When it comes to air filters, it's easy to assume that thicker is better. After all, more filtration means a longer lifespan, right? Generally speaking, that's true. A 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a 4-inch air filter could last up to six months. However, if you stack air filters, it can significantly reduce the flow of air through your oven.
This will decrease airflow and make your oven work harder to heat your home. Unfortunately, many people install a filter of the wrong size, which can lead to some issues. On the one hand, this can drastically affect the amount of air pollutants that are filtered out, resulting in poor indoor air quality. Secondly, this problem can also cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should, which could cause numerous problems with your HVAC unit.
When it comes to cold air intake filters, size does matter. In the long run, this can burn out the fan motor, as you will have difficulty blowing air through your system. To find the right size for your home, you just need to round up to the nearest inch to create the nominal filter size. Each brand manufactures filters with slightly different actual sizes, so please check the exact measurements of each filter before purchasing.
A 1-inch filter with less surface space will clog up quickly and will need to be replaced much sooner than a coarser filter. You can choose not to use factory-installed filter racks and have an HVAC professional install an external filter rack for a coarser filter. The only exception to this rule is when a filter element is attached to a long runner, such as in the cold air intakes of EFI engines. Knowing more about the sizes of air conditioning and oven filters can ensure you find the perfect size for your home. Some air conditioning specialists have also noticed that thicker filters provide a better fit that does not allow unfiltered air to pass through. The MERV rating of an air filter is a measure of how effective an air filter is at removing particulates from the air.
From filtering out harmful contaminants to keeping your HVAC unit running efficiently, these products have several advantages. In conclusion, understanding the most common air filter sizes is essential if you want to ensure you get the right size for your home. Make sure you read the fine print of each filter before purchasing and round up to the nearest inch for the nominal size.