Can you use a 1 inch air filter instead of 2? If your system only fits a 1- or 2-inch filter, a high MERV rating could be detrimental. A 1-inch filter with less surface space will clog up fairly quickly and will need to be replaced much sooner than a coarser filter.
Which is better a 1 inch or 2 inch furnace filter?
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. 1-Inch vs 2-Inch Furnace Filter Again, if only the thickness is a consideration, then the 2-inch furnace filter is the winner. However, these two aren’t drastically different in thickness.
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.
What is the difference between 1-inch and 4-inch air filters?
At FilterBuy, the price difference between 1-inch and 4-inch air filters is often only a few dollars. 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?
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.
How thick is a 16x25 filter?
What does testing tell you about filter?
How fast is the air velocity at the filter face?
How many feet per ton is 200 sqin?
Can you use a 1 inch air filter instead of 2?
You wouldn't want to put one 1" air filter in a 2" slot either because air takes the path of least resistance, and will flow around the filter rather than through it if it is not the right size.
Does thickness of air filter matter?
Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square footage to capture and hold air particles. To put it in perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month whereas a 4-inch air filter could last up to six months.
Can I use a different size air filter?
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.
Does air filter size need to be exact?
Keep in mind that most disposable air filters are undercut (this is an industry standard) from anywhere between ¼” to ½”. 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 I use a 1-inch filter instead of 4 inch?
While a 4-inch-thick filter is more efficient than a 1-inch filter, the right size depends on your furnace. 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 happens if you use the wrong size air filter?
When the filter doesn't fit in its hole properly, those small particles can move around the filter and lower your air quality. If your filter doesn't fit properly, it can interfere with the flow of air from the system to your home. Your air filter may also get sucked into the system, causing damage.
Can you use a 1 inch furnace filter instead of 5?
Unfortunately, a 1-inch filter will not work correctly in the place of a 5-inch filter. The filter needs to fit firmly in place, and there will be too much airflow around a filter that is just too thin. Someone with a passion for do-it-yourself projects might suggest making a frame to hold a 1-inch filter in place.
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.
Can an air filter be too big?
Air Filter Problems with Poor Fit Check the size of your existing air filter before you purchase a replacement. 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 is the most common size air filter?
What Are the Most Common Air Filter Sizes20 x 20 x 1.16 x 25 x 1.20 x 25 x 1.20 x 25 x 4.16 x 20 x 1.16 x 25 x 4.20 x 30 x 1.12 x 12 x 1.More items...
Can you cut an air filter to fit?
Some manufacturers can even customize the filters for you to fit perfectly when you or your HVAC team puts everything together. Simply put, yes, you can cut an air filter if you know what you are doing, and if the filters you use will not become too weak from the cutting.
How do I know what size air filter I need?
Check for Air Filter Dimensions on the Side of your Air Filter. Most filters come labelled with two size measurements that can be found along the filter's side. Often there is a 'nominal' size written in big print, as well as an adjacent 'actual' size written in smaller print.
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 4 inch filter worth it?
With more surface area to trap airborne contaminants, a 4” media air filter offers a longer service life than a 1” media air filter does. 4” filters last longer because they do not become clogged as quickly. Less filter changes means less money spent, and convenience.
Can I use 16x25x1 instead of 16x24x1?
A: Yes. We use the 16x25x1 in place of the 16x24x1 because it makes it easier to remove.
Are 5-inch furnace filters better?
Enhance Indoor Air Quality Replacing your standard one-inch air filter with a pleated 5-inch filter can result in better air quality inside your home. That's because bigger air filters feature higher MERV ratings, leading to better filtration of pollutants and allergens.
1" vs 2" Air Filter? : r/HVAC - reddit
In my experience, a 1" filter is just fine. There are different types and ratings of filters though. MERV 8 will catch the big stuff. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle it can catch.
2" furnace filter vs. 1"? - HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air & Refrigeration ...
In my new furnace bid, my contractor is recommending I go with a custom 2" furnace filter, which I buy through him. My existing furnace only uses a 1", and I like being able to run out to Home Depot, etc. and pick up new ones when I forget. He says 2" provides a lot more relief for allergens, is a better choice if there's kids in the house with respiratory conditions (I have two little kids ...
Can I substitute 1" filters for the 2" filter in my furnace?
Right, but remember the two filters together are not good for as long as one 2 inch filter. 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.
