In our tests, we found that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. This means it's better for you and your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Thick air filters may automatically seem like the best option. Thicker means more filtration, right? In most situations, that's the case.
Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square feet to capture and retain air particles. To put it into perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a 4-inch air filter can last up to six months. Another important difference between 1-inch and 2-inch filters is their efficiency. Why can we conclude that thicker filters are more efficient? For any of the following reasons.
The MERV rating is a measure of how well a filter blocks particles. Standard oven filter sizes are 1 inch or 5 inch thick. A 1-inch filter with less surface space will clog up quickly and need to be replaced much sooner than a coarser filter with a higher MERV rating. A 4-inch filter with at least a MERV 8 rating will remove contaminants up to 3 microns (one unit of measure), including dust mites and some types of pollen.
Most HVAC technicians recommend changing 1-inch air filters every 30 days, while 4-inch filters can be changed every 3-6 months. This means that if you opt for a 4-inch filter, you could save money in the long run depending on the MERV you get. Ovens come in a variety of sizes and configurations, which means there's no one-size-fits-all filter. This is where having the guidance of a professional can really help ensure that the filter fits your oven properly.
The thickness of the air cleaner ranges in size from 1 to 5 inches deep; some options are more common than others, and your oven can dictate the thickness you can use. So, if it fits your oven, then a 4-inch air cleaner is better than a 1-inch air cleaner when it comes to improving air quality. Reducing the thickness by one 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. Deeper depth can also improve filter life and efficiency; they also make it easier for air to enter and exit the filter.
If you have an oven in the house, the clogged filter may bother you every 2 to 6 months and request a new replacement. It is important to note that size does matter when it comes to furnace filters, as long as it's the thickness of your oven filter.
