Actual Size Chart The easiest way to identify the size of your air conditioner filter is to remove the existing filter from its slot and examine the filter frame. Usually, the filter size is printed along the edge of the filter frame. Note that the size shown in bold type on the filter frame is the nominal size of the filter, which is likely to differ from its actual size. If the actual dimensions do not appear in small print on the filter frame, we recommend measuring the filter to double check it.
In this case, you'll want to round down to the nearest whole number to determine the nominal air filter size. The actual size of the air filter should be 0.25 -0.5 smaller than the slot or frame itself. The slots of the HVAC unit are usually located near the bottom of the air conditioning handling unit. It's best to have some 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 clog 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. The central air return grilles are usually located on the ceiling of the hallway or on the wall of the hallway in your house. If the return vent is on the ceiling, you may want to use a filter that has a slightly larger actual size, so that the filter does not fall on you when you open the vent. When purchasing a custom-sized air filter, it's important to remember the 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. This rounded measurement is known as the nominal size and is used to match the right filter to the corresponding air filter groove. So if you need to find household air filter sizes, HVAC filter sizes, furnace filter sizes or air conditioning filter sizes, you are looking at the same thing.
Filters can have a list of models from various manufacturers that are compatible with the filter you need. How often you change your home's air filters depends on the type of air filter you have in your home and the environmental conditions, such as smoke, dust, or construction. Worse, incorrectly sized air filters can put excessive strain on your HVAC system, damage it, and increase your energy bills. Cheaper fiberglass flat filters may require changing every 30 days and may even be labeled as 30-day filters.
The length, width and depth of a filter are printed in small quantities along the filter frame on the cardboard edge of a Filter King brand filter. The most common sizes of AC filter and furnace filters are air filter 16x20x1, air filter 20x20x1, air filter 16x25x1 and air filter 20x25x1. Knowing more about air conditioner and oven filter sizes can ensure you find the perfect size for your home. You can find the recommended filter size for your unit model here in the table titled “Find your air conditioner and oven filter by brand, model number and size”. For standard one-inch size air filters, you can shop at Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart or online and usually find several standard sizes quite easily.
The Lennox filter below shows part number X0583 and Honeywell part numbers, FC100A1029 and FC35A1001, which can be replaced by this filter on the actual filter (see Lennox filter picture below with item number and filter size along with compatible filters). Airflow in the wrong direction of a filter can create greater resistance and cause a strain on the system. However, while filters offer many advantages for your system, your home and your health, they need to be changed regularly. These common sized air filters are the sizes that can usually be easily found in big box stores like Home Depot, Walmart and Lowe's.