Using the wrong size HVAC filter can lead to several problems that can affect the performance of your heating, ventilation, and cooling system, along with your indoor air quality. HVAC filters play a crucial role in removing small air pollutants, dust, debris, and other particles from the air, so it’s quite important to choose the right size filter for your HVAC system. Let’s take a closer look at the consequences of using the wrong size HVAC filter and how you can find the right one.
Consequences of Using Wrong Size Air Filters
If you use the wrong size HVAC filter, it can lead to several problems. Here we’ve listed some of the consequences you might face for using the wrong size air filters:
Inadequate Filtration
When the HVAC filter is too small, it won’t be able to capture all the particles from the air. This might result in poor indoor air quality and other health issues, like allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems. The filter’s size affects its ability to trap particles, so choosing the right size filter is crucial to ensure that your indoor air quality is healthy and safe.
Reduced Airflow and Increased Energy
If the filter is too large, it can restrict the airflow through the HVAC system, which leads to reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. This can also cause the system to consume more power and break down frequently, which means you will have to pay for more repairs and maintenance. Also, as it requires more power, it can increase your utility bills at an unusual rate.
Poor Fit
A filter that does not fit properly can cause damage to the HVAC system or even pose a safety hazard. This can happen if the filter is too small or too large for the system, causing it to slip out or become detached from its actual place. This can lead to air contaminants and particles entering the system and circulating throughout your home, affecting your indoor air quality, cleanliness, and respiratory health.
We can see that the wrong size residential HVAC filters have poor influences on the effectiveness of the system. So, to ensure that the system is running efficiently and effectively, make sure to choose the right size filter for your HVAC system.
How to Find the Right Size Air Filter
There are several ways you can find out the exact size filter for your HVAC system. Here are some ways you can follow in choosing the right filter:
Check the Current Filter
Many air filters size is printed on its body. The dimensions are usually written as width, length, and depth, for example, 20x12x1 (in inches). So, by checking your filter accordingly, you might find its actual dimensions written on it.
Measure the Current Filter
If the dimensions are not written on it, measure the filter using a tape measure. Carefully measure the filter’s width, length, and depth in inches. You might see that the measured sizes are not round numbers. Rather than getting confused about it, check Mervfilters to find the right size filter for the AC.
Check the HVAC User’s Manual
If both approaches fail, try checking the product’s user manual, or better, you directly contact the manufacturer of your current filter. The manufacturer can help you figure out the exact size filter for your AC using the specifications of the filter provided by you.
Choosing the right size HVAC filter is essential for maintaining the overall system’s performance, as using the wrong size can lead to problems like inadequate filtration, reduced airflow, increased energy costs, etc. If you’re unsure about what size filter to choose, don’t hesitate to contact an HVAC technician for professional guidance. You can also contact Simply Filters , an HVAC air filter supplier known for manufacturing high-quality HVAC filters.
