Since air filters are most often sold by their nominal dimensions, it is crucial to learn how to properly measure your air filter. When making your purchase, you should order your filter by its nominal size, rather than its actual size.
What is the most common air filter size?
- 20 x 25 x 1.
- 20 x 25 x 4.
- 16 x 20 x 1.
- 16 x 25 x 4.
- 20 x 30 x 1.
- 12 x 12 x 1.
- 14 x 14 x 1.
- 14 x 20 x 1.
What is the average air filter size?
For example: 16x20x1, 20x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x20x1 are all standard sized air filters. Every unit has a specific sized filter which allows the it to perform correctly and efficiently. Most AC and HVAC units use standard sized filters, but some do require a custom size air filter to be purchased and installed.
How do I know what size air filter I need?
Actual Size: The actual size of an air filter is typically written in the fine print on the frame of the filter and is usually 0.25"-0.5" smaller than the advertised, nominal size. The actual size is what you'd find if you used a ruler to measure the exact dimensions of the filter.
Are all home air filters the same size?
Air Filter Sizes for Your Home Can Be Frustrating Unfortunately, that's not the case there are about 20 “standard sizes” for air filters, and none have the same measurements. Even worse, incorrectly sized air filters can place undue stress on your HVAC system, damaging it and increasing your energy bills.
How do I know what air filter to buy?
Simply, you need the filter size that fits in your air return. You can typically find that size on the side of the air filter that you already have in use. This size will be the nominal size, which means it is rounded from its actual size.
What MERV rating is best for home use?
As a general rule, residences do not use higher than MERV 8 filters. We do recommend that everyone uses filters that have at least an 8 MERV rating. These filters will remove the majority of pollutants from your indoor air.
What filters do HVAC techs recommend?
HEPA Filter — HVAC replacement companies typically recommend HEPA filters because they can provide the highest protection level when it comes to airborne particles. This filter is capable of capturing small microns, and has a MERV ratingMERV ratingMinimum Efficiency Reporting Value, commonly known as MERV, is a measurement scale designed in 1987 by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to report the effectiveness of air filters in more detail than other ratings.https://en.wikipedia.org › Minimum_efficiency_reporting_valueMinimum efficiency reporting value - Wikipedia between 17 and 20, meaning it can trap tobacco smoke and bacteria.Apr 6, 2020