Fortunately, most 20x25x4 air filters last between six to eight months. By that calculation, the average homeowners will not need more than two 20x25x4 air filters in any given year. In contrast, a one-inch air filter will need to be changed every two to three months.
A three to four-inch filter can last for six to nine months. If you have a thick five to six-inch filter, it can last from nine to twelve months. By making sure that your filters are changed when they need to be, you can enjoy having a heating and cooling system that will work its best.
How often do homeowners need to change their air filters to receive all the benefits? It really depends on the home and personal preferences. However, as a rule of thumb, because 20x25x5 air filters are stronger than most air filters, most homeowners only use two to three 20x25x5 air filters a year.
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months.
16x25x4 air filter is designed to last for about 6 to 12 months. But this can vary depending on factors. Like the air quality in your home. And how often your HVAC system is in use.
Fortunately, most 20x25x4 air filters last between six to eight months. By that calculation, the average homeowners will not need more than two 20x25x4 air filters in any given year. In contrast, a one-inch air filter will need to be changed every two to three months.
' Hang a clean white sheet a few inches away from an air vent for a few minutes. If the sheet turns gray, the air filter is dirty and it's time to replace it. Keep in mind that dust around the air vents may also indicate a clog in the ducts.
Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, like fiberglass, that can last for up to 12 months. This not only saves you money, but it's also more convenient since you won't have to remember to replace your air filters as often.
1. HEPA Filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants — including mold spores and dust that are as small as 0.3 microns.
Switch To Pleated Filters
Fiberglass air filters will get the job done, but in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. Pleated air filters capture smaller particles and are less likely to clog within a short period of time.
You cannot use a 20x25x4 filter in place of a 20x25x5 filter because the thickness is different. The 20x25x5 filter is designed for specific systems that require extra thickness for proper airflow and filtration. Always use the filter size recommended by your HVAC system's manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
Filters with a MERV rating of 8-13 are usually higher-end filters for home use or high-quality commercial filters. These filters are typically the right choice for use in homes and many businesses.
Frequent Cycling: When the filter is dirty, the furnace struggles to maintain the proper temperature and turns on and off more frequently. Visible Dirt or Dust on the Filter: It's time to clean or replace it if you examine it and it's blocked with dust and dirt.
In most situations that is the case. Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square footage to capture and hold air particles.
When you purchase a 4″ filter over a 1″ filter, you're likely to pay more. That's because 4″ filters last longer and they also provide better air quality for your home. So, even though they cost more than a 1″ filter, theoretically the costs can level out since they will last longer than a cheaper filter.
In conclusion, while the idea of stacking two filters might seem like a shortcut to better air quality, it can lead to more harm than good.
The abbreviation stands for Minimum Effective Reporting Value. In other words, it's a measurement showing how small the holes are in the filter. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the holes, and the less that can pass through. Ultimately, this is what makes MERV 14 filters not a good choice for home use.
Pleated air filters can restrict airflow to some extent due to their denser construction and larger surface area. Non-pleated air filters generally have lower airflow resistance compared to pleated filters.
A contractor knows cheap filters trap fewer particles floating in your air. A cheap furnace filter has a larger weaving for larger particles that affect your furnace operation. If you don't mind breathing smaller particles floating in your home then inspect the filter more often and replace when needed.
For instance, MERV 8 filters catch larger particles and are less restrictive, while MERV 11 filters catch smaller particles and are more restrictive. This means MERV 11 filters not only have higher initial resistance but also build up additional resistance faster as they capture more debris.
Not necessarily. Some knockoff filters that are labeled as extremely high-efficiency can actually be dangerous to the health of your heating or cooling system. These can create an airflow restriction, leading to hidden damage to your system and premature repair or replacement costs.
A MERV rating between 9-12 or even higher would be good if someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. A MERV 11 filter can trap particles such as dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, lint, and larger particles.
Turn off the AC unit.
Make sure to turn off your air conditioner once you're ready to replace the filter. This is important for two reasons. First, having the power on while working on appliances is not safe. Second, you don't want the system to suck in dust and debris while you're in the middle of changing the filter.
Black Soot Deposition
Black soot can quickly turn our air filters black. This is usually a result of burning candles. Candles are made of carbon-based materials that don't all combust when burned. They end up producing tiny soot particles which then get into our carpet, on our furniture, and in our air filters.