{"id":19022,"date":"2025-02-05T12:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T17:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.filtersfast.com\/blog\/?p=19022"},"modified":"2025-02-06T11:05:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T16:05:59","slug":"how-to-find-the-air-filter-size-you-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.filtersfast.com\/blog\/how-to-find-the-air-filter-size-you-need\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways to Find the Air Filter Size You Need"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"man<\/p>\n

The timely replacement of your furnace filter<\/a> is a lot easier when you know what air filter<\/a> size you need. AC filters<\/a> are available in many different sizes, so it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what size filter you need.<\/p>\n

We don’t recommend relying on what you think is the right size and we don’t want you to feel uncertain when it comes to ordering your HVAC filter<\/a>. At FiltersFast.com, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make the right decisions.<\/p>\n

What is a standard air filter size?<\/h2>\n

HVAC air filters can be difficult to understand initially. The most used size is 20\u201d x 20\u201d x 1\u201d. However, it\u2019s important to remember that this is only one of many dimensions.<\/p>\n

Why Sizes Vary<\/h3>\n

The size of HVAC filters can differ based on the requirements of your system. Some of these factors are:<\/p>\n

System Design<\/h3>\n

Different HVAC systems are built to support a particular airflow and filtration need.<\/p>\n

Home Layout<\/h3>\n

If you have a large home, it may require more or larger filters to support proper air circulation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Need a replacement air filter for your HVAC system?<\/em><\/p>\n

Shop Air Filters<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"furnace<\/a><\/p>\n

Can I use the wrong size air filter?<\/h2>\n

If an air filter is too big, you will have to return it. DO NOT cut it to fit. Cutting a filter to fit can create air gaps and contaminants can pass through into your air. Here’s why sticking to the right size is essential.<\/p>\n

Efficency Loss<\/h3>\n

Regardless of if your misfit air is larger or smaller, it can result in poor air flow. This will cause your HVAC system to work harder and result in an efficiency loss.<\/p>\n

Higher Energy Bills<\/h3>\n

Because the system has to work harder, it will require more energy to facilitate this. This will unfortunately increase your energy bills.<\/p>\n

System Damage Risk<\/h3>\n

Asking this much from your HVAC system for an extended period of time will eventually cause it to fail. This will require repair, which can be expensive.<\/p>\n

Reduced Air Quality<\/h3>\n

A improperly measured filter will not properly trap contaminants, negatively affecting your air quality.<\/p>\n

The longer you wait to change your old, clogged filter, the more restricted airflow can become. When airflow is restricted two things can happen:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Your energy bill will start increasing because hot or cold air can become trapped behind a wall of particles.<\/li>\n
  2. Your HVAC system will have to run for longer because hot and cold air is not circulating properly.<\/li>\n
  3. Your indoor air quality will become poor because fresh, clean air is unable to flow into your home.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If an air filter is too small, this will create air gaps and contaminants will bypass the filter material.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"man<\/p>\n

    How do you figure out the right air filter dimensions you need?<\/h2>\n

    Here are three easy ways to determine the right size air filter you need:<\/p>\n

    1) Check your current air filter!<\/h3>\n

    In most cases, the air filter dimensions will be printed on the side of the filter.<\/p>\n

    2) Measure it!<\/h3>\n

    Air filter dimensions are written as length, width, and depth (for example: 18x20x1). You can use a tape measure to get the size of your existing filter You should have three numbers written in inches. This is what is called “actual dimensions”.<\/p>\n

    If you measure your filter, you may find that these measurements are not round numbers.<\/p>\n

    When shopping for air filters, you will see the words “nominal size” and “actual size” together. The reason for this is that many air filters are not cut to an exact size. Normally, we see air filters being around 1\/8″ to 1\/4″ smaller than advertised.\u00a0 This guarantees that if your air conditioning system is designed for 18x20x1 if that number is off by even a little bit the filter will still fit.<\/p>\n

    Air filters come in tons of standard sizes, but if you are having trouble finding the size that you need, FiltersFast.com can make custom furnace filters<\/a> for you!<\/p>\n