What Happens If You Use The Wrong Size Air Filter

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

Buy Custom Size Air Filters

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

What Are The Signs That I Need To Replace My Air Filter?
There are some signs that you will start to get when your air filter requires replacement.
  • 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.
How Do I Know If My Air Filter Size Is Correct?
You can easily check if your air filter size is correct by measuring the filter and the filter compartment. Most of the air filter size is engraved on the side of the filter. It is printed in the format length x width x depth. For measuring the filter compartment, you need to be extra cautious to avoid any damage to the HVAC system or getting injuries to yourself.
How Do I Measure The Size Of My Air Filter?
There are some simple steps that you can follow to measure the size of your air filter. By following the instructions given below you will be able to stay away from any kind of threat that poses to you or your HVAC system.
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.
How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?
It is recommended that you replace your air filter every 2 to 3 months. However, the frequency of replacement can depend on several different factors like the type of filter you are using, if you have a fiberglass filter then you need to change them every 30 to 40 days. While pleated filters can operate for approximately 90 days. In addition, if your home has pets or some of your home has allergies then it is recommended to change your air filter more often. The location of your home can also impact the replacement frequency.
What Happens If I Use A Filter That’s Too Small For My HVAC System?
If you use an air filter that is too small for your HVAC system then it will cause several types of problems such as reducing the quality of the air as a small air filter will not be able to capture all the dust, pollen, and pet fur. This can be quite dangerous for people who are suffering from asthma problems. Smaller air filters can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold. So, to avoid these problems it is important that you use the recommended size air filter for your HVAC system.
Can I Use A Temporary Filter If I Can’t Find The Right Size?
No, you should not use a temporary filter if you are not able to find the right size. If you choose to use an incorrect size air filter for your HVAC system then it will only cause problems and can even damage the HVAC system. A wrong size air filter will reduce the efficiency which will result in providing you with poor air quality. An inaccurate size will easily get wear and tear and will require more frequent replacement. It will also cause restriction to the airflow.
How Do I Know If My Filter Is Too Tight Or Too Loose?
You need to check if the filter is able to fit properly in the filter housing slot to know if your air filter is too tight or too loose. If you have to bend the AC filter or force it to fit in the place then it is too big for your HVAC system. If there are gaps present in the corner of the slot then the air filter is too small.

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