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Maintenance & Air Quality

What Filter Should I Use In My Condo HVAC?

Choose a condo HVAC filter by its measured size and the equipment’s airflow requirements. MERV rating alone does not establish whether a filter is suitable.

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Prices and warranty examples reflect the article’s published context. Confirm current terms and your building’s requirements with HTS.

In This Guide
  • Wire Frame Filter

If you live in a condo, you may be wondering what filter size or quality needs to be used for your condo HVAC system. We will discuss briefly what’s best for your equipment.  

There are two common filters used in vertically stacked HVAC systems. 1. Wireframe Filters 2. Pleated Filter. 

Wireframe Filters

These filters are disposable made of fibreglass They have a MERV rating of 1 to 4. Typically, you should be able to hold these filters and see through them. If they are dirty, you should be able to detect it is time to replace them. 

Pleated Filters

Pleated Filters are disposable filters. These filters have a MERV rating of 5 to 8. They have a more solid design compare to basic wireframe filters. Due to higher MERV and better quality, these filters can catch more dirt and particles in the air. We recommend these filters for most HVAC applications.

Vertical Fan Coil Filter Sizes

Vertical Fan Coil Systems or VFC units are the most common heating and air conditioning systems in Toronto & GTA. You can use two types of filters:

  1. Wire Frame
  2. Pleated Filters

Fan Coil Filter Sizes

Match the measured filter dimensions and the equipment’s permitted airflow resistance. MERV 8 pleated filters are an option for compatible fan coils, but neither MERV 8 nor a higher rating is suitable for every installation. Ask a technician to confirm a proposed upgrade against the model’s requirements.

UNILUX Model Filter Size

Use the listed model information as a reference, then verify the actual filter opening and equipment requirements before ordering.

  • DLE 350 CFM 13.5 X 20
  • DLE 450 CFM 13.5 X 20
  • DLE 600 CFM  13.5 X 20
  • DLE 800 CFM 17.5 X 20
  • DLE 1000 CFM 17.5 X 20
  • DLE 1200 CFM 17.5 X 20

Vertical Heat Pump Filter Sizes

Changing condo heat pump air filters is highly recommended to assure the unit air coil remains free of dust and other materials. Upgrading the filter to a higher efficiency level (MERV Rating) will provide more filtration of particles in the air and will result in longer life of the heat pump and a cleaner environment. 

Whalen Heat Pump Units Use The Following Filters:

Filter fit can vary with the Whalen model and manufacturing period. Confirm the nameplate and installed filter dimensions before selecting a replacement.

  • Model Size: 200, 300, 400, 600, 8001 Use 13.5 x 32 x 1/2 1) For units manufactured 1973 to 1982
  • Model Size: 200, 300, & 400 Use13 x 24 x 1/2 2) For units manufactured 1982 to 1992
  • Model Size: 200, 300, & 400 Use 13 x 24 x 1 3) For units manufactured 1993 to present
  • Model Size: 600 & 8004 Use 13 x 32 x 1/2 4) For units manufactured 1982 to 1992
  • Model Size: 600 & 8005 Use 15 x 28 x 1 5) For units manufactured 1993 to present
  • Model Size: 1000 & 1200 Use 17 x 32 x 1/2 6) For units manufactured 1990 to 1992 1001 7 17 x 32 x 1

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MERV Rating – What Is MERV Rating?

MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It describes particle-removal performance across tested size ranges; it does not measure whether a filter fits your equipment. The EPA’s MERV guidance recommends considering the rating the system can accommodate.

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