Air Filter Sizes report
Air-conditioning filters are mainly used for pre-filtration of ventilation systems, return air filtration of clean air-conditioning clean rooms, pre-filtration of high-efficiency filtration, and pre-filtration of air compressors. The outer frame is cardboard, the filter material is non-woven fiber felt, and a metal square mesh supports the folded filter material at the back, which is economical.
Fresh and clean air is an important factor for a livable environment. Today, almost every home or company factory is equipped with a ventilation system or an air-conditioning system. Regular maintenance of your home's cooling and heating system is essential to ensure it operates efficiently. So you must know the correct air filter size.
It sounds easy when you hear the term "buying a new air filter"; you might think that if your air filter is standard, it will be easy to find a new one in the store. That is not the case, there are about 20 "standard sizes" for air filters, and none have the same measurements. You can learn more about the standard air filter sizes by reading the following section.
Air Filter Size Guide
The air filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type and efficiency of your filter. But incorrectly sized air filters will cause air seepage and decrease filter effectiveness. Knowing the steps to measure the correct air filter dimensions is necessary. When shopping for an air filter, it is important to remember that the air filtration industry standard is to make filters measure slightly smaller than their slot or frame to slide into place without getting bent or smashed easily.
- Nominal Size: The nominal size of an air filter is the big, bold, advertised size.
- Actual Size: The actual size of an air filter is typically written in the fine print on the filter frame and is usually 0.25 "-0.5" smaller than the advertised, nominal size. The actual size is what you'd find if you used a ruler to measure the exact dimensions of the filter.
Common Air Filter Sizes
Air filters are labeled with three-part dimensions. The first number is its length(height), the second is its width(length), and the third is its depth or thickness.
1 inch Depth | 2 inches Depth | 3 inches Depth | 4 inches Depth | 5 inches Depth | 6 inches Depth |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
12x12x1 | 20x20x2 | 16x25x3 | 16x20x4 | 16x25x5 | 20x25x6 |
14x14x1 | 16x25x2 | 20x20x4 | 20x25x5 | ||
16x16x1 | 20x25x2 | 16x25x4 | |||
14x18x1 | 20x25x4 | ||||
18x18x1 | |||||
10x20x1 | |||||
12x20x1 | |||||
14x20x1 | |||||
15x20x1 | |||||
16x20x1 | |||||
12x24x1 | |||||
14x24x1 | |||||
16x24x1 | |||||
18x24x1 | |||||
20x24x1 | |||||
24x24x1 | |||||
14x25x1 | |||||
16x25x1 | |||||
20x25x1 | |||||
10x30x1 | |||||
12x30x1 | |||||
16x30x1 | |||||
18x30x1 | |||||
20x30x1 | |||||
24x30x1 |
How to Find the Right Air Conditioner Filter
When replacing an air filter, be sure to check to see if your furnace has an existing filter first. Sometimes, the size is written on the air filter, in which case you can head to the store or shop here and get the one that's the same size. Note that the size marked on the filter frame is the nominal size, which likely differs from its actual size.
The best way to determine the size you need is to follow the steps below to measure your air filter:
- For safety, turn off your HVAC unit before attempting to change the filter. If you can't figure out how to turn off the unit, turn off the breaker.
- Most air filters are located to the right or bottom of the unit and should be easily pulled out of the slot. Then you can measure it.
- Use a ruler or other measuring device to measure the exact length, width, and depth (thickness). Round up each measurement to the nearest whole number to determine the air filter nominal size.
Air filters should be changed every month during peak summer and winter months when your HVAC system operates at its highest capacity. Proper maintenance will keep the good air quality in your home, increase the life span of your system, and consume less energy lowering your bills. However, replacing the air filter is not easy, and it would be better if you contacted a professional for assistance.