How do I know what size air filter to buy?
A clean home’s air and the longevity of your HVAC system depend on the size of the air filter you choose. Knowing how to select the appropriate size might be intimidating because there are so many sizes available, including the well-liked 20x20x1 air filter. This guide will assist you in navigating the range of typical air filter sizes to select the ideal one for your requirements.
Understanding air filter sizes
The three parameters of length, breadth, and thickness are often used to indicate the various sizes of air filters, which are expressed in inches. This notation is commonly written in the format LxWxT. An air filter of 20 inches in length, 20 inches in breadth, and 1 inch in thickness, for instance, is called a 20x20x1.
Choosing the correct size is essential for several reasons:
- Efficiency: An airtight filter that seals well to the surrounding surface guarantees that there is free flow of air through the HVAC system without escapes or impediments.
- Air Quality: Installed at correct sizes, such filters capture airborne particles and other pollutants that make the indoor air quality much better.
- System Longevity: If the filter you select is not the right size for your HVAC system, then it may put a lot of stress on the already existing system and thus show signs of wear and tear much earlier than it should.
Common air filter sizes
To fit a variety of HVAC systems, air filters come in a conventional size range. The following are a few of the most common air filter sizes:
- 16x20x1: Perfect for small or normal dimensioned vents.
- 20x20x1: There are instances where one may require larger vents or systems that have a larger air flow rate.
- 20x25x1: Has more space to capture dust and is best used for the systems that require a bigger number of airflows.
- 16×25×1: Found frequently in residential applications and is one efficient size for most home systems.
It’s critical to understand which size best suits the parameters of your HVAC system because each of these sizes accommodates a variety of system types.
How to Determine the Right Size
Use these procedures to determine the appropriate air filter size for your HVAC system:
- Check the Existing Filter: Examining the current filter is the simplest method to figure out what size air filter you need. The dimensions of the majority of filters are printed on the side or frame. You may check the dimensions indicated, such as 20x20x1, by simply removing the filter from your HVAC system.
- Measure the Filter Slot: If the size cannot be read from the filter, just look at the slot where the filter is placed and take measurements. With measuring tape, establish the parameters of the slot, which include the length, the width, and the thickness. Try to be precise in order that you can take accurate measurements.
- Consult the manufacturer’s specifications: It is wise to consult the manufacturer specifications of your HVAC system in order to determine the right size of the filter to use. It is usually provided in the user manual, or it can even be accessed from the company’s website.
- Seek Professional Help: Still, should you still have lingering questions about the right size for the filter, then it is best to consult with an HVAC expert. They help you identify the type, size, and brand that works best depending on the type of system you have so that when buying a filter, you can be certain that it will fit.
Choosing the right filter thickness
When choosing an air filter, filter height is a crucial consideration to take into account. One inch, two inches, and four inches are common thicknesses. Larger surface areas of thicker filters allow them to capture more particles, improving air quality and extending the interval between filter changes. But not every system can withstand thicker filters, so it’s crucial to find out what your system can and cannot manage.
Filter Material and MERV Rating
Take into account the filter’s materials and MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) grade in addition to its size. A filter’s capability to collect particles of various sizes is gauged by its MERV rating. Better filtering is indicated by higher MERV ratings. Residential air filters are commonly rated between 1 and 13, with higher numbers denoting better filtering.
- MERV 1-4: The efficiency level for removing particles that are larger in size, such as dust and lint.
- MERV 5-8: Made to filter out small particles like mold and pet dander in addition to dust and dirt commonly in homes.
- MERV 9-12: Fine particles that can trap smoke and some bacteria.
- MERV 13-16: capable of removing the smallest particles, such as pollens and viruses within the property.
Considering your requirements for air quality as well as any particular allergies or sensitivities, select a filter with the right MERV rating.
Maintaining Your Filter
It is important to take proper care of it once you have realized the right size and kind of air filter to use. Clean the filter routinely and replace it when it looks dirty according to some recommended schedule. While altering the air filters every one to three months is beneficial to follow, this may not stand true depending on the type of filter, the environment of your house, and frequency of usage of your HVAC system.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate 20x20x1 air filter or other standard sizes is crucial to your HVAC system’s smooth functioning and the preservation of high indoor air quality. You can make sure you select the ideal filter for your requirements by taking measurements of your current filter or filter slot, reviewing manufacturer standards, and taking into account elements like filter thickness, material, and MERV rating. Maintaining a clean and healthy air environment and a well-functioning HVAC system may be achieved through timely replacements and routine maintenance.
