What is the difference between a 1 and 2 inch filter?
The 2" filters have twice the surface area as the 1" filters. The filter material itself is the same thickness. You could put a single 1" filter in, but it will clog up twice as quickly. Thicker filters have more surface area and work more efficiently for longer.
Is it possible to use a smaller filter area?
The smaller filter area will behave like a filter that is already partially dirty, but you could use it temporarily. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange!
Can I just put two air filters in a single tank?
Two good filters can impede airflow enough to cause problems, but the cheap + good should be okay so long as you don't let them go until they are dirty. Honestly, just putting one filter in, with some duct tape to keep it in place is good enough. No. Don't do this, The 2" filters have twice the surface area as the 1" filters.
Should I choose a thicker or thinner air filter?
If you are considering a thicker air filter in order to improve air quality it may be better to focus on the MERV rating. Higher MERV ratings work best when the filter is 4” thick or thicker because they trap extremely small particles, which means contaminants will build up quickly on the screen.
Can you use a 1 inch air filter instead of 2?
If your system only fits a 1-inch or 2-inch filter, a high MERV rating could be detrimental. A 1-inch filter with less surface space will get clogged fairly quickly and need to be replaced much sooner than a thicker filter.
Do air filter sizes have to be exact?
In most cases, you should be able to use the closest standard size. For example, an air filter measuring 15-3/4″ X 19-3/4″ exact, could be replaced with one that is 16″ X 20″.
Can you use a smaller filter in your furnace?
For most systems you can use a standard sized filter within 5/8-in smaller than the air filter housing. If you are not able to find a standard sized filter within that parameter, you will need to order a custom sized air filter.
Can you stack 1 inch air filters?
If you measure the filter slot, and it's large enough to accommodate the thicker filter, then you can use it. However, if the slot is less than 4 inches wide, you're stuck with using that thickness. What you can't do is stack filters -- use only one.
Is it OK to use a smaller air filter?
An improperly sized air filter doesn't do its job. When it's too small, it lets dust, mold, and other contaminants into your air vents. These then spew into your air, providing air quality problems.
Can an air filter be too big?
If you purchase a filter that's too large, it won't slide into the slot correctly. If the filter is too small, it won't cover the entire space and may allow dust and dirt to flow past.
What happens if I put the wrong size filter in my furnace?
The biggest concern when you use the wrong size air filter is that it may not effectively prevent dust from building up on your HVAC system's motors and blowers. This dirties up your furnace which could affect its performance or possibly harm the system's internal components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Does furnace filter thickness matter?
Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick. In our tests, we found that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. That means it's better for you and for your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
What happens if you use the wrong furnace filter?
When you use the wrong size air filter, or you install it incorrectly, the filter can't effectively prevent dust from accumulating on the system's motors and blowers. You'll end up with a dirty furnace that can't properly perform, and all of that debris could end up harming the system's internal components.
Are 2 inch furnace filter better than 1 inch?
Well, the thicker the filter the less restrictive it is. This contributes to a better flow of purified air. This means that 2-inch furnace filters allow a better flow of air than 1-inch filters.
Do I need two air filters?
A lot of central air units have at least two filters, though you can find systems that have only one. The reason why there are a couple of filters is because not only the air that is traveling into the air handler needs to be filtered, but also the air passing through the return vents.
Do I need both a furnace filter and a return air grill filter?
In general, it is recommended to have an air filter in every return vent (as long as you choose the one of the right size and thickness). The filters will improve the air quality in your house and will protect the HVAC equipment from dust, pollen, pet dander, and hair.
How thick is a furnace filter?
Furnace filters range in thickness from 1 inch to 6 inches. Thicker filters have more material to trap indoor air pollutants. They can filter out a higher percentage of particles than a thinner filter would.
What is the MPR of a filter?
This system rates filters on their ability to trap particles smaller than 1 micron. According to this system, the best filters have an MPR from 1,500 to 1,900 ( source ).
What is an electrostatic filter?
Electrostatic filters are reusable and usually made with an aluminum or plastic frame. They attract the particles in the air with an electric charge and keep them attached to the surface.
Can you use a 1 inch filter in place of a 5 inch filter?
Never try to use a 1-inch filter in place of a 5-inch filter. The designers intended your furnace to use a precise size, and you should always choose the filter with the correct proportions.
Which is better, a 4-inch or 3-inch air filter?
Because a 4-inch filter lasts longer, it usually provides better value. But what if the air filter compartment in your furnace is only 3” thick? In that instance, the 1-inch furnace filter is the better option versus the 4-inch filter, however, a 3-inch thick air filter is the best choice.
How thick should an air filter be?
BUT, never try to force an air filter to fit into a space that it isn’t designed for. If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that’s made for a 1-inch thick filter the efficiency will actually be worse.
What is the best filter for AC?
At the same time, a thicker filter is less restrictive and will allow for better flow of purified air. A 4-5” filter is usually best for people that need superior filtration.
Why is furnace filter thickness important?
Why Does Furnace Filter Thickness Matter? Like the length and width, thickness is an important part of furnace filter sizing and getting the right fit to optimize performance. Air filter thickness ranges in size from 1 to 5 inches in depth - some options are more common than others, and your furnace may dictate what thickness you can use.
How long do air filters last?
To put it in perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month where as a 4-inch air filter could last up to six months.
Can you use a 4 inch filter instead of a 5 inch filter?
Going down in thickness by an inch shouldn't be a big deal - for example, you should be able to use a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter. If you are considering a thicker air filter in order to improve air quality it may be better to focus on the MERV rating.
Can you use a 1 inch filter in a duct?
Not to mention, components could get damaged in the process. On the other side, you can certain use a 1-inch thick filter in compartments that can accommodate a deeper filter. That said, the 1-inch filter may be too shallow, causing a loose fit that allows unfiltered air into the ductwork.
What determines the surface area of a furnace filter?
Irrespective of the length and width, it’s the thickness that determines the surface area of the filter. Take pleated furnace filter surfaces as an example. More thickness will allow more pleats to take place, which will induce more surfaces to trap the dirt.
Does size matter in furnace filter?
The clean and clear bottom line is , Size does matter, as long as it’s about the thickness of your furnace filter. From price point, 1” furnace filters might save a few bucks of yours. But 4” or thicker filters are the ultimate bangs for the bucks. Also, it’s going to give your furnace system better health and efficiency.
Does furnace filter size affect efficiency?
It’s a known fact that the standard furnace filter dimensions (length and width) don’t have anything to deal with its efficiency. But the thickness of the filter largely impacts efficiency.
Does a thinner filter make air pressure less?
So, it will be easier for the air to pass through and make itself less restrictive. On the other hand, a thinner filter (1”) will be more restrictive and create more air pressure on it. Therefore, the air pressure on the other side of the filter will face a comparative drop.
Can I use a 1 inch filter instead of 4 inches?
Question: Can i use a 1 inch filter instead of 4 inches?#N#Answer: If you are okay with more frequent replacement and little stress on the system, 1” filter can be budget-friendly alternative of 4” filters.
Do furnace filters pull electricity?
As furnace filters are not electric components, they directly don’t pull electric power. But they have a passive role to play in your monthly electricity bill. As long as both 4” or 1” are in new condition, and the CFM of the air passing through is fine, there won’t be a significant raise.
