Improving the air quality inside your home can be achieved by replacing your standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter. This is because larger air filters have higher MERV ratings, leading to better filtration of contaminants and allergens. A thicker filter tends to work more efficiently and lasts longer than a thinner one, with a 5-inch filter lasting up to a year, while a 1-inch filter only lasts up to 3 months. When it comes to the size of the filtered particles, there is no difference between 1 and 5 filters with the same Merv rating.
However, there is a difference in static pressure between the two. The filter 5 has more physical holes for air to pass through, making it easier for air to pass through and become less restrictive. This means it's better for you and your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, preventing the system from working the way it's supposed to, and that can eventually cause equipment failure.
During a wildfire, you'll need to change filters more often than under normal air conditions. Other indoor air pollutants that can be trapped in the filter and removed from the air include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, and bacteria. For more information on individual products that use filters, such as air purifiers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, refer to their specific buying guides. If a person has allergies or a medical condition, changing the filter sooner rather than later is recommended.
In addition to the obvious steps, such as keeping windows and doors closed, turning off bathroom fans and range hoods is also advised as they vent directly to the outside and draw an equal volume of smoked outside air through window frames and other leaking spots. It is important to note that stacking five 1-inch filters together will not equal a 5-inch filter. The designers intended the 1-inch filters to work on their own and stacking them together will cause the oven to push air through a barely penetrable wall. Therefore, if you are considering building a frame to allow the box to use a 1-inch thickness filter, it is best to opt for a 4-inch thick filter as it will have more holes than a 1-inch filter. In conclusion, replacing your standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter can improve the air quality inside your home due to its higher MERV ratings leading to better filtration of contaminants and allergens. A thicker filter tends to work more efficiently and lasts longer than a thinner one.
It is also important to note that stacking five 1-inch filters together will not equal a 5-inch filter.
