The easiest way to identify the size of your air conditioner filter is to remove the existing filter from its slot and examine the filter frame. Usually, the size that appears in bold on the filter frame is the nominal size of the filter, which is likely to differ from its actual size. If the actual dimensions do not appear in small print on the filter frame, it is recommended to measure the filter to check it. In this case, you'll need to round down to the nearest whole number to determine the nominal size of the air filter.
The actual size of the air filter must be between 0.25 and 0.5 smaller than the slot or frame itself. The slots in the HVAC unit are usually located near the bottom of the air controller. It's best to have a little wiggle room in the slot of the HVAC unit, so you can easily slide the filter in and out without it bending or breaking. If you have to clog the air filter to install it, try a different oven filter or a custom-sized air filter with a slightly smaller actual size.
Central air return ventilation grilles are usually located on the hallway ceiling or on the hallway wall of your house. If the return ventilation grille is on the roof, you can opt for a filter that has a slightly larger actual size, so that it doesn't fall on you when you open the ventilation grille. When buying a custom-sized air filter, it's important to remember the difference between the nominal value and its actual size. Once you determine the exact dimensions that best suit your needs, place an order for the filter size with the exact fraction or decimal of your preferred measurements.
Otherwise, you may get a different actual size than you expected. Step 1: Measure length and width (L x W). If the filter is not a square, then take note of its smallest measurement first. When buying an air filter, it's important to keep in mind that industry standards dictate that filters should measure slightly smaller than their slot or frame, so that they can easily slide into place without bending or breaking. However, according to Energy Star, filters must be changed every month during peak summer and winter months when HVAC systems are operating at their maximum capacity.
Installing several air filters of 1 in a slot of 2 can cause costly damage to air conditioning units since residential ovens are not equipped to withstand this level of air flow restriction. If you can't find your size in stores or need a custom-made air filter, online retailers are probably your best option. Using a search engine for oven filter sizes makes it easy to find one that fits your oven perfectly. Since HVAC technicians come to your home and evaluate your specific unit, they know what type of filter your furnace can handle and which one is best for your system. Do not stack several smaller air filters one on top of another to place them on a larger air controller. Please note that model numbers of many filters are very similar; check their actual sizes (actual dimensions measured by each filter) to make sure you have chosen correctly. If you have a system that uses a whole house filter, you may have an option from MERV 8 to MERV 16 depending on your HVAC system.
If you have a system that has an option for a high-efficiency MERV 15 filter such as Bryan and Carrier offer germicidal air purifiers. Most air conditioning and HVAC units use standard size filters but some require custom-sized air filters to be purchased and installed. If you're using a room air purifier and need to replace its filter, it's important to find its right size replacement HEPA filter. For your own safety and that of others, it is advisable to limit trips made to stores and invite service technicians only when necessary for annual HVAC maintenance reviews as recommended by Hannabery HVAC.
