What are standard sizes for air filters?

Standard air filter sizes include:

10X20	14 X 20	20X20
12X12	14X24	24 X 24
12X20	14X25	20X24
12X24	14X30	20X25
12X30	15X20	20X30

What are the different filter sizes?

Furnace Filter Size by Model Number and Brand(With Nominal Sizes and Actual Sizes)

Furnace Filter Size (Nominal)	Actual Size	Good
10x20x1	9.5 x 19.5 x .75	MERV 8
10x24x1	9.5 x 23.5 x .75	MERV 8
10x30x1	9.5 x 29.5 x .75	MERV 8
12x12x1	11.75 x 11.75 x .75	MERV 8

How do I know my filter size?

Usually, the filter size is printed along the edge of the filter’s frame. Note that the size listed in bold on the frame of the filter is the filter’s nominal size, which likely differs from its actual size.

Do air filters have to be exact size?

In most cases, you should be able to use the closest standard size. For example, an air filter measuring 15-3/4″ X 19-3/4″ exact, could be replaced with one that is 16″ X 20″.

Can I use the wrong size air filter?

The biggest concern when you use the wrong size air filter is that it may not effectively prevent dust from building up on your HVAC system’s motors and blowers. This dirties up your furnace which could affect its performance or possibly harm the system’s internal components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

How do filter sizes work?

All filters have an actual size and then a nominal size. The actual size is the exact dimensions with no rounding; whereas, the nominal size is the rounded dimensions of the filter. This means that on 1″ and 2″ air filters, the nominal size does not include the undercut, and the actual size does include the undercut.

Can I cut an air filter to size?

Some manufacturers can even customize the filters for you to fit perfectly when you or your HVAC team puts everything together. Simply put, yes, you can cut an air filter if you know what you are doing, and if the filters you use will not become too weak from the cutting.

Can you cut down air filters to fit?

Is a MERV 16 filter too restrictive?

Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.

Is it OK to use a smaller air filter?

Consequences of Using an Air Filter That is Too Small: The filter can be sucked into the ventilation if it is much smaller than it should be. 2. Dust, allergens and pollutants will not be filtered from your indoor air, as the air is bypassing the filter and entering into the ventilation and is returned back.

What happens if air filter is too big?

If the filter is too big, then it won’t fit into the filter slot and you won’t be able to put the cover back on. This can cause dirty air to infiltrate the inside of your furnace (and home).

What happens if use air filter too small?

Avoiding an Improperly Sized Air Filter An improperly sized air filter doesn’t do its job. When it’s too small, it lets dust, mold, and other contaminants into your air vents. These then spew into your air, providing air quality problems.

What filter size means?

In photography filter size Refers to the inner diameter of the front of the lens, more specifically the threads into which a filter is screwed to attach it to the lens.

What happens if you use the wrong size air filter?

Will MERV 16 hurt my furnace?

Minimum Particle Size Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.

Can my HVAC handle MERV 16?

All central air furnaces and air conditioning units can handle MERV 16 filters; however, since MERV 16 filters tend to be quite deep when compared to traditional filters, the installation of a dedicated aftermarket housing is required, which is not always feasible.

What happens if use wrong size air filter?

When you use the wrong size air filter, or you install it incorrectly, the filter can’t effectively prevent dust from accumulating on the system’s motors and blowers. You’ll end up with a dirty furnace that can’t properly perform, and all of that debris could end up harming the system’s internal components.