The majority of air filters are only one inch thick. However, there are systems that can easily accommodate 2 inch air filters. Generally speaking, the thicker it is, the better it works to capture airborne particles and protect your HVAC system from dust, dirt, and debris.
No, it's not okay to use a smaller air filter. A smaller filter won't cover the entire opening, allowing unfiltered air to bypass the system and circulate pollutants throughout your home. This can lead to poorer air quality, reduced efficiency, and potential strain on your HVAC system.
Our standard recommendation is as follows: For 1- to 2- inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months.
Some AC specialists have also noted that thicker filters are better at providing a tight fit that doesn't allow unfiltered air through. 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.
What Is the Most Common Size of Air Filter for a House? The most common size air filter for a house is usually 20 x 20 x 1, but this can vary depending on the specific HVAC system installed.
As you can see the 2 inch filter will serve our needs MUCH better than the 1 inch filter. Even if the duct system is in good shape, using this filter will keep the system from struggling.
However, beneficial bacteria only grow as much as food (ammonia/ nitrite) is available. So, increasing your filter size wont change the amount of bacteria you have, only how much you could have. Your filter would also get dirty less often, but only because it is bigger.
Most HVAC and furnace air filters include a 1-inch thickness. While this is a standard requirement for most homes, some need thicker filters, ranging from 4 to 6 inches. These can handle more built-up, meaning you'll need to change them less often. A thicker filter can also trap more particles than a standard filter.
Air Filter Sizes
Actual is the filter's exact size. In addition to standard height and width dimensions, air filters also vary by thickness. They can be less than one inch thick or up to six inches thick. Not every HVAC system can accommodate thicker filters, as the most common sizes are 1-inch thick.
In some cases, your intake vents or air handler vents have a filter depth greater than an inch. Because 1 inch air filters are the most common, some homeowners may think it's okay to layer 1 inch air filters to fit a 2-, 3-, or 4-inch air filter slot. It's not recommended to do this.
Change Your Filters Regularly
For example, a one inch furnace filter should be changed out every one to three months.
If your filter is less than two inches thick, here are some general guidelines for you: MERV 1-4 air filters: Change them every 2 to 3 months. MERV 5-8 air filters: Change them every 1 to 2 months. MERV 8 or higher: Check monthly and replace when it gets dirty.
Because it is four times as thick as a 1-inch filter, it has a much greater surface area for catching household pollutants. These larger filters also typically come with higher MERV ratings and can capture more contaminants (e.g., pet dander, smoke, allergens, and bacteria) than a 1-inch filter.
Reduced Efficiency of the System: An improperly sized air filter can create an imbalance in the airflow, which means the system may not operate at its designed efficiency. When the HVAC unit is forced to work harder, it consumes more energy, leading to increased utility bills.
actual size of an air filter can affect filter compatibility if it doesn't fit properly into the HVAC system filter slot. Ensuring the actual size aligns with your HVAC system's requirements, even when the nominal size matches, is important if you want system efficiency, proper filtration, and the best performance.
Yes, high-performance air filters make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance by increasing torque and horsepower. One test concluded a high-performance air filter increased horsepower by 2.6% and torque by 3.7%.
Yes, you can use a 2 inch air filter if your HVAC system is designed for a 2 inch filter. Not all homes will accommodate 2 inch furnace filters, so if your system uses any other thickness, then a two inch air filter would not be recommended.
This extra depth gives the filter more room for airflow. That means that as the filter collects dirt and other debris from your air, it won't restrict the airflow in your furnace as much. This prevents damage to the furnace and gives the filter itself a longer lifespan.
Usually, you can find the diameter by looking for the geometric symbol on the body of the lens - “ø”. The number next to that is the one you need. If you can't find it on your lens though, just take a look at your user manual or the manufacturer's site, and it should be pretty easy to find.
Gaps around the edges of a too-small filter will allow unfiltered air into your HVAC system, negating the filter's purpose.
For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 strikes the perfect balance between filtration, airflow, and cost. A MERV 11 filter, for instance, can last up to six months and offers excellent air cleaning without putting too much strain on your HVAC system.
Yes, adding too large of an air filter can hurt your engine's performance. It may reduce airflow velocity, causing improper air-fuel mixture and potentially leading to decreased power or poor fuel efficiency. It's important to use an air filter size compatible with the engine's requirements.
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. Improper installation of the filter or the absence of a filter allows dust and other debris to build up inside the system.
The lower the MERV number, the less effective the filter is at capturing particles (measured in microns) from the air. As the value increases, the filter captures smaller and smaller particles at a higher rate but also restricts airflow.