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# HVAC Air Filters - Furnace & Air Conditioner Filters
Shop replacement air filters for furnaces, air conditioners, and HVAC systems. We stock all standard sizes in fiberglass, pleated, HEPA, and electrostatic filters at our Westland, Michigan warehouse, ready to ship same-day.
## Why Buy Air Filters From Technical Hot & Cold?
**Complete Filter Selection**
From basic 1" fiberglass to 5" MERV 13 pleated media filters - we stock what you need.
**All Standard Sizes**
Most common residential sizes always in stock: 16x20, 16x25, 20x20, 20x25, 14x25, and many more.
**Bulk Pricing**
Save money buying in cases. Stock up and change monthly as recommended.
**Same-Day Shipping**
Filters in stock ship today when ordered before 3PM EST from our Westland warehouse.
## Filter Types
### Fiberglass Filters (MERV 1-4)
Basic protection, low cost.
**Features:**
- Spun fiberglass media
- Disposable
- Lowest cost option
- Open weave design
**Filtration:**
- Captures large particles only
- Protects equipment
- Minimal air quality improvement
- 10-30% efficiency
**Best For:**
- Budget-conscious
- Basement furnaces
- Rental properties
- Basic protection needs
**Lifespan:** 30 days
### Pleated Filters (MERV 5-8)
Better filtration, still affordable.
**Features:**
- Polyester or cotton/poly blend
- Pleated design = more surface area
- Better particle capture
- Moderate cost
**Filtration:**
- Captures dust, pollen, pet dander
- Lint, mold spores
- 20-50% efficiency
- Noticeable air quality improvement
**Best For:**
- Most residential applications
- Good balance cost/performance
- Standard replacement
- Moderate allergies
**Lifespan:** 90 days (3 months)
### High-Efficiency Pleated (MERV 9-12)
Superior filtration for better air quality.
**Features:**
- Dense pleated media
- Electrostatically-charged (some)
- Maximum surface area
- Premium cost
**Filtration:**
- Captures small particles
- Dust mites, spores, smoke
- Bacteria, smaller allergens
- 50-85% efficiency
**Best For:**
- Allergy sufferers
- Asthma concerns
- Pets in home
- Air quality priority
- Newer, tighter homes
**Lifespan:** 90 days (3 months)
**⚠️ Note:** Check furnace compatibility. May restrict airflow on some systems.
### HEPA Filters (MERV 17-20)
Medical-grade filtration.
**Features:**
- True HEPA certified
- 99.97% particle capture
- 0.3 micron particles
- Highest efficiency
- Premium price
**Filtration:**
- Virus particles
- Bacteria
- Smoke particles
- Microscopic allergens
- Medical-grade clean air
**Best For:**
- Severe allergies/asthma
- Immune-compromised occupants
- Medical requirements
- Cleanroom applications
**⚠️ Important:**
- Requires compatible HVAC system
- High static pressure
- May need system modifications
- Professional installation recommended
**Lifespan:** 6-12 months
### Electrostatic Filters
Washable, reusable filters.
**Features:**
- Permanent filter
- Self-charging media
- Washable with water
- No disposal needed
**Filtration:**
- MERV 4-8 equivalent
- Efficiency decreases when dirty
- Adequate for most applications
- Moderate particle capture
**Advantages:**
- One-time purchase
- Environmentally friendly
- Cost-effective long-term
- Easy maintenance
**Maintenance:**
- Wash monthly
- Dry completely before reinstalling
- Clean with hose or bath
- No harsh chemicals needed
**Best For:**
- Budget-conscious (long-term)
- Environmentally-minded
- Consistent maintenance routine
### Media Filters (MERV 10-13)
Thick, high-capacity filters for whole-home air cleaners.
**Features:**
- 4"-5" thickness
- Massive surface area
- Extended service life
- Lower airflow restriction
**Filtration:**
- MERV 10-13 typical
- Excellent particle capture
- Better than 1" filters
- Less resistance to airflow
**Best For:**
- Installed in filter cabinet
- Whole-home air cleaner systems
- 6-12 month replacement
- Low maintenance
**Lifespan:** 6-12 months
## MERV Ratings Explained
### MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)
**MERV 1-4:**
- Fiberglass filters
- Large particles only
- Minimal filtration
- Equipment protection
**MERV 5-8:**
- Standard pleated filters
- Dust, pollen, pet dander
- Most common choice
- Good balance
**MERV 9-12:**
- High-efficiency pleated
- Mold spores, fine dust
- Better allergy relief
- Check system compatibility
**MERV 13-16:**
- Superior filtration
- Bacteria, smoke, allergens
- May restrict airflow
- System evaluation needed
**MERV 17-20:**
- HEPA grade
- Medical applications
- System modifications required
- Professional installation
### Finding the Right MERV Rating:
**For Most Homes:** MERV 7-8
- Good filtration
- Affordable
- Won't restrict airflow
- Change every 3 months
**For Allergies:** MERV 11-13
- Better particle capture
- Allergy symptom relief
- Verify system can handle
- May need more frequent changes
**Highest MERV Not Always Best:**
- Can restrict airflow
- Higher energy costs
- Strain on system
- Reduced comfort
**Check Furnace Manual:**
- Maximum MERV rating
- May void warranty if exceeded
- System designed for specific range
## Standard Filter Sizes
### Most Common Residential Sizes:
**1" Thick:**
- 16x20x1
- 16x25x1 (very common)
- 20x20x1
- 20x25x1 (very common)
- 14x25x1
- 18x24x1
- 14x30x1
- 16x20x1
- 12x24x1
**2" Thick:**
- 16x25x2
- 20x25x2
**4" Thick (Media Filters):**
- 16x25x4
- 20x25x4
- 16x20x4
**5" Thick (Media Filters):**
- 16x25x5
- 20x25x5
### How to Measure:
1. **Remove old filter**
2. **Check printed size** on frame
3. **Measure if size not visible:**
- Length x Width x Depth
- Round to nearest inch
4. **Order exact size**
- Don't force wrong size
- Gap around filter = bypassed air
### Actual vs Nominal Size:
**Nominal:** Rounded size (16x25x1)
**Actual:** True size (15.5x24.5x0.75)
Always order by **nominal size** printed on filter frame.
