CUSTOM AIR FILTERS

Top custom air filters: Tailored solutions for your indoor air quality

Discover the best custom air filters designed to improve your indoor air quality. Find tailored solutions for a healthier home—read the article now!

When purchasing an HVAC air filter, getting the right fit is key. Correct sizing is important to optimizing airflow and ensuring maximum filtration to improve indoor air quality. Proper fit is also key to enhancing your HVAC system's overall performance, efficiency, and longevity.

A poor fit will result in inadequate airflow, higher overall energy consumption, and can place more strain on your HVAC system, which may lead to more regular repairs and maintenance (not to mention higher utility bills).

If a standard-sized air filter doesn't properly fit your HVAC unit's frame, you'll want to order a custom filter.

Getting the perfect fit

A poor air filter fit allows unfiltered air to bypass the filter medium, which leads to dust, debris, pollen, pet dander, and other particles circulating throughout your property and impacting indoor air quality. Poor filter fit can also result in reduced HVAC efficiency and potential damage to your system, which can lead to increased energy bills and a greater likelihood of costly system repairs.

Proper size is determined by length, width, and depth, and it's important to measure your air filter or the frame housing to find the right size for your needs. You can get the right custom air filter simply by inputting this information on our Custom Air Filter page. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Filter size conversion chart

Filter dimensions include length, width, and depth. While measurements are typically listed on the existing air filter itself, it's important to properly measure to determine the size of the custom filter.

Using a tape measure, find the exact size of the filter's length, width, and thickness. When you order custom air filters, you should be ordering based on their actual size (not their nominal size). Keep in mind that nominal size filters are rounded up from the actual size, but they may result in a filter that's too loose and allows air and particles to bypass filtration. If your HVAC housing accommodates a common filter size, ordering the standard filter is likely to suffice. However, if you're using a less common air filter size, confirm that the actual size meets your needs and consider a custom option.

Common custom filter situations

While most HVAC units accommodate standard filters, certain types of properties and heating and cooling systems may have unique requirements. Some examples of when it's best to create your custom AC or furnace filter include:

• When you're seeking specific filtration materials.
• If you live in an older home or a mobile home with unique requirements or HVAC equipment.
• In industrial workspaces and commercial buildings.

How long custom air filters last

Property owners can expect their air filters to last anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter they select and considering any unique household needs or requirements that must be met. Custom air filters don't tend to be any different.

Some of the factors to consider when weighing when to replace your air filter include:

• Overall thickness: Thicker air filters offer more surface area than conventional ones, allowing them to capture everything from dust and pet dander to mold spores and exhaust fumes. They also tend to last longer.
• MERV rating: The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration performance. Air filters with higher MERV ratings usually require less frequent replacement compared to those with lower MERV ratings. The most common types of air filters are MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13. MERV 8 carbon for odor elimination is another option.
• Unique household needs: If you live in a household with pets, smokers, residents with heightened allergies, or a high-dust environment, consider changing out your filter more frequently. In some situations, property owners should consider changing their filter as frequently as every six weeks.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors also affect the lifespan of HVAC air filters. For instance, if you expect to block pollen in the spring, you'll likely need to change your filter more frequently at this time of the year when pollen levels are higher.

Signs you need to change your air filter

How do you know when you need to change your air filter? Here are some signs to watch for that can help you determine when it's time to replace your existing filter within the suggested 30 to 90 range:

• There is visible dirt and dust buildup on the filter itself. If your filter is heavily soiled, it won't be as effective at capturing particles. Airflow may also be limited, causing your HVAC equipment to work longer to cool or heat your property effectively.
• Residents are experiencing asthma or mild allergies. If you or any other household residents are experiencing heightened allergies, it could be the result of dust mites, lint, pet dander, mold, and other particles circulating more freely throughout your home. Poor air quality can also impact newborns or anyone immunocompromised. Musty odors can also be a sign that replacement is needed, as certain types of air filters act as an odor eliminator.
• HVAC system issues: Notice your system cycling on more frequently? Have your energy bills increased? Is your property experiencing uneven heating or cooling? Is your system making strange noises when it turns on? If you've answered "yes" to any of these HVAC issues, the issues could stem from a soiled air filter.

Understanding filter materials and quality

At Filter King, we don't just offer custom air filters — our made-in-the-USA air filters are built to last.

All Filter King air filters are crafted from high-grade materials, manufactured using the leading practices, and independently tested to ensure custom filter quality.

Our filter media uses a combination of synthetic fibers designed to resist moisture and shedding. It's manufactured in a pleated design, which enhances the surface area and allows for the effective capture of pollen, odors, household dust, and more.

Our filters are installed within a durable paperboard frame to ensure the filter maintains its shape and integrity.

Finally, the true measure of a filter's quality is its performance, which is determined by independent testing.

Quality is at the core of every product we offer at Filter King, whether it's a stock option or a custom solution. We know how the right air filter can create a clean, healthy, and safe environment for you and your family, and we never cut corners to ensure we create the best possible air filtration solutions.

Choosing the right MERV rating for your needs

MERV 8 carbon? MERV 11? MERV 13? Wondering what MERV rating is right for your property's needs? Here's an overview of the most popular MERV ratings for properties:

• MERV 8: MERV 8 is ideal for general households and filters 90 percent of common particles, including dust, pollen, mold, dust mites, bacteria, and pet dander.
• MERV 8 carbon: MERV 8 carbon filters are another option, ideal for odor removal. These filters are ideally used in properties with household odors from pets, cooking, or during activities such as home renovations, where various compounds may be released into the environment.
• MERV 11: MERV 11 filters capture up to 95 percent of common particles, including smoke and smog.
• MERV 13: MERV 13 filters trap up to 98 percent of common particles, including allergens, cooking smoke, odor, and smog.

The filter type that's right for your home should extend beyond MERV rating, but also consider HVAC system compatibility. Consult your HVAC manual to see the manufacturer's recommendation or contact a professional to assess your system's capabilities. It's also important to monitor your system for signs of strain and airflow from your ducts.

For example, if your HVAC system is running for extended periods of time and/or airflow is restricted, you may want to consider switching to a lower MERV filter. Conversely, if you or members of your household are experiencing more allergy-related symptoms, you may want to consider switching to a higher MERV option.

Contact Filter King today for your custom air filter needs

If your HVAC unit has unique filter requirements, select your custom filter today. As a leading custom air filters provider, we offer more than just a great product guaranteed to fit your HVAC unit, but value-added benefits such as fast free shipping and discounts on bulk purchases. Most custom air filters leave our warehouse within five business days to get to you faster.

Contact Filter King for more information or create your custom air filter today.