How To Find The Right Hvac Filter Size

How to Find the Right HVAC Filter Size

Replacing your HVAC filter is an important part of HVAC maintenance to keep your system running as efficiently and safely as possible. Plus, regular maintenance extends the life of your system to protect your investment.

One of the tasks with HVAC maintenance is changing your air filter, which you can do on your own easily. Choosing an air filter can be overwhelming, but it’s best not to guess. You just need to do a little work to get your filter size and eliminate the stress and hassle. You can change it yourself or hire a pro to do it for you.

Why Does the Air Filter Size Matter?

Getting the right air filter is important for the health and function of your HVAC system. If your air filter is too big, you can’t cut it to fit into your HVAC system. This creates gaps that let contaminants into your home and allows air to escape, defeating the purpose of having a filter at all.

Image: Cat Meme About Air Filters.

Likewise, an air filter that’s too small for the slot will leave air gaps that bring contaminants in and let air out. This will also negatively impact your air quality and energy efficiency. Neither one of these options is a good choice for your health or your home, so make sure you get the right air filter size.

Look at Your Existing Air Filter

Checking your old filter is the easiest and fastest way to determine the size for your new air filter. Most filters have a size on the side with the length, width, and depth measured in inches.

For example, your air filter may read 16x20x1, which means that it’s 16 inches in length, 25 inches in width, and one inch in depth. With this size, you can find the right air filter replacement and know it will fit. Filter sizes are pretty standard, so you shouldn’t find odd or unusual size options.

Measure It Yourself

If your air filter doesn’t have measurements or they’re worn off, you can measure the filter itself. All you need is a measuring tape to measure the length, width, and depth, paying attention to orientation.

The air filter dimensions listed are usually a little larger than the air filter itself. If the filter size is 16 inches by 20 inches by one inch, the actual measurements will probably be something like 15.75 inches by 19.75 inches by .75 inches. You just have to round up to the nearest inch to find the size. Air filters won’t have incremental sizes like this in most cases.

Measure Air Register or Air Filter Slot

If you have a missing air filter or otherwise can’t measure it, you can measure the slot it goes into to get the size. This will help you know the right size for your new air filter.

Image: An Air Filter Sticking Out Of An Air Filter Slot.

The air filter slot is the size of the actual filter measurements, not the size you’ll find listed on the new air filter package. You may have odd measurements like 15.5, 29.75, or 0.75 inches. Make sure you round up to find the filter size.

Where Is the Air Filter Located?

Your HVAC system will usually have an air filter that’s located on the return air intake of the furnace. Find the spot where the return duct comes into the furnace, and there should be a plate covering the air filter slot.

Image: An Hvac Technician Changing An Air Filter.

Some HVAC systems don’t have air filters located in the air handling unit. Instead, the air filter will be near the return vent inside your home. Changing the filter is a simple process in this case, as long as you can access the vent to change it. If you’re not comfortable, contact an HVAC professional.

Know Your Air Filter’s MERV Rating

Along with the size, you will need to determine the appropriate MERV rating for the air filter before you can replace it. The MERV rating determines how effective the air filter is at removing particles from the air, and the higher the rating, the better it is at this job.

This doesn’t mean that you should choose the highest possible MERV rating. These filters are more effective at removing contaminants from the air before they get into your home, but they’re thicker. This means your HVAC system will need to work that much harder to push air out and through your home, increasing its energy usage – and your energy bills.

Most homes will do well with a MERV rating of 5 to 8 for the filter. This range offers good filtration for healthy people and removes pollen, dust, and mold effectively. The system will still run efficiently as long as you replace the filters at the right time frames.

If you have allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions, then you may want a higher MERV rating of 10 or 12. These ratings trap more allergens, such as mold and pollen, as small as one micron.

Do you need to change your HVAC air filter or other HVAC repairs or replacement? Contact Sierra Plumbing to schedule an appointment!

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