Are Thicker Air Filters Better for Your Home?

Thicker air filters have higher MERV ratings which lead to better filtration of contaminants and allergens. Learn why 4-inch thick air filters have an advantage over 1-inch filters in terms of longevity, airflow and maximum filtration potential.

Are Thicker Air Filters Better for Your Home?

When it comes to air filters, the general rule of thumb is that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. This means that thicker filters are better for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and can help you save money in the long run.

The thicker the filter, the more dirt it can hold

, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of filter frequency replacement. However, there are some cases where 1-inch and 2-inch filters may be on par when it comes to efficiency.

This all depends on the MERV rating of the filter. The MERV rating is a measure of how well a filter blocks particles from passing through. Replacing your standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter can improve the quality of air inside your home. This is because larger air filters have higher MERV ratings, leading to better filtration of contaminants and allergens. Air filters with higher MERV ratings are designed with a smaller fabric designed to allow even the smallest particles to be captured. Unfortunately, the stiffness of the fabric also decreases airflow.

As a result, the heating unit has to work harder, increasing the likelihood that your system will fail or require repairs. In addition, this situation generally leads to higher costs to heat your home. 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. A poor fit between the air filter and the boiler or heating system reduces performance and reduces efficiency. On the other hand, a thinner filter will be more restrictive and will create more air pressure on it.

The thickness of the air cleaner ranges in size from 1 to 5 inches deep; some options are more common than others, and your oven can dictate the thickness you can use. Since larger filters provide better airflow and lower pressure drops, you won't worry about your HVAC system doubling its energy consumption. These filters are sufficient to stop allergens, dust, mold, bacteria, dust mites and pet dander from passing through. If you need a high merv filter for air purity due to respiratory problems, purchase an external air purifying device. If you're not sure what type of filter you need, an experienced service technician should be able to help. This method assigns numbers based on the expected level of efficiency with which a specific filter captures particles from the air as it passes through the filter.

And that brings us to a face-to-face comparison between the 1 and 4 inch oven filter before selecting the next filter replacement. Deeper depth can also improve filter life and efficiency; they also make it easier for air to enter and exit the filter. The 4-inch thick air filter has a definite advantage over the 1-inch filter in terms of longevity, airflow and maximum filtration potential. But why is there such a big difference in their lives? This is because thicker air filters have more square feet.

Cleveland Spadafore
Cleveland Spadafore

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