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4 inch air filter vs 1 inch. There is a difference in static pressure between the two.

  • 4 inch air filter vs 1 inch. The installers said that a 1" filter is better than a 4" filter because static pressure, and put a 3" spacer in my filter box to install a 1" filter. Aug 11, 2022 · Also, it’ll take more time for the heat to dissipate. 0 / 10 FilterStudy Score Hey all, I hope this isn't an entirely stupid question but here it goes. Tech recommended I get a 4 inch filter, but is the gap on the right too large to be effective? Can’t get it any closer due to the metal pieces at the top and bottom. Also listed are the whole house air filters collections carried by Atomic Filters. Jun 28, 2022 · One of the easiest ways to keep your indoor air clean and contaminant-free is to use and maintain your HVAC air filters. There are different types and ratings of filters though. I'm worried about unfiltered air getting around the filter. Nov 14, 2021 · Basically it has to work harder to push air through the system. Just slapping a filter beside these furnaces really restricts airflow and only part of the filter has dirty air going through it. These filters are not only less restrictive for your system, but they last a Apr 24, 2025 · 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. a dedicated air filter unit will work better, but takes up space and makes extra noise. Learn more about when it's best to use a 2-inch vs 1-inch oven filter. Aug 27, 2024 · A 4-inch filter will last longer and provide better air quality for your home than a 1-inch filter. Learn about MERV ratings and how they affect air filtration. There is significantly more surface area on a 4 inch filter than a 1 inch which allows for greater dust filtration and being that there is more surface area, the air can move past easier. Mar 6, 2025 · Consumer Reports highlights the best air filters for your central air conditioning system and furnace to clean the air in your home. How to Measure Your Air Filter for a Perfect Fit Accurate measurement ensures you buy the right air filter size, preventing Aug 3, 2023 · Learn about the differences between 1 inch and 2 inch air filters, including lifespan, MERV rating, airflow restriction, and more. So that said, I've got plenty of room in my return air vent to put in a 4" filter. These larger filters also typically come with higher MERV ratings and can capture more contaminants (e. Curious on everyones opinion and facts on the difference in airflow, static pressure, & filtration levels between 1inch vs 5 inch filters. 06 Add to Cart 08 x 14 x 4" Air Filter Price as low as $13. The best part is they are electrostatic and made from polypropylene instead of aluminum mesh (or trueIn my experience, a 1" filter is just fine. com I started printing out papers that show charts about air flow versus resistance, how low velocity reduces resistance, and pressure drops of different filters compared to a four or five inch. Learn more about how they compare. At the same time, you risk causing serious damage to your HVAC system. Oct 4, 2023 · Make sure you are using the proper filter for your furnace. Jul 18, 2023 · A big furnace filter is semi-effective way to get cleaner indoor air. If you measure the filter slot, and it's large enough to accommodate the thicker filter, then you can use it. Airflow - does it actually allow for more air to pass? Jun 10, 2025 · How often you should change your filter depends on what size your system uses. Speaking of getting dirtied fast, here’s a look at the clean vs dirty 1-inch air filter- Feb 24, 2023 · Thicker air filters such as 2-inch oven filters allow for better airflow than 1-inch filters due to their less restrictive nature. One of them requires having a four inch air filter cassette and the other requires only a one inch filt Choose from a full range of 1 inch air filters for home HVAC and furnace units. Upgrade to our permanent, washable pre-filters. Typically better system have thicker filters like 4 inches. Although, being more efficient at catching particulate matter means it will "plug" the filter quicker, resulting in more filter changes. Jan 18, 2025 · Learn about the differences between 4-inch and 1-inch air filters from an HVAC expert. I cant use a 4 inch high K&N air flter because it just comes up to the inside of the cowl which it seems it being restrictive. Due to their long lifespan, they require Jan 16, 2025 · Find out if a 4 inch thick air filter is better than a 1 inch thick one when it comes to improving indoor air quality and HVAC system efficiency. Most of the locals sell from 1 inch to 4 inches. Slide Get a cheap 1 inch and an expensive 1 inch and put the expensive one second after the cheap one in the air flow. Why Does Furnace Filter Thickness Matter? Learn more at Filterbuy. Apr 19, 2023 · Unsure about the differences between a 1 inch vs 2 inch furnace filter? Then find out which filter is the best for your home using the guide below. Jun 3, 2025 · This page will assist you in three decisions: What level of air filtering you want What thickness filter you need to