Having central air conditioning and heating is a great advantage for many homeowners, but like all major appliances in the house, your HVAC system must be well maintained to ensure maximum efficiency. One of the most important steps in maintaining your HVAC system is to make sure you have the right air filter installed. But how do you know what size air filter you need? Here are some tips to help you identify the right AC filter for your home. The easiest way to identify the size of the AC filter is to remove the existing filter from its slot and examine the filter frame. Typically, the filter size is printed along the edge of the filter frame.
If you don't have an existing air filter in your oven, or if the existing filter doesn't fit properly, you'll need to measure the duct opening. To do this, measure the length and width (L x W). If the filter is not square, the smallest measurement goes first. You can ignore the actual size printed on the filter for this task, since the nominal size is the set of numbers needed to order new filters. Filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type and efficiency of the filter.
Getting a properly sized air filter is one of the most important things a person can do to protect their home and health. Basically, when you take measurements of an air filter, you just need to round the nearest inch to find the dimensions of the filter you need to buy. Please note that the actual size of the air cleaner will be smaller than the nominal size of the air cleaner. We recommend removing the existing filter and measuring the filter to confirm the actual dimensions. If your oven is not yet equipped to handle a thicker filter, it will need to be modified by an HVAC professional. Disposables are usually 1 or 2 inches thick, but we also test thicker oven filters, some up to 5 inches, and they often provide superior air cleanliness and a long service life. For more information on individual products that use filters, such as air purifiers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, refer to their specific buying guides.
By following these steps, you can make sure that your home has an effective air filtration system that will keep your family safe and healthy.
