What To Do When A Home Repair Requires A Custom Sized Air Filter

Before starting any home improvement projects such as repairing, remodelling, or household maintenance, it’s important to have an exact plan. The plan should include the area you want to work on, the materials needed, and whether you need professionals to help. Having all this information will save money and time, and the whole process won’t be as stressful. Most of the time, home repairs can go much smoother if you know exactly what to buy and where to go for the best deals.

One thing that always happens during a home repair is the creation of dust and dirt. This might be a little or it might be a lot. When this happens, your HVAC system will work harder to keep the air fresh as much as possible. The HVAC will work more, and the air filters will be put under pressure because of all the dust and dirt. That’s why it’s always good change the air filters after a home repair, renovation, or maintenance. 

What happens if you don’t change filters when they need it? Airflow through your furnace, air conditioner or heat recovery ventilator (HRV) will be reduced, your costs will rise, and your health might be affected. When replacing air filters, it is essential to pay attention to dimensions, as not all standard filters can fit, and some need to be customized. This is especially true if you want a high-performance filter.

HVAC filters come in countless different sizes. For example, you can see one common size to purchase a 16x25x1 filter here. If the overall air filter is not the proper size, it can let contaminants slip past the sides and into your house. Below is a list of steps to take when your home needs a customized air filter.

Take Measurements

Begin by checking the measurements of the filter you’ve got (assuming it’s the correct size to begin with). It’s important to have the correct air filter for a given appliance.  One common issue from an improper or clogged filter is allergies and other breathing problems.

When taking measurements for filters, it is important to remember the three sides that need to be measured. An air filter has a short side, a long side, and thickness. If any of the dimensions are not adequately checked, the filter will not fit or will be loose. 

The good part is that most filter frames have measurements printed on one side, and customers should always check them. If the dimensions are not printed, and the filter is not square, then the measurement should start from the smaller size, then the longer size, and last is the thickness. 

There are some standard measurements that might help you find the perfect fit for filters. Usually, air filters and their frames come in 1 inch, 2 inches, or 4 inches of thickness. Keep in mind that these standard dimensions might not apply to every manufacturer. Some may choose to use other sizes for their ACs or HVAC systems. 

Besides standard measurements, there is also the option to buy customized filters. These are usually made with a die cutter machine, and the size will fit perfectly if you provide the correct dimensions. 

Order Filters

After all dimensions are taken, then you should order filters from a supplier. A good supplier is necessary because other suppliers can mess up your order and give you the wrong air filters. It’s not only about the wrong dimensions, but if the quality is bad, the filters can become loose and need to be replaced. Unreliable manufacturers may insist that their filter can protect against a particular type of bacteria, smoke, and so on, but in reality, it might not. Filter quality is not just about size, but also about the ability of the filter membrane to grab and hold unwanted airborne particles.

Check Dimensions

Most suppliers and shops will allow you to take a filter home and check dimensions. If this filter does not match, get a refund and try again. It’s important to know that refunds usually work for standard filters. Custom-made ones are typically non-refundable because it would be hard for the seller to find other buyers with the exact air filter dimensions and sell them. Dimensions should also be printed on the packaging, but if they’re missing, return it without opening the package.

Install the Filter

To install a filter during repairs, follow a few precautions to ensure that the process is safe and no harm will be done. During home repairs, you need to be more careful than usual when changing filters because they can have more dust and dirt than expected, so you should wear a mask. 

Gloves are also a good idea to protect against cuts from inside the HVAC system. It’s also vital to turn off all HVAC systems when changing filters. After this, any protective grill should be removed and cleaned and the housing where the filter was located. Any remaining dust will stick to the new filter, so vacuum the air now. 

It is important to follow the instructions to maximize any HVAC filter’s efficiency. Use a marker to write the date of installation on the filter frame. Filters should be changed every three months, and more often if the repairs in the house continue. The last step is to put the grill back, turn on the HVAC, and see if everything is working properly. There should be no issues, but if anything seems wrong, get professional help.