As you can see the 2 inch filter will serve our needs MUCH better than the 1 inch filter. Even if the duct system is in good shape, using this filter will keep the system from struggling.
Can I replace a 1 inch filter with a 2 inch?
It is relatively easy to remove the old 1 inch filter and just insert a 2 inch filter. Most return air filter grilles also will accept a 2 inch filter in lieu of a 1 inch filter.
Is a 1 inch furnace filter better than a 4 inch?
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. Question: Are 4 inch or 1 inch furnace filters better?
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.
What is the smallest size air filter you use?
1" filters suck. They block a lot of air flow. 2 inch is the smallest I put in, and 4" is optimal. Sure it filters, but it doesn't have enough surface area to allow the airflow a system needs. MERV 8 is perfect.
Is a 2-inch air filter better?
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.
Is it better to have a thicker furnace filter?
Thicker Filters Improve HVAC Performance High efficiency media filters will improve HVAC performance and longevity. Since there is more surface area, more air can pass through the system, which puts significantly less strain on the motor, compressor, coil, and other components.
How long does a 2-inch filter last?
Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling and Plumbing of Ohio recommends swapping out filters that are less than 2 inches thick every 30 to 90 days. Three- or 4-inch filters can go for 6 to 9 months, and filters up to 6 inches thick can be replaced once a year.
Are larger air filters better?
K&N's testing has shown that for most two and four barrel carburetors, airflow is greater when the diameter of the air filter is large in comparison to the height. For example, a 10-inch diameter by two inch tall element will generally flow better than an element five inches in diameter and four inches tall.
What happens if your furnace filter is too big?
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.
How big should my furnace filter be?
The actual size of your air filter should be 0.25”-0.5” smaller than the slot or frame itself.
Why does my furnace filter get dirty so quickly?
Extreme Temperatures Temperatures outside being hotter or colder than expected can cause your system to run longer, cycling more air through your furnace or air conditioner. When more air is being pushed through the system by the blower motor man, naturally the filter is going to capture more dirt and clog faster.
How often should you change 1 inch furnace filter?
every 1 to 3 monthsIn general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
Do furnace filters make a difference?
When it comes to furnace filters, the rule of thumb for many HVAC professionals is “the cheaper the better.” HVAC systems are not designed to improve air quality in the home, and filters are important to keep the furnace and air conditioner working properly.
Can an air filter be too thick?
If you get a filter with pleats that are too thick, your filter could get dirty quickly. Thus, making your AC unit work harder than it needs to. A good benchmark to follow when considering MERV ratings is that if it's more than 13, the pleats are most likely too thick for your filter.
Is a bigger intake better?
Aside from planning ahead for the inevitable MAF cut, another reason for running a larger diameter intake is to help improve the efficiency of your turbo. Turbo efficiency is measured and detailed in a compressor map and is based off the turbo's pressure ratio.
How big of an air filter do I need?
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″. Here at Permatron, our air filters are undercut by ½”.
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.
How many inches of air filter for a return air filter?
This allows the use a 5 inch filter in a standard return air filter grille if there is enough clearance behind the filter (no wood studs etc). These filters are also a higher MERV; generally between 10 and 13. If your filters are located next to your equipment, either in the equipment or in a filter base/panel/cabinet adjacent to it, ...
What size air filter should I use for a Honeywell grille?
Most return air filter grilles also will accept a 2 inch filter in lieu of a 1 inch filter. If you have return air filter grilles there is another, better, option as well. Honeywell, and some other filter makers, have a product available that uses a 1 inch header and 5 inch filter media. This allows the use a 5 inch filter in a standard return air ...
How to keep HVAC system running at peak efficiency?
Regular system maintenance and changing filters in a timely manner are the two biggest things you can do to keep your system operating at peak efficiency! Using the correct filter and keeping it changed is the biggest thing you, as a homeowner, can do to protect your HVAC system!
How is an air filter determined?
Air Filters. As a general rule, the filter is either determined by the manufacturer or by your service company when they install your system. This is an often overlooked, but very important, aspect of system design. First we will see how a filter should be sized and then see what the options are for the everyday homeowner after the fact.
Can a service manager make a filter recommendation?
You, however, are a do-it-yourselfer and want to do it on your own. Okay, I can give you some guidance here as well.
Can fiberglass panel filters be detrimental?
We have already seen that the fiberglass panel filters allow good airflow, but also allow particles to pass through and cause problems with our system. Just adding a 1 inch pleated filter may be detrimental to your system if it is border line already.
What is the difference between a 4 inch and a 1 inch air filter?
Plus, 4-inch filters generally have higher MERV ratings than 1-inch filters (there is some overlap). You can find: 1-inch air filters with MERV ratings anywhere from 1 to 13. 4-inch air filters with MERV ratings of 8 to 16. Going with a 4-inch filter would mean you’d get a filter with at least a MERV 8 rating, which would remove contaminants down ...
Why use a 4 inch HVAC filter?
For this reason, you might want to go with a 4-inch HVAC filter to improve your home’s air quality.
What is a Merv 13 filter?
But if you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your home, you might want to go with a MERV 13. A MERV 13 filter will effectively remove allergenic contaminants down to .3 microns, like: 1 Pet dander 2 Bacteria 3 Some viruses 4 Tobacco smoke 5 Smog
What does MERV mean in air filters?
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a rating that indicates how well an air filter can collect particles in your home’s air. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the contaminants a filter can trap—which also means it will clog faster. That said, a thinner 1-inch filter with a high MERV rating would clog very quickly ...
Can you use a 4-inch filter on a 1-inch system?
System: If your system calls for a 1-inch filter, you’ll need to pay a professional to alter your system to accommodate a 4-inch filter. Note: Forcing a 4-inch filter into a system that uses a 1-inch filter can decrease the filter’s efficiency and seriously damage your system.
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.