get the filtration you want Ultimately, what filter to buy It covers 1-inch vs 2-inch vs 4-inch furnace filters regarding how well they work, how often they must be replaced, their cost and other important areas to consider. Curved return will be better on airflow. So I bought a 20x25x5 inch filter but it was a bit too big to fit between the rails in the filter compartment. Optimized being a right-sized shroud and creating a "plenum" that lifts the filter off the back to expose more filter area and also permits some inlet swirl to develop. My system currently has 1 inch filter. This is a difficult question to answer. Throw one sits much more flush with the opening. , pet dander, smoke, allergens, and bacteria) than a 1-inch filter. My filter just sits in a metal frame right in front of the the furnace. 69 Camaro with a factory cowl induction air cleaner for this drag car. Nov 18, 2024 · When it comes to improving air quality in your home, learn why opting for a 4 inch thick air filter is better than using a 1 inch filter. While a 4-inch-thick filter is more efficient than a 1-inch filter, the right size depends on your furnace. As a 4-inch filter isn’t much thinner than a 5-inch filter, it can fit easily. I think the Nov 21, 2017 · Find the right AC or furnace filter for your HVAC system. We have a 1 inch filter and I change it about every 2-3 months. The 1- inch and 4- inch filters cost about the same for a replacement, but you'll save money every year with the larger, more efficient filters because they don't need frequent replacement to keep your air clean. Obviously if your filter box doesn't allow for size ranges, than this video isn't applicable Dec 30, 2024 · Why Do Thicker Furnace Filters Work Better? Pretty much any HVAC pro will tell you that thicker filters do a better job than the common 1-inch furnace filters. Yes, they look dirty after 6 months, but they have several times the surface area of a 1 inch filter, so a similar amount of visible darkening doesn't equate to the same amount of airflow restriction. The higher pressure drop may strain your HVAC system, potentially causing premature wear and tear. I personally use the Filtrete filters by 3M. Of course they installed a fiber glass see-through filter. The second could function normally. And the filters will get dirtied frequently. The 5" filter has more physical holes for air to pass through, making it easier for to push through. We usually see four-inch or one-inch filters. Feb 15, 2023 · A good rule of thumb is to change 1-inch to 2-inch filters every three months, 4-inch filters every six months, and 5-inch filters every 12 months. Jan 11, 2024 · I've been using 1"-thick Filterbuy pleated MERV 8 filters for one of my furnace air intakes (it has two). These filters are also a higher MERV; generally between 10 and 13. At the same time, a coarser filter is less restrictive and will allow better flow of purified air. We offer free delivery, in-store and curbside pick-up for most items. 77 / Filter View Details When it comes to air filters, the debate between 1-inch and 4-inch filters is a common one. There is no difference between 1" and 5" filters with the same merv rating, in regards to the size of particules filtered. Real quick guys, I have a Rheem furnace it’s approximately 18 to 20 years old. Identify compatible 1-inch, 2-inch, and 4-inch filters for any manufacturer and air filter size. The larger surface area of a 4-inch filter enables it to capture a greater volume of airborne particles, resulting in improved air quality. So the question is, Can I use 16x25x4 instead of 16x25x5 air filter? Turns out, I can use 16x25x4 instead of 16x25x5. Dec 27, 2024 · Confused between 4 inch and 1 inch HVAC filters? Learn the differences, benefits, and which filter size is best for your system. 2. In this article, we'll explore the differences between 1-inch and 4-inch filters, as well as the importance of MERV ratings. Nov 16, 2023 · In conclusion, the choice between a 1-inch and 4-inch furnace filter depends on various factors, including your HVAC system, air quality needs, budget, and environmental concerns. He did it tonight and sent me a picture showing the filter material is 7 feet long when stretched out. MERV 8 will catch the big stuff. I was trying out a Kirkland MPR 2200 filter from Costco, also Jul 15, 2025 · These standard air filter sizes often come in 1-inch, 2-inch, or 4-inch thicknesses (e. An air filter ensures smooth airflow in an HVAC system. The filtering is dependent on how long the system runs. