To ensure your HVAC system is running smoothly, you must use the correct size air filter. If the air filter is too big or too small, the air won’t flow through the filter as it should. This results in the air not being filtered properly. Custom sizes such as 17x21x1a may work great for your unit. Let’s see how tightly your air filter should fit.
How Do I Know If the Air Filter Size is Correct?
An air filter should slide smoothly into your HVAC’s frame, leaving just a little room. If you need to force, bend, or jam the air filter into the frame, then the filter is too big. If your filter doesn’t come in place within 1-2 fingers’ width of the four corners’ frame, then it is too small. Instead of using a smaller or bigger air filter, you should consider trying a custom-size air filter that’ll meet your HVAC system’s specific requirements.
Unfortunately, many people install the wrong-sized filter without noticing the issues it may cause. In addition to increasing the number of airborne contaminants and pollutants that can enter the home, an improperly-sized filter can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should, causing severe damage to the entire heating and cooling unit.
If you notice the following signs, you may want to reconsider the size of filter you need:
- Your air filter may be too small if you hear rattling noises or your home is dustier than usual
- Your air filter may be too large if you force the filter into place to fit or see bent corners when removing the air filters.
To determine the air filter’s size, you can either check your HVAC system’s documentation or measure the air filter yourself. If your air filter’s size is not labeled, you should measure the air filter using a ruler or a measuring device to help you determine the exact length, width, and depth of your filter. After measuring the air filter, you need to round the numbers up to the nearest whole number. By doing so, you will determine the size.
A Standard Size Does Not Fit Your HVAC System? Consider Buying a Custom Size
A custom-size filter is, in many cases, the right solution for your HVAC system. You will most likely find custom air filters from all manufacturers as they understand how essential it is to have the right filter size. Whether you buy a custom sized filter from your local stores or order them online, you need to specify the exact fraction or decimal of your measurements.
Air filter sizes are usually determined by the manufacturer of the heating and cooling unit, depending on the finished size of the unit itself.
Because they haven’t considered the standard air filter sizes available, this may be inconvenient for most people. Some focus primarily on the type of filter they use, but your primary concern should be the right size of the air filter. In fact, the brand’s filter or material will be irrelevant if it does not fit into your unit’s frame.
A properly fitting air filter is vital in keeping your home and the air you breathe clean. Moreover, the right-sized air filter will also decrease your energy bills and increase your HVAC system’s lifespan and performance.
When using custom-sized air filters, you will notice a considerable improvement in the airflow and system performance. No matter which heating and cooling air conditioning system you may have, it requires a filter that fits correctly to keep the indoor air quality clean or else you can rely on the small plan trees. Also, your HVAC system will run at its maximum efficiency, so why settle for less?
Final Thoughts
From enhancing your indoor air quality to preventing mildew and stopping allergies, the right-sized filter will bring nothing but benefits to your HVAC unit and home. Regardless of the air filter’s brand, it is critical to ensure that your air filter fits smoothly into the HVAC’s frame, so the air travels through the filter and not around it.
Installing the wrong-sized filter can lead to air seepage and lower filter effectiveness. Even worse, you risk damaging your air conditioner. If you have referred to the label on your filter’s frame and have not found the filter size you need, you can measure the air filter. But if you are unsure about the size of your air filter, you should seek help from a professional contractor.
