What is the Standard Size of an Air Filter?

Learn about standard sizes for air filters and how they differ from nominal sizes when purchasing new filters.

What is the Standard Size of an Air Filter?

Air cleaner sizes may vary slightly, but it's important to remember that if you have to force an air filter in or out, it's the wrong size. Filters are labeled with three-part dimensions, which include the length, width, and depth or thickness. The nominal size of the filter is usually half an inch smaller than advertised. The easiest way to identify the AC filter size is to remove the existing filter from its slot and examine the filter frame.

Typically, the filter size is printed along the edge of the filter frame. If the actual dimensions do not appear in small print on the filter frame, we recommend measuring the filter for double checking. In this case, you'll want to round down to the nearest integer to determine the nominal size of the air cleaner. The actual size of your air filter should be 0.25 -0.5 smaller than the slot or frame itself.

HVAC unit slots are usually located near the bottom of the air handler and it's best to have a little wiggle room in the slot of the HVAC unit, so you can easily slide the filter in and out without it bending or breaking. If you have to jam the air filter to install it, you should try a different brand of oven filter or a custom-sized air filter with a slightly smaller actual size. Central air return grilles are usually located on the ceiling of the hallway or on the wall of the hallway of your home. If the return grille is in the ceiling, you may prefer to use a filter that has a slightly larger actual size, so that it does not fall on you when you open the vent. When purchasing a custom-sized air filter, it's important to remember that there is a difference between nominal and actual sizes. Once you determine the exact dimensions that work best for you, place an order for your filter size with the exact fraction or decimal of your preferred measurements.

Otherwise, you may get a different actual size than you expected. If you're looking for a retailer near you that sells custom-sized air filters, you might struggle to get lucky. Installing multiple 1-in-a-slot air cleaners can cause costly damage to your air conditioning unit, as residential ovens are not equipped to handle this level of airflow restriction. However, it has to fit snugly into the air cleaner compartment with a little space around the edges. From actual sizes, round measurements to the nearest whole numbers when ordering new air filters. HVAC service companies typically offer air filter replacement services, as well as system repair and unit installation services. Whether you're measuring wood or air filters, it's important to note that nominal size is not always equal to actual size.

Round to the nearest inch to create nominal filter size, which is what you will use when purchasing a filter. When buying an air filter, it's important to note that industry standard for air filtration is making filters slightly smaller than their slot or frame so they can easily slide into place without bending or breaking. The length, width and depth of a filter are printed in small numbers along its frame on cardboard edge of Filter King brand filters. Actual size refers to exact measurements of your air filter and actual dimensions when measuring length, width and depth (thickness).

Amanda Boose
Amanda Boose

Freelance coffee advocate. Evil social media advocate. Hardcore internet trailblazer. Avid twitteraholic. Passionate tv aficionado.

Leave Reply

All fileds with * are required