When it comes to air filters, the dimensions are essential. This includes height, width, and depth. In some cases, the measurements are not necessarily listed as exact physical measurements. Instead, the manufacturer may use a model number.
If you have the model number, you can calculate the dimensions. If your air conditioning system uses a whole-house filter (which is usually located near the central furnace or air conditioning unit), the model number will most likely be present instead of the dimensions. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case: there are standard 20-inch sizes for air filters, but none of them have the same measurements. So how do you find the perfect air filter? It's a combination of knowing how to measure an air filter and understanding that the dimensions you see may not match the actual size.
Most people won't find the size of air filter they need at their local home improvement store. As an expert in air filters, I can tell you that 70% of what Filterbuy sells is from the 10 most common air filter sizes. I had bought the wrong size filter and you did everything you could to get me the right ones. If the filter is too small, it will come loose and some of the air (and debris) will not pass through the air filter.
In fact, if you have to force an air filter into or out of place, it's not the right size - so standard sizes are usually half an inch smaller than advertised. My builder told me that this filter would last 6 months, but he asked me to remove the current filter, save it, use another filter, and change it every month for the next 3 months. If you can't find any information on your current air filter, measure it yourself. If the dimensions are too faded to read or if there is no air filter in sight, it's time to do it yourself.
Worse yet, incorrectly sized air filters can place excessive stress on your air conditioning system, damage it, and increase energy bills. If that doesn't work, you may be able to find the proper dimensions of your air filter in your HVAC manual. When shopping for an air filter, it's important to know what size you need. The best way to do this is to measure your current air filter or look up its model number and calculate its dimensions. If that doesn't work, you can always consult your HVAC manual for more information.
It's also important to remember that standard sizes are usually half an inch smaller than advertised. Finally, make sure that you don't force an air filter into or out of place - if it doesn't fit easily, it's not the right size.