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle it can catch. Reliable performance, fast delivery. Built with 1mm thick cold-rolled steel and aluminum duct flanges, able to withstand extreme weather. I prefer the MERV 11 filters (Best Air 2500 brand), which I can get for $9 each. Oct 4, 2021 · I was at a friend’s place on the weekend and noticed he’d purchased a case of four 16 x 25 x 4″ thick MERV 8 furnace filters, and rose at the opportunity to ask him to cut one open and measure the length of the filter fabric. Is a 4 inch furnace filter better than a 1 inch? Because it is four times as thick as a 1-inch filter, it has a much greater surface area for catching household pollutants. Sep 3, 2023 · When it comes to choosing between 1 inch and 2 inch air filters for your home or business HVAC system, it's important to consider both thickness and MERV rating for optimal performance. Dec 30, 2024 · 16x25x4 furnace filters are also known as media filters and last significantly longer than your average 1-inch filter. To put that in perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a 4-inch air filter could last up to six months. The higher the rating the smaller the particles y Nov 8, 2023 · When comparing the effectiveness of different filter sizes, 4-inch filters tend to be more efficient than their 1-inch counterparts. 4" air filters - Is the newer 4 inch furnace air filters really that much better then the standard 1 inch filter? Aug 27, 2022 · Finding a 16x25x5 furnace filter can be hard sometimes. Oct 21, 2024 · I’ve spoken with many people that are dead set on using the thickest air filters that they can use in their home’s furnace system. If you are only going to run basic filters (3 for $10 kind), 1-inch thick is fine. Apr 7, 2021 · AC Infinity Inline Filter Box 4" with High Efficacy Filter, Whole House HVAC Filtration Kit, Fits 4-Inch Inline Duct Fans for Fresh Air Intake and Ventilation - Amazon. I was also told that thicker filters will let the system run more efficiently as it creates less airflow restriction. Feb 16, 2023 · These 4-inch multimedia filters can have between 20 and 30 feet of surface area with their pleated (accordion) filter material. If you want better filtration, GO WITH THE 20x25x4 MEDIA FILTER CABINET. Learn which type of filter is best for your needs. There is a difference in static pressure between the two. You might need to have your system modified to accommodate a thicker filter, but the $300 to $600 it will cost is a good investment compared with having to replace the blower, entire furnace or the outside Oct 19, 2017 · According to AirFiltersDelivered, the 16 x 25 x 5 filter is 15 3/8" x 25 1/2" x 5 1/4", while your filter shows 15 1/2" x 24 1/2" x 3 5/8". You air filters are a critical part of Discussion on whether to use a 4 inch deep filter vs 1 inch deep filter, if your filter box will allow. The thicker the filter, the more surface area to pass the air through and more surface to filter from. Remember, the size printed prominently is usually the nominal size, which differs slightly from the filter’s exact measurements. If you can't find a standard size filter within that parameter, you'll need to order a custom-sized air filter. Older system might have a 1 inch filter. The size matters to prevent bypassing airflow. This is much more likely if the filter is 1” thick than if it’s thicker (2” is common, and you can get 4-5”), since thicker filters have much more surface area, which decreases the Nov 12, 2024 · When it comes to HVAC filters, homeowners often wonder whether a 1-inch filter or a 4-inch filter is better for their system and air quality. Oct 28, 2021 · If you force a 4″ filter into a spot meant for a 1″ inch filter, your air quality can suffer significantly. If you try to use a four-inch air filter for a system designed for a one-inch, your efficiency will actually be worse, and components could get damaged in the process of trying to jam the four-inch into the space. Most HVAC technicians recommend changing 1-inch air filters every 30 days, while 4-inch filters can be changed every 3-6 months. My unit takes a 20x25x4 inch filter, but it sits in there really loose and there's a lot of space around it. Aug 3, 2007 · The external filter cabinet can take a 1" or 2" thick filter obviously both 16x25. Read our full guide here! Discover the benefits of using 4-inch air filters for improved air quality and value for money. 3 microns. My question is, putting in a 4 inch filter, will that cause the blower to work harder and possibly burn out the blower motor causing me to replace the entire system? Thoughts and thanks! Jan 2, 2011 · I show some 4 inch air filters that are both Merv 10. It's not recommended to do this. My house is new and it's the first time I'm replacing my filter. Nov 26, 2024 · If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that is made for a 1-inch thick filter, the efficiency will actually be worse. These are widely available. Jan 4, 2023 · Is A 4-inch or 1-inch furnace filter better for filtration efficiency? Regarding durability and filtration efficiency, 4 inches filters are way better than 1 inch thin ones. Are you looking to replace those flimsy, fragile aluminum mesh filters that came with your Mobile Home Furnace or Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC)? Have they become hopelessly clogged with dust? Or maybe they just fell apart. If the fit is perfect, there’s very little Nov 13, 2023 · Using a 1-inch filter in a system designed for a 4-inch filter can create gaps, allowing unfiltered air to bypass the filter and enter your indoor space. AIRx ALLERGY MERV 11 Pleated 1-Inch Air Filter Review 5. If your filters are located next to your equipment, either