In general, experts recommend a simple rule of thumb for changing your air filter based on the size: Change 1- to 2-inch filters every three months. (Scheduling filter replacements with the start of each new season is an easy way to remember.) Change 4-inch filters every six months (summer and winter).
A three to four-inch filter can last for six to nine months. If you have a thick five to six-inch filter, it can last from nine to twelve months. By making sure that your filters are changed when they need to be, you can enjoy having a heating and cooling system that will work its best.
16x25x4 air filter is designed to last for about 6 to 12 months. But this can vary depending on factors. Like the air quality in your home. And how often your HVAC system is in use.
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.
Because it is four times as thick as a 1-inch filter, it has a much greater surface area for catching household pollutants. These larger filters also typically come with higher MERV ratings and can capture more contaminants (e.g., pet dander, smoke, allergens, and bacteria) than a 1-inch filter.
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.
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.
You cannot use a 20x25x4 filter in place of a 20x25x5 filter because the thickness is different. The 20x25x5 filter is designed for specific systems that require extra thickness for proper airflow and filtration. Always use the filter size recommended by your HVAC system's manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, like fiberglass, that can last for up to 12 months. This not only saves you money, but it's also more convenient since you won't have to remember to replace your air filters as often.
Pleated air filters cost more than fiberglass but provide a longer filter life and higher efficiency.
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.
Typically, a carbon air filter lasts between three to six months.
Changing your filters every 3 months is the way to maintain proper airflow, efficient operation, and great indoor air quality throughout your home.
What Does MERV Stand For? MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and the MERV rating is a measure of how effectively a filter removes particles from the air that passes through it. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will catch.
Frequent Cycling: When the filter is dirty, the furnace struggles to maintain the proper temperature and turns on and off more frequently. Visible Dirt or Dust on the Filter: It's time to clean or replace it if you examine it and it's blocked with dust and dirt.
You may not need a MERV 11 filter or higher unless you have specific air quality issues or allergies. For the average household, a MERV 8 air filter can be good enough. You'll want to think about factors like how often you want to change your filters and what type of material do you want filtered out of your air.
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.
Check your furnace and AC for individual filter slots to ensure you buy the correct size for each (if applicable). Using the wrong size filter reduces efficiency, air quality, and can even damage your HVAC system.
This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure. If you haven't been swapping your air filters as frequently as you should, there's no time like the present to start practicing this crucial maintenance step.
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on your car make and model. When you realise that, it makes sense to regularly replace your air filters.
Switch To Pleated Filters
Fiberglass air filters will get the job done, but in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. Pleated air filters capture smaller particles and are less likely to clog within a short period of time.
Damage to the HVAC System
Reduced Efficiency of the System: An improperly sized air filter can create an imbalance in the airflow, which means the system may not operate at its designed efficiency. When the HVAC unit is forced to work harder, it consumes more energy, leading to increased utility bills.
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.