Common Air Filter Sizes Don't Fit? Time To Go Custom
You can barely feel the cool air coming out of your air conditioner these days, and your energy bills are sky-high. You know it is time to get a new filter but you are dreading the experience because your HVAC system was created specifically for your home, and it is hard to find replacement filters.
You are tired of having to put ads on classified websites desperately seeking a filter that will fit your system. You do not have time to comb through ads that sellers have placed, nor do you have time to call around. You do not have the time or patience to cut a filter from a larger filter frame to fit your HVAC and are wondering what to do.
Fortunately, you can customize your air filter here and on a few other websites. The internet has made getting a custom-made air filter affordable and hassle-free. All you have to do is visit a filter website and input a little information. You will need to give the filter company the measurements for:
● The long side of the filter.
● The short side of the filter.
● The thickness of the filter.
The company will have it in stock or make a filter perfectly proportioned to fit your HVAC system. You can find the measurements on the side of the filter frame. If they are not there, you will have to measure your filter with a tape measure.
What options will I be offered?
When you purchase your new filter, you will need to know the size. You will also have to select the type of material your filter will be made from and the quality you want.
What material is best?
There are several different types of materials from which filters can be made. See below!
UV FIlters
Most filters trap debris and virus particles so they do not get into the air of your home. These filters use UV rays to kill bacteria, viruses, and other particles. The UV lamp is used to disinfect the air that is pushed through your HVAC system.
UV filters are powerful, and they will not need to be changed often. However, they will not work in every HVAC system. It is important to check your owner’s manual and to make sure that your system can handle this kind of filter.
UV filters are powerful, and they will not need to be changed often.
HEPA FIlters
High-efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filters can remove over 99% of particles in the air. These filters are inexpensive, will remove pet dander and dust, and are of a high enough quality to catch particles from fumes and viruses.
HEPA filters will remove pet dander.
Fiberglass Filters
Many HVAC systems will come with a fiberglass filter installed. They will not cost much and will capture major particles in the air. However, these filters will do nothing to improve the air quality in your home. They will not trap anything but large particles in the air.
Pleated Filters
Pleated filters are often used because pleats add surface area to your filter. When a filter has a large surface area it will be able to capture plenty of particles. FIlters with many pleats will be the most effective at capturing particles in the air. However, the material that a filter is made out of is still more important than the fact that they are in a pleated style.
What is a MERV rating and why should I care?
MERV ratings pertain to the quality of each filter. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The rating is determined by the size of particles an air filter can capture and the frequency at which it can capture those particles.
MERV ratings go from 1 to 16. Most filter companies recommend that you have a filter with a rating of at least 13. FIlters that have a higher rating than 13 are generally only used by hospitals and laboratories.
Most home systems will not be able to handle a filter that is higher than a 13 rating. The filter will be too thick for a home system and air will not be able to get through. Your home will not be very comfortable and your energy bills will be higher. You should consult your owner's manual to see what MERV rating the manufacturer of your system recommends.
Getting a custom-made filter requires a few extra steps. However, when you get the perfect HVAC filter, your home will be a cool and comfortable place.