2 Ways An Air Filter Can Kill Your Air Conditioner and Furnace - Coolray
It’s ironic. Your air filter’s job is to prevent dust and other large particles from ruining your heating and cooling system. But 2 things can turn that safety net into your wallet’s worst nightmare by ruining what it was meant to protect.
How many filters are in a 20x25?
The filters are not stacked. They want 960 in 2 total. A 20 x 25 is 500 in 2 so you need 2, side by side to have 1000 in 2 for air to pass through.
What size filter do rails hold?
After closer inspection, there are in fact rails to accept and hold firmly a 1" filter, which look like they would also hold firm a 2" filter.
How deep should a fiberglass filter be?
Go out and buy some cheap 1" fiberglass filters and stack a cheap filter with a nice filter for 2" depth.
Can you use a 2 inch filter with a 1 inch filter?
Some systems that accept 2 inch filters have rails you can insert in order to accept a 1 inch filter without it going crooked and air getting around it or worse getting pulled in. You might look to see if there are guides for these or just use the 2 inch.
Can you stack 2-1 pleated filters?
Do not stack 2-1" pleated filters. It will increase the static and affect the system performance. Why not just use a 2" pleated filter? As far as stacking 2 disposable filters, it would probably be alright for the system, but seems a bit useless.
Can you filter air in a Merv 12?
Regarding Merv 12, you can filter the air using furnace filters, but they are really to protect the unit itself, I always say go medium on the merv to somewhat clean, but at the same time not restrict airflow, and to clean the air install an additional system designed for that purpose. 2. level 2. heckkitty. Op · 5y.
What size furnace filter should I use?
What Thickness of Filter Should I Use? While a 4-inch-thick filter is more efficient than a 1- inch filter, the right size depends on your furnace. If you measure the filter slot, and it's large enough to accommodate the thicker filter, then you can use it.
What Size Filter Does My Furnace Use?
Furnace filters are available in many different sizes such as "16X20X1". The numbers are the width, the length, and the thickness, measured in inches. The numbers are printed on the sides of the filters, so it's easy to choose the proper size. Consult the documentation or the owner's manual that came with your furnace to determine the size of filters it requires. The right-size filter will slide into the filter slot with little effort. It will fit snugly, and not be loose.
What Is The Purpose of a Furnace Filter?
The purpose of a furnace filter is to clean the air that comes in through the cold air returns. The dirt and debris need to be removed before it enters the furnace so the internal components don't get damaged. A furnace filter also removes pollution such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and bacteria, making the air in your home healthier. The cheaper the filter, the less thoroughly it cleans the air. The more expensive models filter the air better.
Why do you need a furnace filter?
The purpose of a furnace filter is to clean the air that comes in through the cold air returns. The dirt and debris need to be removed before it enters the furnace so the internal components don't get damaged. A furnace filter also removes pollution such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and bacteria, making the air in your home healthier.
Why do furnace filters last longer?
The thicker filters last longer because of their increased density. What size of filter you can use in your furnace depends on the size of the slot. You may be tempted to use a filter that's not as thick as the slot. That may not be a good idea. Advertisement.
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.
Can a thin air filter cause excessive wear?
The combination of a thin air filter with high MERV rate can also restrict airflow to the point that it hinders efficiency and causes excessive wear. Now that you know what thickness you need, you’re one step closer to find your perfect air filter size - click here to get started.
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 thick is a 16x25 filter?
There is no internal filter so we installed a external filter cabinet in the return. The external filter cabinet can take a 1" or 2" thick filter obviously both 16x25.
What does testing tell you about filter?
Testing will tell how restrictive of a filter you can use, safely.
How fast is the air velocity at the filter face?
At 2.78 sqft of filter area, the air velocity at the filter face calculates to about 430+ feet/min. Do the pros on this board have any worry about the wisdom of this? I hear complaints all the time about high MERV 3M Filtrete filters on account of pressure drop, but rarely are the complaints expressed in terms of air speed at the filter face. Nor are they usually associated with a measurement of external static pressure (ESP) in the actual installed system.
How many feet per ton is 200 sqin?
The rule of "1 sqft filter area per ton" translates to 400 feet/min. The rule of "200 sqin filter are per ton" translates to closer to 300 feet/min. The OP is already on the bad side of either of these rules of thumb, the question is whether it is professionally wise to criticize that.
