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. This means it's better for you and your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Thick air filters may automatically seem like the best option.Thicker means more filtration, right? In most situations, that's the case.
Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square feet to capture and retain air particles. To put it into perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a 4-inch air filter can last up to six months. If the filter is too small, there will be a gap around the air filter. This allows dirty air to enter around the filter.
It's almost like having no filter at all.Oven filters with greater thickness or depth have more layers and more surface area. These additional layers act as additional nets to capture airborne particles that may have passed through the first layer. As a result, these oven filter sizes last longer and capture longer. While they cost more, they also offer more benefits.
First, 4-inch filters cover a higher range of MERV ratings, with a slight overlap with 1-inch filters. You can find the recommended filter size for your unit model here in the table titled “Find your air conditioner and oven filter by make, model number and size.Always follow the filter size guidelines to ensure you choose the correct size filter for your oven. Dense filters can capture a wide variety of particles from the air, but the more they can capture, the more they stick to them. Having to bend and force the filter into the oven is a clear indicator that the filter is too large.Some air conditioning specialists have also observed that thicker filters provide a snug fit that does not allow unfiltered air to pass through.
Although the given timelines serve as an excellent starting guide as to how often you should change your oven filter, there are some clear indicators that will let you know when the filter has become too clogged.Making these technical adjustments means that the oven can contain larger and stronger oven filter sizes to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency. When a filter that is too dense is used in an HVAC system that does not require that degree of resistance, it can restrict the necessary airflow and cause the oven to work harder.If the filter is not the correct size, either too small or too large, air will flow around the filter instead of through it and, as a result, not all of the air will be filtered out. To ensure that the next filter you purchase is the correct size for your system, you should measure the inside dimensions of the air cleaner inlet.If you need a high merv filter for air purity due to respiratory problems, purchase an external air purifying device. Another caveat is that, given the relationships between the supplier and the supplier, they could be incentivized to increase the sale of certain types or brands of air filters.
Most major retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, offer air cleaners, albeit with a different variety of options and brands to choose from.When making your purchase, you should order the filter by its nominal size, rather than its actual size.
