If you’re like most, you probably don’t give too much thought to what’s inside of your furnace. Do you have a 16x25x4 furnace filter? Don’t know? Don’t worry; you are not alone. By the way, an air filter and a furnace filter is the same thing. As long as your furnace generates heat in the winter and cold air in the summer, they usually stay out of sight and out of mind. However, sometimes they do require a bit of TLC.

Furnace filters need to be changed from time to time to prevent malfunctioning and keep your furnace working to its optimal performance. How do you know when it’s time to change, and what style and size will you need? Since most units share the same air handler, meaning the cooling and heating system flow through the same filter, replacing it from time to time may be more important than you think. Allergy season is upon us, and we always have dandruff from our furry friends burdening our households. Is it time to change your air filter?

When is it time to change my filter?

On average, most manufacturers suggest changing the air filter every three to four months. If you have any pets or allergies, you may want to change them more often. The filter helps to protect the air you breathe by eliminating any contaminants, dust, and pollution. Check our list below to find out when it’s time to change your air filter at home.

• Vacation home, no pets or allergies: every 6-12 months
• A suburban household without pets: every 90 days
• A suburban household with a dog or cat: every 60 days
• A household with more than one pet or anyone who suffers from allergies: 20-45 days

What are the common furnace filter sizes?

Choosing the wrong filter size could cause your furnace to break down. You don’t want to freeze in the winter or sweat in the summer right? Luckily, by doing a bit of research on your unit and choosing the correct size this won’t be an issue. Furnace filters are sized by thickness, height, and length. So, for example, if you see 16x25x4 air filter written on your current furnace filter and it fits correctly, go with the same one. The most common sizes are 14x25x1, 16x20x1, 16x25x5, 20x25x5, and 25x2x5.

What size air filter do I need?

First, look at your furnace. Does the current air filter fit, or does it seem too loose or tight? If it appears to be a perfect fit, check for the Actual size on the label, so you know to stick with it. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it right? However, if it seems to be a bit squished or forced to fit in the system, you may want to consider taking the time to ensure your new one is the proper fit. Doing so will ensure you are getting the most out of your air filter and prevent your furnace from malfunctioning.

If the size is not clearly stated on your current filter, you can measure it with a ruler. You can always check back on your furnace manual as well to see what the manufacturer's suggestions for size are.

Tip: While your furnace is open and while it may be unpleasant, clean up all the excess dust surrounding the opening. Either wash it down with a cloth and a bit of water or use a handheld extension on your vacuum cleaner. Do this every time you change out your filter to keep your home as dust free and clean as possible. If you are very sensitive to dust, try wearing a protective mask while changing your filters.

Where to buy a furnace filter?

In Canada, one of the most-purchased air furnace filter is the MERV 11 Carrier M1-1056 16x25x5.  This filter has an Actual size of 15-3/8" x 25-1/2" x 5-1/4".  There are three different size variations for 16x25x5 filters, so it is important to know the actual size, before purchasing. United Filter sells both the OEM, as well as their own branded model, saving you money without any loss in performance.

When it comes to air furnace filters, you don’t want to mess around when it comes to changing them. You don’t want all that extra hair and dust going into your fresh air right? By taking a couple of minutes and finding the correct size for your unit, you will be on the way to breathing the best quality air in no time. Dust, fur, and pollen are an everyday part of life, do what you can to remove them from your home and keep your space feeling as fresh as possible.

If you’re like most, you probably don’t give too much thought to what’s inside of your furnace. Do you have a 16x25x4 furnace filter? Don’t know? Don’t worry; you are not alone. By the way, an air filter and a furnace filter is the same thing. As long as your furnace generates heat in the winter and cold air in the summer, they usually stay out of sight and out of mind. However, sometimes they do require a bit of TLC.

Furnace filters need to be changed from time to time to prevent malfunctioning and keep your furnace working to its optimal performance. How do you know when it’s time to change, and what style and size will you need? Since most units share the same air handler, meaning the cooling and heating system flow through the same filter, replacing it from time to time may be more important than you think. Allergy season is upon us, and we always have dandruff from our furry friends burdening our households. Is it time to change your air filter?

When is it time to change my filter?

On average, most manufacturers suggest changing the air filter every three to four months. If you have any pets or allergies, you may want to change them more often. The filter helps to protect the air you breathe by eliminating any contaminants, dust, and pollution. Check our list below to find out when it’s time to change your air filter at home.

• Vacation home, no pets or allergies: every 6-12 months
• A suburban household without pets: every 90 days
• A suburban household with a dog or cat: every 60 days
• A household with more than one pet or anyone who suffers from allergies: 20-45 days

What are the common furnace filter sizes?

Choosing the wrong filter size could cause your furnace to break down. You don’t want to freeze in the winter or sweat in the summer right? Luckily, by doing a bit of research on your unit and choosing the correct size this won’t be an issue. Furnace filters are sized by thickness, height, and length. So, for example, if you see 16x25x4 air filter written on your current furnace filter and it fits correctly, go with the same one. The most common sizes are 14x25x1, 16x20x1, 16x25x5, 20x25x5, and 25x2x5.

What size air filter do I need?

First, look at your furnace. Does the current air filter fit, or does it seem too loose or tight? If it appears to be a perfect fit, check for the Actual size on the label, so you know to stick with it. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it right? However, if it seems to be a bit squished or forced to fit in the system, you may want to consider taking the time to ensure your new one is the proper fit. Doing so will ensure you are getting the most out of your air filter and prevent your furnace from malfunctioning.

If the size is not clearly stated on your current filter, you can measure it with a ruler. You can always check back on your furnace manual as well to see what the manufacturer's suggestions for size are.

Tip: While your furnace is open and while it may be unpleasant, clean up all the excess dust surrounding the opening. Either wash it down with a cloth and a bit of water or use a handheld extension on your vacuum cleaner. Do this every time you change out your filter to keep your home as dust free and clean as possible. If you are very sensitive to dust, try wearing a protective mask while changing your filters.

Where to buy a furnace filter?

In Canada, one of the most-purchased air furnace filter is the MERV 11 Carrier M1-1056 16x25x5.  This filter has an Actual size of 15-3/8" x 25-1/2" x 5-1/4".  There are three different size variations for 16x25x5 filters, so it is important to know the actual size, before purchasing. United Filter sells both the OEM, as well as their own branded model, saving you money without any loss in performance.

When it comes to air furnace filters, you don’t want to mess around when it comes to changing them. You don’t want all that extra hair and dust going into your fresh air right? By taking a couple of minutes and finding the correct size for your unit, you will be on the way to breathing the best quality air in no time. Dust, fur, and pollen are an everyday part of life, do what you can to remove them from your home and keep your space feeling as fresh as possible.