The biggest issue when using an incorrectly sized air filter is that it may not be able to effectively stop dust from accumulating on the motors and blowers in your HVAC system. This can make the furnace dirty, which can affect its performance or damage the internal components of the system, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Before buying a replacement filter, make sure to check the size of your current air filter. If you buy a filter that is too large, it won't fit properly into the slot.
If the filter is too small, it won't cover the entire space and may allow dust and dirt to pass through. If you're not sure what size filter you need, check the manufacturer's specifications or ask your HVAC technician for help in selecting the right product. The furnace filters should fit snugly, but there is no need to force them into place. If you have to force the filter into its slot, it's probably too big.
Forcing an incorrect filter size on a filter can cause it to bend, damage it, or reduce its ability to function properly. The filters are slightly smaller than their slot for easy replacement. Some HVAC units may need a filter with unique or unusual dimensions. In these cases, it is necessary to request a custom filter.
A dirty furnace filter can have adverse health effects. If you have respiratory problems, asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, a dirty furnace filter could be to blame. While the thickness of a filter affects the overall size and surface area, the density of the filter fibers is another factor to consider. A higher MERV rating indicates that the filter has a finer mesh and is capable of removing smaller particles from the air.
If your furnace filter isn't clean and you have any of these health problems, it's a good idea to look for another way to purify the air in your home. Having to bend and force the filter into the furnace is a clear sign that the filter is too large. If your old air filter doesn't have its measurements printed on its side, you can measure it yourself. For example, there may be a 20 x 30 x 1 label on your filter label, but if you measure the filter, you'll see that its actual size is smaller than its nominal air filter size of 20 x 30 x 1.For air conditioning vents located on roofs, a slightly larger filter size can be used to prevent it from falling out when the vent is opened.
Knowing the environmental factors in your home and neighborhood that may affect your furnace filter will help you determine how often you should change them. A filter that needs replacing will be gray and covered with build-up, preventing air from easily passing through it. If the filter is too large, it won't fit in the slot and you won't be able to replace the cover. Please note that the actual size of an air filter will be smaller than its nominal size. A higher MERV rating means that an air filter is more effective at removing smaller particles from the air.
If the filter does not have its actual dimensions printed on its outside, you can measure it yourself to get its correct dimensions. A too small or two large filters will create holes around them, which in turn will allow air to flow through their sides. To avoid having to replace your furnace filters too often, you should ask an HVAC specialist to check them before springtime to see how well they are filtering particles from your home. An oven filter that is too small or too large for your oven will allow air to pass through it.
