Furnace and AC Filter Replacement Calculator

Concerned about your home’s indoor air quality and not sure if it’s time to change your air filter? Use R.W. LaPine’s air filter replacement calculator to estimate your filter’s lifespan.

HVAC Filter Replacement Calculator

When attempting to determine how long your home’s air filter will last, there are a lot of variables to consider. You’ll have to factor in the air filter size, your home’s occupants, where you live, and more. Since your HVAC system is unique, it can be super confusing. And, with so many sources of conflicting information on the Internet, how do you know who you can trust?

Regularly changing AC and furnace filters is crucial to ensuring good air quality in your home. Using dirty filters can lead to poor air filtration, poor circulation, and damaged equipment. So, really, it pays to have a reasonable estimate of how long your filter will last.

For that reason, we’ve created this free air filter replacement calculator. By providing just a little bit of information, it will give you a decent estimate. Of course, it’s only an estimate. For a more exact figure, you should consult your equipment’s manual or speak with a professional HVAC technician.

Filter Thickness: Home Size: Do You Have Kids? Do You Have Pets? Air Quality: Anyone With Respiratory Illness in the House?

How Our Air Filter Calculator Works

No two air filters are alike, so we’ve taken a few liberties. Whether or not it’s time to replace your air filter depends on a range of factors, so we’ve had to narrow them down. We decided to focus on the most common variables: filter thickness, home size, kids, pets, air quality, and respiratory issues.

Our estimates are based on our years of experience as an HVAC provider in Kalamazoo and on general industry rules of thumb. But, really, it’s exactly that: an estimate, not a recommendation. You should consult your equipment’s manufacturer or a professional to get exact numbers.

Understanding AC and Furnace Air Filters

Furnace filters are available in a variety of styles. And, depending on your equipment, the best air filter might not be the biggest or the most expensive. To find the right filter for you, it’s best to consult your equipment’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Air Filter Sizes

Air filters come in a number of different sizes and dimensions. Our calculator uses the industry’s most common sizes to determine your filter’s lifespan. But, the most common air filter sizes are:

14 × 20 × 1
16 × 20 × 1
16 × 25 × 1
20 × 20 × 1
20 × 25 × 1
30 × 30 × 1
20 × 25 × 4
16 × 25 × 5

Types of Air Filters

While it’s important to know the different types of air filters, it’s a broad topic and deserving of its own article. However, the most common furnace filters include:

Standard Pleated
Polyester or Fiberglass
Washable or Replaceable
Electrostatic

MERV Rating

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It describes a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. Furnace filters with a higher MERV rating are better at removing particles and airborne pollutants.

If indoor air quality is a concern, especially if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory illness, you’ll want a filter with a higher MERV rating.

How to Check Your Existing Air Filter

When installing new air filters, you have to know where they’re located in your HVAC system. In general, you’ll find your filter in one of two places:

Inside the blower compartment: Your blower compartment is usually accessed via a metal door on the lower portion of your HVAC system.
Near the air handler: In some cases, your filter will be kept behind a sliding hatch by your air handler, which you’ll find on the top or side of your system.

Before resorting to replacement filters, give your current filter a visual inspection. If you notice any discoloration, debris buildup, or damage to the furnace filter itself, you should plan on replacing it.

Get Help From Kalamazoo’s Best HVAC Team

As the most experienced HVAC team in Kalamazoo, MI, R.W. LaPine has worked with countless homeowners to improve the efficiency of their systems. It’s incredibly common for owners to forget to change their filters on a regular basis. And, sadly, this can lead to poor airflow, bad air quality, and damaged equipment.

If you’re unsure about the right size, depth, or type of furnace filter you need, our experts are here to help. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment for a furnace or AC tune-up.