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19.11.2024
Brooke Kirshne
Do you know that to get clean and healthy air and enhance the performance of your HVAC system, it is vital that you use the correct air filter size? It's the little details like this that truly make a big impact. So, air filters are an extremely essential part of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. It is responsible for making sure that you have a comfortable atmosphere in your home with lots of fresh and clean air to breathe.
These AC filters help in capturing contaminants in the air like dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, hair, and fur of your pets, and other airborne particles that are harmful to health especially if you or other people among you are suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma, tonsillitis, lung infection or any other problem. However, the level of their efficiency depends on whether or not you have selected the right size air filter for your system.
If the air filter you have is either too large or too small then it will create several problems. In this blog, we will share valuable knowledge like what are the impacts of using the wrong air filter such as bad air quality, and how it affects the performance of HVAC system. You will also learn about how you can choose the correct air filter size for your HVAC system.
The Impact Of Using The Wrong Filter Size
Many people often make the mistake of thinking that using the wrong filter size is a small thing that will not have any effect on the HVAC systems or the environment of their home. However, in reality, there are multiple problems that will affect the health of your HVAC system. Below you will learn about some of the major issues that impact your air conditioner by using the wrong filter size.
I. Poor Air Quality
The first thing that will be affected by using the wrong filter size is that it will decrease the quality of your air. If you use an air filter that is smaller in size then it will allow the pollutants in the air like dust, dirt, and allergens to enter your home or office and contaminate the air you breathe. On the other hand, if you use an oversized air filter then it will not be able to fit properly in your HVAC system leading it to leave gaps where unhygienic and unfiltered air can come inside and circular in the air.
II. Increased Energy Consumption
When you are using the wrong air filter size for your HVAC system then you will get high energy bills. If you are using a small air filter in comparison to the size of the HVAC system then it will cause restrictions in airflow which will cause trouble in getting the temperature that you want for your space. To maintain the desired temperature the HVAC systems have to work extra hard and because of this reason they consume more energy. In addition, your system has to run for a longer period of time to cool or heat your space. All of these reasons increase the consumption of energy making you pay for high bills.
III. Risk Of HVAC System Damage
Using the wrong-sized air filter can lower your HVAC system's performance and lead to damage. If the filter is too small, it allows dust and debris to bypass, causing the filter to clog. This restricts airflow, forcing the system to put in more effort to maintain the desired temperature, which lowers efficiency and puts more strain on the motor and compressor. As the system works harder, it can overheat or freeze, damaging its important parts like the coils, motor, and blower. On the other hand, if the filter is too large, it can block proper airflow, creating pressure on the main components, which increases the risk of costly repairs or even a full replacement. So, using the correct-sized filter is important to prevent unnecessary damage, and helps your system run efficiently for longer.
IV. Unusual Noise From The AC
Using the wrong-sized air filter can cause your HVAC system to make unusual noise. The reason behind this is that if the filter is too small, the system has to work harder, which can cause it to make more noise. If the filter is installed incorrectly, you might hear an unusual buzzing or vibrating sound. Additionally, if the filter is clogged or too tight, it could cause a loud noise when the system shuts off, as it struggles to keep up. These unusual noises could be signs of damage, and they may make your HVAC system sound much louder than normal, showing that something isn’t working properly. Over time, if not fixed, these unusual noises may get worse and put more strain on the system.
How To Choose The Correct Air Filter Size
Now that you have learned how important it is to have the right filter size to avoid the problems. The next step is to know how you can choose the correct air filter size for your HVAC systems. Below you will find some vital points that will help you pick the right size air filter.
1. Look At The Size Of The Existing Filter: It is the simplest and easiest way to know what size of the air filter will be required for your HAVC systems. Mostly all the air fitters have their dimensions marked on the frame. By looking at that you will be able to find the length, width, and depth. Always remember that the measurements are mentioned in inches.
2. Read The HVAC Manual: If you are having trouble reading the dimensions on the filter because of the disappearance of the numbers due to the passage of time. Then there is another easy way to find out about the size. All you need to do is to read the manual of your HVAC system, there will be mentioned the size of the filter required for the type of HVAC system you are using.
3. Measure The Slot Of The Filter: If the size is not mentioned on the air filter then you need to measure the slot of the filter by using a measuring tape or a ruler. You need to make sure that you document the dimensions in the right way by first writing the length then the width and lastly the depth. For example length x width x depth.
