Is your furnace filter the wrong size? It may be easy to overlook the importance of a correctly-sized furnace filter, but it can have a significant impact on the comfort and safety of your home.
When your furnace filter is the wrong size, it can lead to a number of issues, including decreased indoor air quality, reduced heating efficiency, and potentially even damage to your HVAC system.
Don't let a simple mistake harm your home. Read on to discover how the size of your furnace filter can impact your living space and how to ensure you have the right size for your system.
When it comes to your furnace filter, size matters. Using the wrong size filter can lead to a host of problems, including reduced efficiency, increased energy bills, and even damage to your heating system.
A furnace filter that is too small may not effectively capture all the dirt, dust, and debris circulating through your HVAC system. This can result in poor indoor air quality and even health problems for those living in your home. Additionally, a filter that is too small can become clogged quickly, leading to frequent filter replacements and added maintenance costs.
Conversely, using a filter that is too large can restrict airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to increased energy usage and higher utility bills. It can also put unnecessary strain on your furnace's motor and blower, potentially leading to expensive repairs down the line.
That's why it's important to always use the correct size filter for your furnace. Not sure what size you need? Check your furnace's owner's manual or consult with a heating professional to ensure you get the right fit for your system. Your wallet - and your furnace - will thank you.
Having the wrong size furnace filter doesn't just affect your HVAC system's efficiency, but it can also lead to many potential risks and negative impacts on your home. Below are some of the problems you could face by using an ill-fitting air filter:
When there isn't enough room for air to flow through the filter, the overall airflow of your HVAC system decreases. This affects the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system and can lead to longer run times, higher energy bills, and even equipment failure.
When airflow is restricted, your furnace's internal temperature can increase rapidly. An overworked furnace can quickly overheat and cause damage to the heat exchanger, leading to system failure. A poorly fitting filter can also cause other parts of your furnace to overheat and fail.
An ill-fitting filter can't properly clean your indoor air and can allow contaminants, such as dust, pollen, and bacteria, to pass through the filter and into your home. This can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma.
If your filter doesn't fit correctly, it can cause gaps and leaks in your ductwork. Not only does this allow air to escape and reduce your system's efficiency, but it can also cause damage to your ducts and create opportunities for pests to enter your home.
In conclusion, using the wrong size furnace filter can lead to many risks and negative impacts on your home's HVAC system, indoor air quality, and even its structural integrity. Make sure to consult with an HVAC professional to ensure you are using the correct size filter for your system to avoid these potential issues.
Identifying the correct size for your furnace filter is essential to ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently and effectively. Here are some simple steps to help you determine which size filter you need:
Step 1: Check the size of your current filter. Look for the size printed on the edge of the filter or on the frame. It should be written in inches and will typically be shown as length by width by depth.
Step 2: Measure the width and length of the filter. If you cannot find the filter size written on the filter or frame, use a measuring tape to determine the width and length of the filter. Round the measurements up to the nearest inch.
Step 3: Determine the depth of the filter. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the depth of the filter. This is typically the thinnest side of the filter and is often less than an inch in depth.
Step 4: Select the correct filter size. Once you have the measurements of your current filter, choose a replacement filter that matches those exact dimensions. Make sure to double-check the dimensions before purchasing a new filter.
By taking these simple steps to identify the correct size for your furnace filter, you can ensure that you are maintaining the optimal performance of your HVAC system and providing clean, healthy air for your family.
Now that you know how important it is to have the right size furnace filter, it’s also crucial to understand how often you should replace or change it. In general, most filters need to be replaced every 1-3 months.
If you have pets or live with someone who smokes, or you live in an area with high pollen counts, then you may need to replace your filter more frequently, approximately every one to two months. Additionally, if you have a larger home with multiple rooms, then your filter may need to be replaced more often to ensure optimal air quality and maximum efficiency.
On the other hand, if you live alone without pets, and the air quality in your home is generally good, you may be able to stretch the lifespan of your filter up to three months before needing to replace it.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how often you should change your furnace filter is to check it once a month and see how dirty it is. If it is significantly dirty or clogged, then it's time to replace it. Additionally, check your manufacturer’s recommendations, as they may have specific guidelines for your particular furnace filter.
Investing time and money into changing your furnace filter on a regular basis can make a big difference in the air quality of your home and the efficiency of your furnace. So, don't overlook this essential aspect of home maintenance.
A furnace filter plays a crucial role in ensuring that your home's HVAC system works efficiently. However, using the wrong size filter can have numerous negative impacts on your home, including reduced air quality, damaged equipment, and higher energy costs. On the other hand, maintaining a properly-sized furnace filter can bring in several benefits and advantages.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
A properly-sized furnace filter can improve your home's indoor air quality by filtering out unwanted particles in the air such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Higher air quality is particularly essential for allergic individuals or those prone to respiratory illnesses.
Prolongs Equipment Life
A furnace's HVAC system is essential in maintaining a comfortable home. Therefore, you should strive to keep it functioning correctly by using the right-sized filter. Properly-sized furnace filters prevent the accumulation of dirt or debris that can damage your HVAC system, reducing its lifespan and incurring expensive repair costs.
Reduces Energy Costs
Using the right-sized furnace filter can help reduce your home's energy costs. A clogged or improperly-sized filter impedes the airflow, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This leads to higher energy consumption and, eventually, increased energy bills. By using the right-sized furnace filter, you can save energy and reduce your monthly bills.
Less Frequent Filter Changes
With the right furnace filter size, you won't have to change your filter frequently. A filter that is too small or too large can get clogged up faster and reduces the effectiveness of your HVAC system. This means you'll need to change your filter more than usual, adding to your maintenance costs. By choosing the right-sized filter, you'll have to change your filter less frequently, saving your time and money.
