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.
What filter do teachers use?
Does MERV 8 filter catch particles?
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Can I use a 2 in filter instead of 1?
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.
Is it better to have a thicker furnace filter?
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.
How long do 2-inch filters last?
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.
Are higher for filters worth it?
More expensive air filters such as Pleated Residential filters will filter out dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, and even bacteria, which can be worth the extra money, especially for those with severe allergies.
Are 2 inch air filters better?
Well, the thicker the filter the less restrictive it is. This contributes to a better flow of purified air. This means that 2-inch furnace filters allow a better flow of air than 1-inch filters.
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.
What MERV rating do I need for home?
Generally, a MERV rating between 6-13 meets the needs of most residences. This range offers a good balance between air filtration, air flow and affordability. If you select an air filter with a MERV 13 rating, it can last up to six months before needing to be replaced.
Why do I have to change my furnace filter so often?
As a general rule, you'll want to replace pleated air filters and furnace filters in your home every 90 days. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust and allergens are trapped clogging the filter and decreasing their efficiency.
Do furnace filters make a difference?
A clean filter will not only allow your furnace and A/C to operate at peak performance, thus saving you money on energy bills, but it will also prolong the life of your furnace.
Do higher MERV filters restrict airflow?
While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.
Should I buy cheap or expensive air filters?
If you are looking for an air filter that will last a long time and reduce allergens in your home, then you should consider buying an expensive air filter. Expensive air filters usually use higher-quality materials, such as metal or plastic.
Is it worth it to buy more expensive furnace filters?
Yes, in general, the more expensive air filters are more effective, but a single person with no pets and allergies might not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma. Also consider how long your air filter will last.
What MERV rating is best for furnace filters?
Generally speaking, our recommended MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort. Choosingthe right MERV rating for your furnace filter has a major impact on your indoor air quality, your HVAC system and, most important, your family's well-being.
Can a furnace filter be too restrictive?
The makeup of these high-efficiency filters can be too restrictive for the unit, creating a barrier to good airflow. The HVAC system may struggle to pass air through the air filter and expend more energy in its attempts. Ultimately, system damage can result from use of such filters at home.
Can I put a thinner filter in my furnace?
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.
Is MERV 8 good enough?
But is it enough filtration? In many cases, a MERV 8 air filter is more than adequate. However, if you are worried about outdoor air pollution, family members with respiratory issues, pets are in the home, then going with a higher MERV rating might be a good idea.
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.
What thickness filter 1" or 2" - HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air ...
I had a Coleman TG8S 3ton drive single stage 1200 cfm furnace plus a matching 3.5 ton coil and a consenser 3 ton installed the furnace called for 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.
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 ...
1" vs 5" Furnace Filter, Does It Matter? : r/HVAC - reddit
Hey everyone, first time homeowner here with a question about furnace filters. My home came with a Lennox G60UH(X) natural gas, forced air furnace and it has a filter box that takes 5" filters - specifically this kind of filter, type X6670.I'm considering building a frame to allow the box to use a 1" thick filter as the cost is considerably lower.
Going from 1 inch furnace filter to 5 inch furnace filter.
On my recent trip to Home Depot to restock on furnace filters, I noticed that 5" filters exist! Having never seen these before, I started reading about them and became intrigued, but now I have more questions than answers. Hoping someone can share some wisdom on this: My current furnace...
Can i use air filter that is one inch smaller
I ordered air filters that were the exact same size as the one I removed. As I recall, the old filter fit perfectly. When I received the new filters, they were too small even though I took the numbers right off the old filter.
What filter do teachers use?
Your teacher must of used the high efficient 1" filter (by 3M). That would be like using a drinking straw to water your lawn instead of a garden hose.
Does MERV 8 filter catch particles?
MERV 8 will catch the big stuff. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle it can catch. Although, being more efficient at catching particulate matter means it will "plug" the filter quicker, resulting in more filter changes. I personally use the Filtrete filters by 3M.
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.
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.
What does testing tell you about filter?
Testing will tell how restrictive of a filter you can use, safely.
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.
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.
What filter do teachers use?
Your teacher must of used the high efficient 1" filter (by 3M). That would be like using a drinking straw to water your lawn instead of a garden hose.
Does MERV 8 filter catch particles?
MERV 8 will catch the big stuff. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle it can catch. Although, being more efficient at catching particulate matter means it will "plug" the filter quicker, resulting in more filter changes. I personally use the Filtrete filters by 3M.
