Contents
Introduction
The air filter is one of any HVAC system’s most common and important parts. If you have been using an HVAC unit in your home, then you know that it is also the part that needs replacements. One air filter comes with the machine when you buy it, but later you need to replace it after it gets dirty. And to successfully do that, you need to find the right air filter size that will go with your specific HVAC unit.
What Does an Air Filter Do?
HVAC air filters, like the name, filter out any unwanted floating particles from the indoor air to keep the air clean and comfortable. They work as a barrier that screens the air and traps any unnecessary particles such as pollen, dust, pet dander, etc. It is also the part of the HVAC system that works as a ventilator, reducing the chances of mold growth. The indoor air quality can lessen drastically without properly fitted air filters.
How to Identify the Right Size of Filter
There are a lot of different-sized filters available. You can choose which size you want. These filters’ sizes are measured in length, width, and thickness. You need to be careful when choosing the filter; if it does not fit perfectly into the filter compartment of your HVAC system, then it will fail in its task.
Check the Correct Dimensions for your HVAC Unit
HVAC filter sizes need to match the machine’s capacity. First, check out what size of filter your HVAC unit can handle. Normally, the dimensions are mentioned on the body. But you can also measure the air filter that came with the machine to get the perfect measurements. As for thickness, normally, you can use filters from 1 inch to 6 inches in thickness. But 4 to 5 inches are said to be perfect for residential HVAC filters.
Measure Length, Width, and Thickness
When you choose the filter, ensure to properly check the filter dimensions. The numbers are normally written on the packaging or on the filter frame. If you cannot find the inscription, you can just measure the filter on your own. But if you are not careful, you might choose the wrong one that will be more likely to damage your home’s machine and air quality. Vendors like Custom Filters Direct offer to make you custom filters as well.
Compare Normal and Actual Sizes
In most cases, the standard measurements are written on the frame of the filters in a bold font. These standard measurements are not normally accurate. And most filters have the actual sizes written in a smaller font. For example, 16 x 15x 4 inches is standard, but the actual size would be about 0.25 to 0.5 inches smaller, such as 12x30x0.5 air filters. You need to pay more attention to the actual sizes.
Conclusion
It is known that the thicker the filter is, the better it is at trapping particles. But it is also good to remember that if you choose a filter that is too thick or too thin for your machine, then it will also be pointless. So, it is really important to identify the right size of filter for both your requirements and your HVAC system. There are some suppliers who can check your requirements and even supply you with custom air filters based on what you need.