## Filter Replacement Schedule
### How Often to Change:
**Fiberglass Filters:**
- Every 30 days
- Monthly replacement
- Mark calendar
**Pleated Filters (MERV 5-8):**
- Every 90 days (3 months)
- Quarterly replacement
- Seasonal changes
**High-Efficiency (MERV 9-13):**
- Every 60-90 days
- Check monthly
- Replace when dirty
**Media Filters (4"-5"):**
- Every 6-12 months
- Check pressure drop
- Or per manufacturer
### Factors Affecting Frequency:
**Change More Often If:**
- Pets in home (double shedding seasons)
- High pollen area
- Smokers in home
- Dusty environment
- Construction nearby
- Running system continuously
**Can Extend If:**
- No pets
- Clean environment
- Filter looks clean
- Low system runtime
### How to Check:
**Visual Inspection:**
- Hold up to light
- Can't see through = change
- Gray/dirty appearance
- Obvious debris
**Feel Test:**
- Run finger across surface
- Significant dust = change
- Difficult to see through = change
## Benefits of Regular Filter Changes
### System Protection:
- Prevents dirt buildup on coils
- Protects blower motor
- Maintains efficiency
- Extends equipment life
### Energy Savings:
- 5-15% energy savings
- Better airflow = less work
- Lower utility bills
- Fast payback
### Air Quality:
- Cleaner indoor air
- Reduced allergens
- Less dust settling
- Healthier home
### Comfort:
- Better temperature control
- More even heating/cooling
- Proper airflow
- Reduced hot/cold spots
### Prevent Damage:
- Dirty filter = #1 cause of HVAC problems
- Frozen coils
- Overheating
- Motor failure
## Filter Installation
**Simple Process:**
1. **Turn Off System** (optional but safe)
2. **Locate Filter**
- Return air grille
- Inside furnace
- Filter cabinet
3. **Remove Old Filter**
- Slide out
- Note airflow direction arrow
4. **Install New Filter**
- Match airflow direction (arrow)
- Arrow points toward furnace/blower
- Slide into tracks
- Ensure snug fit
5. **Turn On System**
**Airflow Direction:**
- Arrow on filter frame
- Must point toward furnace
- Wrong direction = reduced efficiency
## Custom & Odd Sizes
**We Can Source:**
- Non-standard sizes
- Commercial sizes
- Custom dimensions
- Special applications
**Call or Email:**
- Provide exact measurements
- Specify thickness
- Desired MERV rating
- Quantity needed
## Bulk & Subscription Options
**Buy in Cases:**
- Save money per filter
- Stock up for the year
- Never run out
- Convenient
**Subscription Service:**
- Auto-delivery
- Regular schedule (3, 6, or 12 months)
- Never forget to change
- Discount pricing
## Filter FAQs
**Q: How often should I change my filter?**
A:
- Fiberglass: Monthly
- Pleated: Every 3 months
- Media: 6-12 months
- More often if pets, allergies, or high use
**Q: What MERV rating should I use?**
A: MERV 7-8 for most homes. MERV 11-13 if allergies/asthma. Check furnace manual for maximum.
**Q: Can a filter be too efficient?**
A: Yes! Too high MERV = restricted airflow = system damage. Stay within manufacturer specs.
**Q: Which direction does the filter go?**
A: Arrow on filter frame points toward furnace/blower (direction of airflow).
**Q: What if my size isn't standard?**
A: Contact us for custom orders. We can source most sizes.
**Q: Can I cut a filter to size?**
A: Not recommended. Compromises structure and allows bypass. Order correct size.
**Q: Are expensive filters worth it?**
A: Depends on needs. MERV 11-13 worth it for allergies. MERV 7-8 fine for most homes.
**Q: Can I wash disposable filters?**
A: No. Disposable filters should be replaced. Only wash filters marked "washable."
**Q: Why is my filter black around edges?**
A: Indicates air bypassing filter. Check fit, seal gaps, ensure proper size.
**Q: Do I need to change filter if system doesn't run much?**
A: Yes, but can extend interval. Filter still catches dust even when system off.
## For HVAC Contractors
**Stock Common Sizes:**
- 16x25x1 (most common)
- 20x25x1
- 16x20x1
- 20x20x1
- Cases of each
**Upsell Opportunities:**
- Higher MERV ratings
- Multi-packs
- Annual supply
- Air quality products
**Bulk Pricing:**
- Cases (12 or 24 filters)
- Contractor discounts
- Fast order processing
## Need Help Finding Your Filter?
Our HVAC parts specialists are here to help! Contact us:
- **Phone:** [Your phone number]
- **Email:** [Your email]
- **Hours:** [Your business hours]
- **Location:** Westland, MI - Local pickup available
**Don't know your size? We'll help you measure and find the right filter!**
**Order filters today for better air quality and system protection!**
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you don't see your model or part, call us! Our friendly technicians are standing by. We can help you find the part you need with guaranteed fitment. Speak with us today at (734) 326-3900.














