Getting an exact fit is crucial to having an effective air filter - the wrong size won't fit and will cause the filter to stop working properly. To ensure you get the right fit, take your current air filter out and check the size printed on the frame.
Do You Need an Exact Size Air Filter? Yes, you need the exact size air filter.
Is it OK to use a smaller air filter? No, it's not okay to use a smaller air filter. A smaller filter won't cover the entire opening, allowing unfiltered air to bypass the system and circulate pollutants throughout your home.
Yes, using the wrong size filter can lead to improper airflow, causing condensation to form in unwanted areas.
Usually they round up or down to the nearest inch, so it is less likely that these two filters will fit the same furnace because of the rounding. However, if your filter is close to 20x25x4. 5, and the actual dimensions of the 20x25x5 filter are closer to 20x25x4. 5, than they might fit.
If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that's made for a 1-inch thick filter the efficiency will actually be worse. Not to mention, components could get damaged in the process. On the other side, you can certain use a 1-inch thick filter in compartments that can accommodate a deeper filter.
Fortunately, most 20x25x4 air filters last between six to eight months. By that calculation, the average homeowners will not need more than two 20x25x4 air filters in any given year. In contrast, a one-inch air filter will need to be changed every two to three months.
It's normal for home bills to rise during winter or summer when temperatures fluctuate, but if it's a consistent problem throughout the year, you need to check the air filter size. If the air filter is too large, it will cause the system to run slowly and reduce the efficiency of the filtration process.
UNDERSTANDING FILTER SIZES
Therefore, for example, a 16x25x4 filter is 16 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. It's important to note that filters with different dimensions are not interchangeable due to variations in frame size and media area.
If the air filter is the wrong size, unfiltered air can slip around the opening. Dirt can build up on the mass airflow sensor. With the sensor clogged, the engine can no longer determine how much fuel to mix for proper combustion. This will trigger the engine light.
What Is the Most Common Size of Air Filter for a House? The most common size air filter for a house is usually 20 x 20 x 1, but this can vary depending on the specific HVAC system installed.
Gaps around the edges of a too-small filter will allow unfiltered air into your HVAC system, negating the filter's purpose.
Cheap air filters are often less efficient at trapping particles, which means that more harmful airborne contaminants can enter your HVAC system and circulate throughout your home or office. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased health risks.
A 1 inch filter, with its smaller surface area, may have limitations in effectively trapping dust, pollen, and other contaminants compared to a thicker 2 inch filter. This could result in reduced filtration efficiency and potentially lower air quality.
The filters don't need to fit with an "air tight" seal, but you should be able to easily install and uninstall your filter without a struggle, plus the filter shouldn't be so small that it moves freely within your unit.
This might seem like a small detail, but cutting an air filter down to a smaller size can sometimes damage the structural integrity of the filter. This is especially true for higher-end filters. The filter size should be listed in the instructional manual that came with your HVAC unit.
actual size of an air filter can affect filter compatibility if it doesn't fit properly into the HVAC system filter slot. Ensuring the actual size aligns with your HVAC system's requirements, even when the nominal size matches, is important if you want system efficiency, proper filtration, and the best performance.
You can use a 20x25x4 filter instead of a 20x25x5. But it might not securely fit and may not be that efficient.
Simply put, MERV 16 filters are not ideal for most homeowners (as we'll show below). Instead, homeowners are better served with MERV 13, or, in some cases, even lower. Here's our full review on the MERV 16 air filters and why we recommend MERV 13 or lower, instead.
Filterbuy 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 8 Dust Defense (6-Pack), Pleated HVAC AC Furnace Air Filters Replacement (Actual Size: 15.50 x 24.50 x 0.75 Inches)
The Ultimate Air Purifier offers a good way to improve the indoor air quality of your home. However, having a larger air filter also makes the purifier more efficient. It will make your unit last longer, ensure a cleaner and healthy airflow, and reduce the costs of your energy bills.
MERV ratings signify an air filter's effectiveness at lowering airborne particles and pollutants, determined by the smallest particle it's capable of trapping (measured in microns). As filters become more adept at improving indoor air quality, their MERV rating goes up, ranging from 1 to 20.
As a result, it is important to change your 16x25x4 furnace filters at least every 3 months. You should also be aware of what types of 16x25x4 furnace filters are available and how often you need to change them based on their efficiency level.
Carrier. Carrier is well-known in the HVAC industry, and their whole-house air filters uphold its reputation for quality. Their filters can fit into any HVAC system, offer high MERV ratings, and effectively capture and reduce a wide range of pollutants.
MERV filters come in various ratings, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. A higher air filter MERV rating means it traps smaller particles, even microscopic bacteria and viruses, but it also restricts airflow and requires proper ductwork in order for your equipment to operate properly.