in the equipment or in a filter base/panel/cabinet adjacent to it, you may need to have your A/C company install a new filter cabinet to accommodate the 4 or 5 inch filter. For example, a one-inch filter can easily get clogged and reduce proper airflow. Thicker filters, known as media filters, are generally 4 to 5 inches thick as compared to the ubiquitous 1-inch filters that you can even buy in grocery stores. We almost NEVER do a job without one. Just from googling it sounds like a 4 or 5 inch filter could get a higher MERV rating without restricting the airflow. Jun 27, 2024 · When deciding between 1-inch and 2-inch filters for your oven or HVAC system, there are several factors to consider such as thickness, MERV rating and lifespan. But a 4-inch filter could last longer than 6 months. 4 Inch Air Filters are an excellent choice if you're looking for a quick and simple solution to enhance the air quality in your living space. 44 (Actual Size) Accumulair® 1-inch MERV 8 Replacement Filter $7. They are Jul 12, 2021 · 4" filters are more effective and less restrictive. 4 inch is best, 2 inch is better than a 1 inch. Shop Air Filters and more at The Home Depot. Cost favors a 1-filter optimized design. Search By Dimensions K&N Universal Air Filter, Crankcase Vent Filter, Replacement Air Filter, and Filter Wrap Search by Dimension Select a product image below to search by dimension, or use our vehicle search grid above to find a replacement filter that correctly fits your vehicle. I'll give you the very short answer: all other things being equal, a 4 inch filter will have something between the resistance of no filter and the resistance of a 1 inch filter. Designed with MERV10 and MERV13 filters, the Aitecac 4-inch Filter Box enhances airflow while removing particles as small as 0. 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. Read Why You Need a 4-Inch Air Filter Instead of a 1-Inch. This usually involves modification of their furnace’s filter rack to accommodate a new, thicker air filter. 4 Inch Filter A four-inch filter has larger pleats, which let air pass through easily. The section of Mar 23, 2023 · When it comes to improving air quality, a 4-inch furnace filter is better than a 1-inch furnace filter. I measured airflow with a flow capture hood and I get 400 CFM with a single filter optimized design while the 4-filter box also with a shroud gets My furnace guy recommends using the cheapest pleated filters, he says the fiberglass ones don't trap enough dust, but the expensive super-pleated ones restrict air flow too much. I'd like to get more filtration but don't want to restrict airflow too much. That said, the 1-inch filter may be too shallow, causing a loose fit that allows unfiltered air to enter the ducts. Apr 4, 2022 · Like lumber, your AC filter is measured by two different sizes – actual size and nominal size. The larger filters will make the system less restrictive and put less wear on the blower motor, leading to longer Nov 11, 2022 · Thicker filters have also been proven to last longer than thinner models. I then found out that 4" filters can have the same MERV rating but the pressure drop isn't as severe. . Two-inch filters also exist, but they’re not common. Air Filter (Universal) 1 - 24 of 1564 results for Air Filter (Universal) Compare Sort By: Compare Feb 16, 2022 · The 4 inch filter had vastly less restriction than the 1 inch filter when it was new, so my system was more efficient, even while I was not worrying about my filters for a year and saving money in the long term, AND filtering with a higher MERV. Find out which type is more efficient, cost-effective, and compatible with your HVAC system. Find out what type of filter you need and how often you should replace it. Buy discount filters for less, delivered to your door. The five inch filter would be 1/8" smaller in the 16" direction, not too bad, although larger might be a better direction to have a mismatch. I realized recently that a 2"-thick filter would fit in there. Learn about durability, airflow, maximum filtering potential, cost, compatibility, maintenance, and more. comAbout this item A duct filter box designed for use with inline fans to circulate fresh air and block dust and odors. When it comes to improving air quality, a 4-inch air filter has a clear advantage over a 1-inch filter. It offers greater longevity, better airflow, and more effective filtration. Apr 1, 2024 · Find out if using a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter can improve air quality in your home. Its compact, user-friendly design ensures easy installation in various environments. High-MERV filters increase the static pressure of your system, and if the ductwork is already marginal, this can cause the airflow to drop to a level where the temperature exceeds the furnace’s limit. 4-inch filters all day long. A 1 or 2-inch might need to be replaced every month. 6 months is considered an acceptable replacement interval, and 12 months for some models. 