If the filter is too small, it won't cover the entire space and may allow dust and dirt to pass through. If you're not sure what size filter you need, consult the manufacturer's specifications or ask your HVAC technician to help you choose the right product. Filters only work if air has to pass through them. The filter has air resistance and a gap does not, so if you leave a gap of 1, a disproportionate amount of air will flow through the hole, which will worsen the situation. For HVAC ventilation grilles located on roofs, a slightly larger filter size can be used to prevent the filter from falling out when the vent is opened.
Oven filters must fit securely, but there is no need to force them into position. If you have to force the filter into its slot, it's probably too big. Forcing an incorrect filter size on a filter can cause it to bend, damage the filter, or reduce its ability to function properly. The filters are smaller than their slot to allow for easy replacement. Some HVAC units may need a filter with unique or unusual dimensions.
In these cases, you need to order a custom filter. Knowing the environmental factors in your home and neighborhood that can affect your oven filter will help you determine how often you should change filters. Not understanding these numbers often leads consumers to buy a filter that doesn't fit their heating or HVAC system. From ensuring the right fit to choosing the right thickness and density for your needs, using the right air filter will make a significant difference in the cost and efficiency of your oven. Installing several 1-in-a-slot air filters, for example, can cause costly damage to your air conditioning unit, as residential ovens are not equipped to handle this level of airflow restriction.
Having to bend and force the filter into the oven is a clear indicator that the filter is too large. While filters with a higher MERV rating capture more particles from the air, a higher rating isn't necessarily the right choice for every oven. If your oven has an air filter in the return vent, changing the filter is easy, as it can be done from inside your home. A clean, well-fitting filter avoids a number of costly problems and will keep your oven running at its optimum capacity. An oven filter that is too small or too large for your oven will allow air to pass through the filter. Although the given timelines serve as an excellent starting guide as to how often you should change your oven filter, there are some clear indicators that will let you know when the filter has become too clogged.
The first (and easiest) way to determine the size of your oven filter is to check the size of the old air filter. One of the most important ways to care for your oven or HVAC system is to maintain a properly functioning filter. If you have to jam the air filter to install it, you should try a different brand of oven filter or a custom-sized air filter with a slightly smaller actual size. You'll need to do this if your oven is missing the air filter and you don't know what size the air filter is supposed to be. When determining if this would be a good idea for your oven filter, keep in mind that the main goal is to create a snug fit that allows all air to pass easily and directly through the filter.
Choosing the right type of filter for your oven along with the routine maintenance mentioned above will keep your costs low and your oven will perform flawlessly.
