If you're looking to replace the air filter in your home, you may be wondering if you can use any air filter that fits. The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. If you can't find a standard-size filter within the parameters of your system, you'll have to order a custom-sized air filter. It's also important to note that cutting an air filter is possible, but only if you know what you're doing and if the filters don't weaken too much from the cut.
Improperly adjusted air or heating filters can allow pollutants to enter your home, reduce system efficiency, and increase electricity bills. Debris that enters through the ventilation grilles surrounding the filter can also damage the air conditioning system, which can cause a system fault that could cost hundreds of dollars in repair bills. Colorfil filters, originally created for NASA, help eliminate chemicals and odors at the molecular level, something that normal air filters cannot eliminate. When deciding on an air filter for your air conditioning system, there are several things to consider.
If you leave a filter in place for too long or if it's not the right type of filter, it can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other contaminants. FilterBuy does not sell or recommend fiberglass filters due to their low MERV rating and inefficiency. However, even these reusable filters don't last forever, so you'll eventually have to buy a new one after a few years of use. When buying an air filter, it's important to note that the air filtration industry standard is to make the filters measure slightly larger than their groove or frame, so that they can easily slide into place without bending or breaking.
Fiberglass, polyester, washable, pleated and electrostatic filters offer different air filtering capabilities. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHARE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher. Adding a purifier doesn't have many drawbacks either, so if it makes you feel better about air quality, you can also buy one. There are a lot of factors that go into the filter selection process, so it's important to understand what you're doing when you enter. If the unit doesn't have enough power, the filter can block airflow and reduce system efficiency.
To make sure it fits you properly, remove your current air filter and check the size printed on the frame. MERV 9-12 are usually the highest quality air filters you'll find in normal residential buildings. While a standard flat panel or pleated filter usually works well, prevention is better than cure, and peace of mind is always an important factor to consider when making these decisions. If the return vent is on the roof, you may prefer a filter that has a slightly larger actual size, so that the filter doesn't fall on you when you open the vent. When in doubt, you can always measure the air filter yourself with a ruler or any other measuring device. When selecting an air filter for your home's HVAC system there are several things to consider.
First and foremost is size; if your current filter doesn't fit within standard parameters then you'll need to order a custom-sized air filter. It's also important to note that cutting an air filter is possible but only if done correctly; otherwise it could weaken its effectiveness and allow pollutants into your home. The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHARE) recommends using a MERV 6 or higher rated filter for optimal performance. FilterBuy does not sell or recommend fiberglass filters due to their low MERV rating and inefficiency; however even reusable filters don't last forever so eventually you'll need to buy a new one.
Colorfil filters originally created for NASA help eliminate chemicals and odors at the molecular level something that normal air filters cannot do. Adding a purifier doesn't have many drawbacks either so if it makes you feel better about air quality then by all means buy one. When buying an air filter it's important to note that they are made slightly larger than their groove or frame so they can easily slide into place without bending or breaking. If the unit doesn't have enough power then the filter can block airflow and reduce system efficiency.
Finally if the return vent is on the roof then you may prefer a filter with a slightly larger actual size so it doesn't fall on you when opening the vent. When in doubt measure your current air filter with a ruler or any other measuring device. Choosing an appropriate air filter for your home's HVAC system requires careful consideration of several factors including size MERV rating type of material and cost. With this guide in hand however finding the right fit should be easy.
