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13.11.2024
Brooke Kirshne
Air filters are an extremely important part of every HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. It plays a big role in maintaining a healthy and hygienic quality of your indoor air. These air filters help in trapping dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles like the fur and hair of your pets. This quality prevents the contamination of air and makes sure that you have healthy breathable air in your home, office, or any other place. So, it is important that you have the right air filter size.
However, many people often make the mistake of not paying much attention to the size of the air filter. Many people think that the most common AC filter size can fit into the HVAC system which eventually leads to reducing the quality of air and can even damage your HVAC system. Choosing the correct size filter is extremely essential, you need to make sure that the filters are neither too small nor too large. Here, we will discuss why the correct size air filter is important, the impact of air filter size on your system performance, how you can measure the size of the AC filter, and how to find the right air filter size for your system.
Why Correct Air Filter Size Is Important
A correct filter size is important because if you choose the wrong size of the AC filter then it will have multiple negative effects on the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system. When you pick a filter that is smaller, then it will not be able to properly cover the entire area which will allow the dust and debris to enter your house. This can cause lots of problems as breathing impure air can become the reason for coughing, asthma, respiratory infections, and even major sicknesses such as heart disease and lung cancer. Smaller air filters will also reduce the flow of air which will force the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your space.
This will also increase the consumption of energy which will lead to high energy bills. If you choose an oversized air filter, then it will create multiple gaps around the edges which will reduce the effectiveness of capturing the dirt particles in the air. It will also disrupt the flow of air causing the systems to overheat or freeze. This mostly happens during the hot months of summer or cold winter months. All of these issues can damage your HVAC system so it is important that you make sure to select the right air filter size to get proper airflow and save money and energy.
Impact Of Air Filter Size On System Performance
The size of the AC filter will have a huge impact on your HVAC system. When you choose the right sized air filter it will provide support with the airflow and will be energy efficient. This will help in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. When there are no restrictions on the flow of air then it helps your HVAC system to perform better. It also prevents any kind of imbalance in the pressure which can eventually result in less cooling or lower heating than you desire. This will make your space less comfortable and can make people in the room uneasy.
It will then require your HVAC system to work even harder to provide you with your desired temperatures. If you use an undersized filter then it can increase the chance of damage to the motor of the blower as it has to run harder and for a long period of time to maintain the airflow. This will have a direct effect on the motor making it burnt out which will lead to expansive repairments or replacement. In addition, incorrect filters can collect dust and dirt on the evaporator coils affecting its ability to absorb heat and reducing the efficiency of cooling. If this problem is left unnoticed then with time the problem will increase causing the HVAC system to shut down.
How To Measure Your Air Filter
Before you purchase an air filter it is important that you think about the size to make sure that you are selecting the right one for your HVAC system. To know about the size you need to properly measure your air filter to ensure that there is no chance of making a mistake. You can simply follow the simple steps that are mentioned below to take the measurements of your air filter.
Step 1: Switch Off Your HVAC System
This is the first and one of the most important steps that you should take before starting to take measurements of the air filter. Always remember to turn off your HVAC system as it will prevent dust from blowing in your face and you will be safe from getting electric shock.
Step 2: Take Out The Old Air Filter
You need to locate the slot of the air filter which is present near the air duct or air furnace. Be extra cautious while implementing this step and make sure that you do not bend the filter otherwise, you might end up damaging it. Mostly the size of the filter is engraved on the side this will save you time as you will only need to confirm the measurements.
Step 3: Take The Measurements Of Length, Width, And Thickness
For this step, you will be required to have a measuring tape or ruler to get an accurate measurement of the length, width, and thickness. Place the measuring tape on the longest edge and stretch it to the other side to measure its length. For measuring the width you need to measure the short edge. The thickness of most of the filters is 1 inch but it can depend on the HVAC system.
Step 4: Note The Dimensions
There is a particular format in which the size of air filters is written. You need to follow the same format while noting the dimensions in your notepad. The format is Length x Width x Thickness. For example 20 inches (length) x 25 inches (width) x 1 inch (thickness). It is important that you write in the correct order to avoid selecting the wrong air filter for your HVAC system.
Finding The Right Air Filter Size
Once you have the right measurements of the air filter then you can easily find the right size air filter for your HVAC system. Below you will see some points that will help you locate the size of AC filter you want for the system.
1. Look At Your Current Filter: This is the easiest way to get an idea of the size of your air filter is by checking the existing filter of your HVAC system. Most of the filters have the dimensions marked on the frame.
2. Get Expert Advice: If you are not completely sure about the size of the air filter then it is best to check the user manual of your HVAC system or consult with a professional to get the right advice on the size of the AC filter.
3. Check The Labels On The System: Lots of HVAC systems have labels near the slot of the filter or the door listing of the system that recommends the size of the filter. You can check the labels to confirm and be completely sure.
4. Look For The Exact Size: While making the purchase you need to make sure that you buy the correct size filter with the exact dimensions. Always avoid buying a filter that is close to the size you have. Even the slightest difference can create a big difference and lower the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Conclusion
You have learned how much the size of the air filter matters in the HVAC system. It is important that you remember the importance of the size of the air filter and the impact it causes on your HVAC system. You also gained knowledge about how you can measure your air filter in simple steps and how you can easily find the correct size air filter to benefit your HVAC system and avoid any kind of damage. All of this information will help you to maintain the airflow efficiently while consuming less energy and increasing the air quality. You can create a healthy and comfortable environment in your home or office.
We at Custom Filters Direct offer the best quality customized air filters that are particularly designed to fit perfectly to the size of your HVAC system. If you are looking for a unique-size replacement air fitter for your HVAC system that will be able to provide you with great air quality and improve the indoor air while helping extend the life of your HVAC system. You can reach out to our team by sending us an email at info@customfiltersdirect.com or call us at 877-958-5612. Lots of people trust us with custom filter solutions.