4. Look At The MERV Rating: The MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, this rating helps in indicating the efficiency of the air filter and its capability of capturing the pollutant particles in the air. The higher the MERV ratings are the better it will be in filtration. However, you need to make sure that your HVAC system will be able to handle the higher ratings without compromising the airflow.
Below you will a table of different sizes of air filters that are divided according to their thickness of 1 inch, 2 inches, and 4 inches. This will give you an idea of selecting the correct air filter size for your HVAC system.
| Size (Inches) | 1" Thickness | 2" Thickness | 4" Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x20 | 10x20x1 | 10x20x2 | 10x20x4 |
| 12x12 | 12x12x1 | 12x12x2 | 12x12x4 |
| 12x20 | 12x20x1 | 12x20x2 | 12x20x4 |
| 12x24 | 12x24x1 | 12x24x2 | 12x24x4 |
| 12x30 | 12x30x1 | 12x30x2 | 12x30x4 |
| 12x36 | 12x36x1 | 12x36x2 | 12x36x4 |
| 14x20 | 14x20x1 | 14x20x2 | 14x20x4 |
| 14x24 | 14x24x1 | 14x24x2 | 14x24x4 |
| 14x25 | 14x25x1 | 14x25x2 | 14x25x4 |
| 14x30 | 14x30x1 | 14x30x2 | 14x30x4 |
| 15x20 | 15x20x1 | 15x20x2 | 15x20x4 |
| 16x20 | 16x20x1 | 16x20x2 | 16x20x4 |
| 16x24 | 16x24x1 | 16x24x2 | 16x24x4 |
| 16x25 | 16x25x1 | 16x25x2 | 16x25x4 |
| 18x18 | 18x18x1 | 18x18x2 | 18x18x4 |
| 18x20 | 18x20x1 | 18x20x2 | 18x20x4 |
| 18x24 | 18x24x1 | 18x24x2 | 18x24x4 |
| 18x25 | 18x25x1 | 18x25x2 | 18x25x4 |
| 18x30 | 18x30x1 | 18x30x2 | 18x30x4 |
| 20x20 | 20x20x1 | 20x20x2 | 20x20x4 |
| 20x24 | 20x24x1 | 20x24x2 | 20x24x4 |
| 20x25 | 20x25x1 | 20x25x2 | 20x25x4 |
| 20x30 | 20x30x1 | 20x30x2 | 20x30x4 |
| 24x24 | 24x24x1 | 24x24x2 | 24x24x4 |
| 25x25 | 25x25x1 | 25x25x2 | 25x25x4 |
Conclusion
Using the wrong size air filter can cause problems for both your system and your health. If the filter is too big or too small, it can make your HVAC unit or furnace work harder, which uses more energy and can damage the system. This can lead to higher bills, expensive repairs, or even system failure. It might also cause more maintenance or cancel your warranty. So, if you want to avoid these issues, make sure to choose the right filter size for your system. It helps keep your HVAC system working well and will make sure that the air you breathe stays clean.
We at Custom Filters Direct specialize in offering our customers the best quality custom-size air filters for all types of HVAC systems. We have all kinds of air filters whether you are looking for a filter for your home, office, or any other place. Our air filters are specially designed to improve the air quality, enhance the airflow, and ensure the longevity of your system. These custom filters are built in a way that they can fit perfectly without facing the problem of incorrect sizing. For more information, you can send us an email at info@customfiltersdirect.com or give us a call at 877-958-5612. We are always ready to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- There will be a rise in your energy bills as dirty air filters make the HVAC system consume more energy to work harder.
- When your air filter gets old and gets completely clogged with dust and dirt then it will start to release the excess dust in your home.
- An old and dirty air filter will start to make different kinds of noises like whistling, bubbling, buzzing, hissing, banging, and many more.
- It will start to give a bad smell from the air vents especially when you switch it on.
Step 1: The very first thing you need to do before starting to take measurements is to power off the HVAC system. This will prevent the risk of blowing dust on your face and decrease the chance of you getting an electric shock.
Step 2: You need to find the air return vent which is mostly located on the ceilings and looks like small grates. However, the location of the air vent depends on the design of the home or the type of the vent.
Step 3: Open the air vent and carefully remove the current air filter. It is essential to make sure that you are extra cautious otherwise you might end up damaging the air filter or your HVAC systems.
Step 4: Use a measuring tape or a ruler to measure the length, width, and thickness of the filter, and make sure that you note them in proper air filter format “Length x Width x Thickness”. This will help you to avoid any confusion.