When it comes to air filters, size is an important factor. Length, width, and thickness all play a role in finding the right fit for your furnace filter. The most common size for air filters is 16x25x1, but there are other options available. It's essential to understand the different sizes and how they affect performance in order to choose the right filter for your home.Air filter thickness ranges from 1 to 5 inches deep, with some options being more common than others.
The oven can determine the thickness you can use. If you have to force the filter into its slot, it's probably too big. Inserting an incorrectly sized filter may cause it to warp, damage, or reduce its ability to function properly. The filters are slightly smaller than their slot, making them easy to replace. In some cases, a filter with unique or unusual dimensions may be necessary.
In these cases, it is necessary to order a custom filter. Using 16x25x1 dirty air filters leads to poor indoor air quality as the air filter is already full and cannot physically retain any more particles or germs. As a result, these indoor pollutants continuously circulate around the home and accumulate over time. According to the EPA, MERV 6 is the level that begins to protect air quality, so MERV 8 is a good minimum level for an air filter if you want to start protecting air quality. A minimum of MERV 11 is generally recommended for allergy sufferers.
MERV 13 is often found in high-end homes, hospital common areas, and high-end commercial buildings that are LEED certified. A MERV 13 20x20x1 air filter is considered an excellent air filter for allergies. You can use the following MERV table as an air filter comparison chart to find the best 16x25x1 HVAC filter. The use of old or overused 16x25x1 air filters causes great damage to the boiler and air conditioner. To put it into perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a 4-inch air filter can last up to six months. Indoor air pollution can be significantly reduced by selecting a higher-quality air filter, which will effectively filter up to 95% of common sources of pollution from the air your family breathes. The MERV rating system (minimum reported efficiency value) was designed to help determine how well an air filter (also known as an air conditioner filter or oven filter) removes particulates from the air.
Like the lint filter in the clothes dryer, eventually these air filters also need to be replaced or cleaned. Combining a thin air filter with a high MERV rate can also restrict airflow to the point of hampering efficiency and causing excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system. The central air system works twice as hard, using more energy for the same amount of heating and air conditioning. The cheaper fiberglass flat filters may need to be changed every 30 days and may even be labeled as 30-day filters. Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square feet to capture and retain air particles. However, if possible, homeowners can exchange the 16x25x1 air filters for a sturdier option that requires less maintenance and attention.
By following these steps and taking proactive steps to seal air leaks throughout the house, you can significantly improve the efficiency of the 16 x 25 x 1 oven filter. Using old or overused 16x25x1 air filters can cause serious damage to the oven and air conditioner. To ensure optimal performance from your HVAC system and maintain good indoor air quality, it's important to choose the right size and type of 16x25x1 furnace filter.