In conclusion, maintaining a properly-sized furnace filter brings numerous benefits, including improved indoor air quality, reduced energy costs, less frequent filter changes, and prolonged equipment life. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that you use the right-sized furnace filter and replace it as needed.
Choosing the right size furnace filter can significantly impact the air quality in your home and the efficiency of your heating system. Neglecting to replace your filter or installing the wrong size can lead to poor indoor air quality, increased energy bills, and even system breakdowns.
With the information provided in this article, you now have the knowledge to ensure that you are using the correct furnace filter size. Remember to check it regularly and replace it every one to three months, depending on your usage. By doing so, you can enjoy a healthy and comfortable living environment while extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.
When it comes to indoor air quality, air filters are key for keeping your family healthy. Your HVAC system sucks air through the filter, and if it's dirty or clogged, it can decrease its efficiency. That's why it's important to choose the right one.
The MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a scale that rates air filters from 1 to 16 on their ability to trap particulates from the air. Most air filters have a value from 1 to 13, but HEPA filters, used in hospitals, have a MERV rating of 13+.
The cheapest type of filter is spun fiberglass, with a MERV rating of 1-4. Disposable filters made of pleated paper or polyester offer more protection, with a MERV rating of 5 to 7. High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters offer the highest protection, with the ability to filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns and remove 99.97% of airborne particles.
For those with severe allergies, more expensive air filters like Pleated Residential filters are worth the extra money. They can filter out dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold and even bacteria. So, do more expensive furnace filters really make a difference? Absolutely.
Replacing your furnace filter is important to keep your air quality high, as well as save money in the long run. But before you do, you need to know exactly what size and type you need.
Most furnaces use a common furnace filter size, so make sure to check your old filter to see which size and type you need. Common filter dimensions are 10x20, 14x20, 16x24, 18x30, 12x12, 14x24, 16x25, 20x20, 12x20, 14x25, 18x18, 20x24, 12x24, 14x30, 18x20, 20x25, 12x30, 15x20, 18x24, 20x30, 12x36, 16x20, 18x25, 24x24, and 25x25.
Media filters are the workhorses of the filter world, cleaning out more particles from your air. They are made of deeply pleated, paper-like material and are seven times better than a standard filter at removing dust and other particles, while also having a longer lifespan.
At Appleby Systems, we carry media 5-inch furnace filters with the following specifications: M1 1056 air filter – Dimensions/Sizes: M1 15 3/8 x 25 1/2 x 5 1/4 (16 x 25 x 5 furnace filter), M0 1056 air filter – Dimensions/sizes: M0 15 3/8 x 21 7/8 x 5 1/4 (16 x 22 x 5 furnace filter), and M8 1056 air filter – Dimensions/Sizes: M8 20 1/4 x 25 3/8 x 5 1/4 (20 x 25 x 5 furnace filter). All of these filters are energy efficient with a MERV rating of 11.
We suggest buying the filters in packs to save you from making frequent shopping trips and to allow you to switch your filters more frequently. Your HVAC appliances should be fitted with a new filter every month for optimal performance.
HVAC air filters come in different sizes and qualities, and some have special features that others don't. And that's why it's best to use the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends.
MERV ratings are used to rate filters, and can range from 1-20. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, with higher ratings showing that the filter can trap finer particulates. But some filters with higher ratings can block up quickly and put extra pressure on your equipment. Unless you're in a hospital, most residential HVAC systems should use a filter with a MERV rating lower than 13.
A filter with a MERV rating of 5 should usually be enough to capture all the daily nuisances like pet dander, pollen and dust. Some filters may also claim to trap mold spores, but it's better to get a professional to take care of the mold instead of relying on the filter.
On the package, you'll probably find information about how often the filter should be changed. We recommend using accordion-style filters as they last longer, even though they cost a bit more.
Filters come in different materials, with one-use fiberglass filters being the most common. Polyester and pleated filters are better at catching dirt, but they can also reduce your system's airflow. If you're looking for the best filtration, go for a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.
Maintaining your furnace is essential to keep it running efficiently and avoid any costly issues. So, how often should you change your furnace filter? And is it okay to reuse the old one?
A dirty filter can cause poor air quality and higher heating bills. But if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger can overheat and the furnace will shut off for safety.
There are two types of furnace filters: disposable and permanent. Disposable filters should be replaced every 2-3 months, while permanent filters can be cleaned and reused. To clean a permanent filter, simply take it out, rinse off the dust and let it dry before putting it back.
Furnace filters are critical for keeping your HVAC system running smoothly, which can reduce your electricity bill and improve air quality. To help you find the right product, our This Old House Reviews Team has researched the top five furnace filters on Amazon. They’re available at various home improvement stores, home centers, and online stores.
Before purchasing a filter, you should consider its size, filtration level, and material. The size should match the one that’s currently in your HVAC system and is expressed in inches as width by height by thickness. Most are one inch thick, but some are two, four, or five inches.
Filters are rated by their MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale. The higher the MERV, the finer the filter and the smaller the particles it can capture. Disposable filters are usually between MERV 6 and 13, experts recommend MERV 8 or higher for odor elimination, and commercial filters are between 17 and 20. Washable filters don't use MERV ratings, but some claim to trap airborne particles.
The Filtrete 20x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter is the best for large systems. It can capture up to 64% of pet dander and pollen, and promises to last for up to three months. The Filtrete 10x20x1 AC Furnace Air Filter is the best value, while the Aerostar 12x12x1 MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter is best for capturing small particles. The Nordic Pure 16x25x1 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter is the best for allergies and the FilterBuy 16x25x1 Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filter is best for warm homes.