Are you wondering what size filter to buy for your oven? It's easy to find out! Simply remove the current filter and look at its dimensions, which are usually printed along one side. The oven filter is usually located between the return air duct and the oven or air handler. Look for the grill opening that draws air into it; this is the return duct and the oven filter will be somewhere nearby. If you still can't find it, check the oven manufacturer's website for specific information about your unit.
What type of filter do you have? Start by turning off the oven. Remove the existing oven filter, which will be inside the oven or inside the return air vent. Look for an arrow on the filter that indicates the direction of the air flow. Using a permanent marker, draw the direction of the air flow on the outside of the oven, so you always know the correct way to install the filter.
Next, consider the size of the oven filter, which will be printed on the cardboard frame. Refer to the oven manual to see if the filter is the correct size, or refer to the existing filter to determine dimensions. Most filters are clearly labeled with their size. You can also use a measuring tape to determine the size, if needed. It's important to remember that oven filters remove dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, bacteria and other air pollutants from your home's air, improving indoor air quality for you and your family.
The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) measures how effective an oven air filter is in capturing particulate matter. Other signs that you may need to change your filter are more dust in your home or longer heating and cooling cycles. Synthetic fiber filter media prevent mold colonies from growing, a concern in humid environments. Filters maintain both your oven and your home's air quality, so it's important to have one installed. Washable filters generally require more maintenance than other types of filters and often do not have the same level of effectiveness as disposable filters. Homeowners with no air quality issues who are more concerned with protecting their oven do not need a high-efficiency filter. An electrostatic charge is used by electrostatic filters to attract and trap small particles and come in disposable or reusable models.
After all, this is what separates you and your sensitive central forced air equipment from destructive particles in your home air. Cheap woven fiberglass filters do one thing: remove dirt and debris that could damage your oven blower motor, while removing some of the pollen and mold spores. The best air filters trap indoor pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen, helping to cleanse your home's air. But if your oven is not yet equipped to handle a thicker filter, it will need to be modified by an HVAC professional.