (ie Desert) or pets may need more frequent air filter changing. When should a filter be changed? A filter should be changes when it is loaded with particulate as noted by NAFA (National Air Filtration Association).
What is the best air filter for a home?
The best home air filters is a relative question. You should get the highest MERV rated filter your HVAC system will support it you want the best air quality in your home. Newer Modern HVAC systems should all support at least a pleated MERV 8 rated filter which is around the minimum level you would want to protect your homes air quality. MERV 11 to 13 filters is recommended for allergy sufferers. Superior systems from Carrier and Lennox offer some of the best residential filters available at MERV 15 and 16 respectively.
What brand of air filters are available?
In addition to the Atomic brand air filters, we stock a large selection of the most popular Brands of filters including Carrier, Lennox, Honeywell, Aprilaire and many more. Each brand may have actual sizes and that are different from the Nomial Size (Size on the Label sometimes a rounded size) listed on the filters label. It important to make sure you choose a brand that has the correct Actual size (Measured Dimensions of the filter) for your system. See Lennox and Carrier filters below.
How much does a 1 inch air filter cost?
1 inch flat green fiberglass filters which are considered cheap air filters can cost less than $1 but may have no MERV rating meaning they do not protect the air quality.
Why do filters have wire backing?
Many filters have a wire backing to prevent collapsing against the air flow . The filters first job is to protect the equipment from dust. Air flow around a filter can damage your system.
Why do you need a filter for a furnace?
The primary purpose of a filter is to protect HVAC equipment, not to improve indoor air quality, as many homeowners have been led to believe. Many furnace manufacturers recommend that you use a low-cost fiberglass filter, but when I asked a representative of one major maker, his response was “no comment.”
How long can you reuse a washable filter?
Washable filters may be reused for 5 to 10 years and cost about $20 each. These filters should be rinsed once a month and prior to re-installation, they should be allowed to dry. Some permanent electrostatic filters include carbon filtration for odor removal. Advertisement.
Do furnaces filter air?
Even during the heating and cooling seasons, furnaces run only part of the time. So it stands to reason they are not filtering the air when the fan is not running.
Can a furnace filter freeze the coils?
Similarly, a high-efficiency filter can freeze the condensing coils on an AC unit. (A dirty filter can do the same thing.) Even more of a shocker is that furnace filters do relatively little to reduce the number of small particles you inhale.
