The answer to the question 'Do all air filters fit?' is a resounding no. There are many different types of air filters available, and selecting the right one is essential for the longevity of your HVAC system. To understand the differences between the various filters, it's important to know that custom-sized air filters can be manufactured to meet your exact needs. These are not just cut-to-size prefabricated filters, but are built from scratch to their exact dimensions.
HVAC air filters vary in quality and size, and some have features that others don't. In most cases, it's best to use the filter that the HVAC manufacturer recommends for your system. Air filters for cars are not universal, as they are specific to each model. However, some manufacturers may share power plants, meaning that their spare parts will be identical.
It's not recommended to stack air filters in order to fit them into a larger slot. We stock filters and humidifier pads for all major manufacturers, including Air King, American Standard, Aprilaire, GeneralAire, and Honeywell. Some manufacturers even offer air boxes that can be installed without tools, making it easy to check and replace the filter. You can find the recommended filter size for your unit model in the table titled 'Find your air conditioner and oven filter by make, model number and size'.
The filter should be slightly smaller on either side of the filter housing slot, allowing you to slide it in and out with ease. If your oven has an air filter on the return grille, changing it is simple as it can be done from inside your home. However, some companies may charge an additional fee for their services when you purchase a filter. I had bought the wrong size filter, but they did everything they could to get me the right ones.
If you're unsure of what size filter you need, you can always measure it yourself with a ruler or any other measuring device. If your HVAC system uses a whole-house filter (usually near the central furnace or air conditioning unit), you'll likely find its model number rather than its dimensions. It's essential to use the correct size air filter for your HVAC unit in order to keep it running smoothly and take advantage of all its benefits. In these cases, you have more flexibility when selecting a filter size since you can choose one that's longer than the size of the opening. If you hit the replacement filter elements against a hard surface, large loose debris will be removed; compressed air can help remove finer particles. This sounds great, but a filter that traps finer substances can become clogged faster, putting more pressure on your equipment.
Most air conditioning and HVAC units use standard size filters; however, some require custom-sized air filters. You don't have to use factory-installed filter racks; an HVAC professional can install an external filter rack for a coarser filter.
