When it comes to selecting the ideal air filter for your home, it can be a challenging task. Not all air filters have the size printed on the side, so if yours doesn't, you'll need to measure it yourself and do some calculations to determine the length, width, and depth of the replacement. It's essential to pay attention to the guidance to make sure you're buying the right size. The secret is that air filters can capture tons of waste using a relatively porous filter material, thanks to the enormous surface area through which dirty air has to pass. This means that a 1-inch filter has four times as much filter material as a standard filter. Some filter brands and retailers use alternative scales, such as the Home Depot Air Filter Performance Rating (FPR) system or the MPR (in 3M Filtrete air filters).
It's important not to stack several smaller air filters on top of each other in order to place them in a larger air handler. If you have to clog the air filter to install it, try a different brand furnace filter or a custom-sized air filter with a slightly smaller actual size. How often you need to replace your boiler filter will depend on the type you purchased and the quality of the air in your home. For the most common brands of air conditioning systems, such as Goodman, Lennox, Trane, Rheem York, Coleman and Carrier, most standard air filter sizes work. For example, Home Depot sells mainly Honeywell brand air filters, while ACE Hardware sells mainly Filtrete.
HVAC service companies often offer air filter replacement services in addition to system repair and unit installation services. Air filters generally come in a variety of standard sizes, and some can be adapted to fit different-sized filter boxes or air return openings. To make sure it fits you properly, take out your current air filter and check the size printed on the frame. You may need to replace the filter more often if you have some very furry pets or if you live in an area with a lot of air pollution due to wildfires. Most home improvement stores sell HVAC filters ranging from MERV 1 to MERV 13, although CR has tested models as tall as MERV 16. After all, the filter is what separates you and your sensitive central forced air equipment from the destructive particles in your home's air. The Home Depot also offers a full range of air filter accessories, making it easy to keep your system running at peak performance.
