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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 1 inch filter, with its smaller surface area, may have limitations in effectively trapping dust, pollen, and other contaminants compared to a thicker 2 inch filter. This could result in reduced filtration efficiency and potentially lower air quality.
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.
Carrier. Carrier is well-known in the HVAC industry, and their whole-house air filters uphold its reputation for quality. Their filters can fit into any HVAC system, offer high MERV ratings, and effectively capture and reduce a wide range of pollutants.
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.
Expensive air filters, on the other hand, are more efficient at trapping particles. This means that fewer harmful contaminants can enter your system, and you'll be able to enjoy better indoor air quality.
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.
The four-inch-thick air filter has an advantage over the one-inch in terms of longevity, airflow and maximum filtering potential. If it fits your furnace, then a four-inch air filter will provide better air quality. The cost difference is often minimal.
The Ultimate Air Purifier offers a good way to improve the indoor air quality of your home. However, having a larger air filter also makes the purifier more efficient. It will make your unit last longer, ensure a cleaner and healthy airflow, and reduce the costs of your energy bills.
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.
Get the right lens filter diameter
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 have a 3-ton AC working with a 20x20 filter, you must start by understanding the CFM of your system. For the 3-ton, the CFM is 1200, given that 1 ton is equal to 400 CFMs. If this is the system you have, you should use a return and supply vent that matches the size of the AC in terms of the CFM it supports.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Larger area for catching debris: 5-inch air filters offer a thick surface area of accordion-shaped material to catch all the dirt you want to keep away from your family. For cleaner air, the thicker filter provides less debris slipping through the cracks.
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.