Side-by-Side Comparison
Indoor Climate & Fixtures
Air Filters vs. Curtain Sizes
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Air Filters
Curtain Sizes
Residential HVAC furnace air filters standardize nominal dimensions (16×20×1", 16×25×1", 20×20×1", 20×25×1", 20×25×4") that measure 0.5 inches smaller in actual size, rated on the ASHRAE 52.2 MERV scale from MERV 1 to 16.
Window curtain panels standardize lengths across 63" (sill length), 84" (8-foot ceiling floor length), 96" (9-foot ceiling floor length), 108" (10-foot ceiling), and 120" (two-story), with a 1.5× to 2× fullness width multiplier.
Specification Comparison Table
18 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ASHRAE 52.2 / AHRI Standard 680 (Air Filter Sizing & Rating) | WCAA Standards / Interior Design Architectural Clearances |
|
Actual vs Nominal Sizing
|
Actual dimensions are typically 0.50" (12.7 mm) smaller than nominal label | — |
|
16 × 20 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 15.5 × 19.5 × 0.75 inches (39.4 × 49.5 × 1.9 cm) | — |
|
16 × 25 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 15.5 × 24.5 × 0.75 inches (39.4 × 62.2 × 1.9 cm) | Common home size | — |
|
20 × 20 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 19.5 × 19.5 × 0.75 inches (49.5 × 49.5 × 1.9 cm) | Return air grilles | — |
|
20 × 25 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 19.5 × 24.5 × 0.75 inches (49.5 × 62.2 × 1.9 cm) | Universal residential | — |
|
20 × 25 × 4" Media Filter
|
Actual: 19.75 × 24.25 × 4.38 inches | Deep pleated cabinet filter (6–12 mo life) | — |
|
MERV 8 (Residential Standard)
|
Captures 70–85% of particles 3.0–10 µm (Dust mites, pollen, mold spores) | — |
|
MERV 11 (Pet & Allergy)
|
Captures 65–79% of 1.0–3.0 µm + 85% of 3–10 µm (Pet dander, auto emissions) | — |
|
MERV 13 (High-Efficiency)
|
Captures >50% of 0.3–1.0 µm + >85% of 1.0–3.0 µm (Bacteria, virus carriers, smoke) | — |
|
63-Inch Panel Length
|
— | 160 cm | Window sill length / baseboard heater clearance |
|
84-Inch Panel Length
|
— | 213 cm | Standard floor length for standard 8-foot (96") ceilings (Universal) |
|
96-Inch Panel Length
|
— | 244 cm | Floor length for 9-foot (108") ceilings mounted near ceiling |
|
108-Inch Panel Length
|
— | 274 cm | Floor length for 10-foot (120") tall custom ceilings |
|
120-Inch Panel Length
|
— | 305 cm | Two-story foyers and dramatic high grand rooms |
|
Fullness Width Multiplier
|
— | Total fabric width = 1.5× to 2.0× window frame width (2.5× for sheers) |
|
Rod Mounting Height Rule
|
— | Mount rod 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) above window frame (or halfway to ceiling) |
|
Rod Width Extension Rule
|
— | Extend rod 3 to 6 inches (7.6–15 cm) beyond frame sides for max natural light |