4-inch filters are common, but some people go even bigger! Jan 15, 2024 · Wait, are you setting up so you can do a 4 inch filter in a filter return? Interesting. By removing allergens, dust, and pet dander, these filters make your home feel healthier and cleaner. Jun 3, 2025 · For example, most 1-inch MERV filters with a 13 rating are denser and restrict airflow a lot more than 2-inch and 4-inch MERV 13 filters. If you think you are going to change your mind about filter needs, then just go with the 4" in the first place. Learn more about why larger filters are better. You could confirm your static pressure with a manometer, but usually switching to a larger width filter actually helps increase air flow vs a 1 inch filter. , a 16x25x1 filter). The cheap one will act as a pre-filter filtering large things such as cats or hair. On the S9V2, it has a small opening so our supplier has custom make riser boxes to get the furnace up and transitions from the small opening to the larger filter. g. You can double-check this by measuring the two different pressures. Well, we have the solution. Aug 8, 2024 · Replacing your standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter can significantly improve indoor air quality by providing better filtration of contaminants and allergens. Read more to understand what the two measurements mean. They last longer let them load up but you have so much more surface area you can get a pretty high-efficiency filter and not worry about static pressure drop through the filter causing problems with your system. Mar 4, 2025 · Discover the best HVAC filters for your Phoenix home! Compare 4-inch vs 1-inch filters and find out which option provides superior air quality and efficiency. I have room to put in a 4 inch filter in order to get more dust and dirt out of the house. Need a 4-inch filter? Get deep-pleat HVAC air filters designed to last longer and trap more particles. Sep 9, 2017 · Listed in the chart below are the standard size 1 inch, 2 inch and 4 inch depth air conditioner filters for your AC, Furnace, HVAC at Atomic Filters. Their broader construction keeps bigger HVAC systems running smoothly, and it filters air more efficiently. Oct 16, 2022 · I was referring to the difference in surface area of a 1-inch 16x25 filter (from page 18 of the manual), which is 400-in², to my 14x30 filter, which is 420-in². Easily purchase the right furnace and AC filters online for your home. My return grill takes typical 1 inch filter (14 x 24 x 1) and recently my service tech told me there is a special grill filter that is 4-inch thick (it has an offset so it can fit "into" the return housing, not just at the grill ). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. While a 4-inch filter may cost more upfront, it can provide better air quality and a longer lifespan than a 1-inch filter. Jul 16, 2004 · Ducting, Air Circulation and Ventilation Systems - 1" vs. Quality pleated filters that trap dust and allergens effectively. Shop 4 Inch Air Filters in Popular and Hard to find Sizes for HVAC systems. 4 inch filters are far better. Jun 17, 2024 · Learn about the differences between 1-inch and 2-inch air filters in terms of lifespan, thickness and filtration potential. This means that the filter’s capacity could affect the air quality negatively or positively. Learn more about 1 vs 2 vs 4 inch oven filters. Multiple MERV ratings and sizes, Made in the USA and delivered to your door. On the other hand, you can certainly use a one-inch filter in compartments made to accommodate deeper filters. What are the pros and cons of a 2" thick filter? what would happen if i put two 1 inch filters in the cabinet? would i get reduced air flow or better filtration? should i just stick with a 1" filter? Edit: I'm using a standard merv 8 pleated filter Learn what HVAC air filter nominal and actual sizes mean, why they matter, and how to buy the right size air filter for your system. May 22, 2024 · Learn why 4-inch air filters are better than 1-inch filters when it comes to improving air quality in your home or business. 38 x 4. Learn how 4-inch filters can improve your air quality better than 1-inch filters by trapping more debris without clogging up as quickly. Sep 3, 2023 · A 4-inch thick air filter has an advantage over 1-inch filters when it comes to improving air quality in your home. This is usually outside the skills of most homeowners. Find out which one is better for your oven. In contrast, a four-inch filter has adequate surface space to trap and filter contaminants to ensure better airflow, so a conversion from the former to the latter Dec 1, 2023 · What would be the issue if I quintupled the furnace filters (16x25x1) MERV8 instead of installing the regular 5-inch (16x25x5) MERV8 in the filtration box? I'm finding the cost savings is considerably less with 5 1-inch filters versus a single 5-inch filter. So in that sense my understanding is that Does furnace filter thickness make a difference to function and longevity? Learn how 5 inch and 1-inch furnace filters compare, and which is best for your home. Jan 1, 2013 · K&N air filter 3 inch vs 4 inch height? by rally » Tue Jan 01, 2013 5:46 pm Guys any help is greatly appreciated. kujql dvbgln lkdbg rosyc jzlh kxrplhdb vvpazn sekwggt lfd toyt