Can i use a 4 inch filter instead of 5. 25" to allow a 2" filter.

Can i use a 4 inch filter instead of 5. The furnace is a 80,000 s9xv and xr13 Ac he said it would just use the same filters as currently 1 inch. But it seems this unit has a slot for a second filter instead of a 2 inch. Not sure what to do. You'll need to remove the filter rail, as it's purpose is to allow use of a 1" filter without the filter tipping over when the unit is off. If your system only fits a 1-inch or 2-inch filter, a high MERV rating could be detrimental. Check the filter once a month and replace when dirty is the only responsible advice. Most return air cleaner grilles also accept a 2-inch filter instead of a 1-inch filter. Mar 3, 2023 · Find out if you can use a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter for improving indoor air quality. Feb 15, 2023 · Learn if you can use a 4 inch filter instead of 5 inch filter for your HVAC system and oven. Understand how MERV rating affects air quality and how thick filters can help. This allows the use a 5 inch filter in a standard return air filter grille if there is enough clearance behind the filter (no wood studs etc). It filters a high percentage of particles, is not too expensive and does not reduce the efficiency of your system. 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. Would like some more opinions please. 0 microns. 1-inch pleated air filters have higher MERV ratings for one simple reason: they have more surface area to trap particles. The reason media filters do a better job is because they have more surface area. 4 inch filters are always better and have less of a pressure drop than the equivalent merv rated filter of 1inch. A one-inch filter should be replaced every month. I then found out that 4" filters can have the same MERV rating but the pressure drop isn't as severe. Jan 4, 2023 · Can I use a 1 inch filter instead of 4 inches? If you are okay with more frequent replacement and little stress on the system, 1” filter can be a budget-friendly alternative of 4” filter. Learn more about furnace filters and how they work. If you measure the filter slot, and it's large enough to accommodate the thicker filter, then you can use it. With a filter of 4, you'll get at least an 8 MERV rating. Sep 18, 2023 · 3. 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. What you will gain with a 2-inch filter is longer useable life. My HVAC system takes 20x20x5 filters, but the last two HVAC techs that have been out for routine maintenance have suggested using 20x20x1 instead because they are cheaper and help the unit run more efficiently. 5 MERV and made of toilet paper. In this article, we will explore the differences between 2-inch and 4-inch filters, the pros and cons of using a smaller filter, and Jun 10, 2012 · Pull the one inch out and just use the 4". On the other hand, you can certainly use a one-inch filter in compartments made to accommodate deeper filters. Nov 13, 2023 · One common dilemma is whether you can use a 1-inch filter instead of a 4-inch filter. 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. You can buy the box style filters in bulk online for a decent price. There is no rule of thumb for filter changing. Aug 3, 2023 · The first major difference between 1-inch and 2-inch air filters is their lifespan. A 5-inch filter typically lasts longer than a 4-inch filter before it needs replacement. When it comes to furnace filters, size matters! Learn why using 4 inch furnace filters instead of 1 inch is better for improving air quality. Given two filters of the same MERV rating, a 1" filter has less face area than a 4" or 5" filter. Thanks. Will it adversely affect the performance of the fan? Will the fan work harder to maintain the CFM? Jul 1, 2025 · Poorly installed one-inch filters whereby air circulates around the frame can be avoided by adding an additional filter or using a permanent filter. If you can't find a standard size filter within that parameter, you'll need to order a custom-sized air filter. it) submitted 3 days ago by Raptor_197 129 comments share save all 129 comments sorted by: best top new controversial old q&a Jul 18, 2023 · Our Space-Gard filter unit takes Aprilaire 201 pleated paper filter media which come folded. This video will not pertain to every home, but some new homes (built in the last 15 years) have a cabinet that is large enough to house a 4-5 inch filter. Whatever you do, don't use two 1 Jan 15, 2024 · Wait, are you setting up so you can do a 4 inch filter in a filter return? Interesting. I use healthy climate filters and on Amazon it's like $30 a peice if you buy the 5 pack. 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. Honeywell, and some other filter makers, have a product available that uses a 1 inch header and 5 inch filter media. 0 and 3. I'd just use the proper sized aprilaire. A three, four, or five inch filter can last up to a year (your results may vary, check it monthly, average of three to six months). They are more expensive but you only need to change 1 or 2 times a year instead of once every 1-3 months or so with a box filter. Feb 1, 2024 · Reducing the thickness by one inch shouldn't be a problem; for example, you should be able to use a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter. Jan 21, 2011 · Hoping someone can share some wisdom on this: My current furnace filter uses 1" filters, it looks pretty easy to hack it to use 5" filters. They last longer, filter the air better, and are better on airflow compared to a 1" filter of similar merv. . 5 filter will implode Sep 30, 2017 · I ordered air filters that were the exact same size as the one I removed. How To Upgrade Your HVAC Air Filter From 1" To 4" The DIY HVAC Guy 430K subscribers Subscribed Aug 1, 2025 · For example, we have put a comparison of 4 inch vs 1 inch oven filters. Th Jan 6, 2025 · Welcome to Reddit, Can I just cut this out bigger and put a 4 inch filter in, instead of a 1 inch? (i. Moved into a house and the slot is big enough for a 4" filter and that's what was in there when I moved in. They are expanded in installation to 6 inches thick fold-to-fold. Oct 28, 2021 · We discuss 4" vs 1" HVAC filters and considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best option for your heating system. Is that ok to use? Furnace filters have a width, length and thickness. 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. Aug 3, 2007 · Once you get up to MERV 12+, that's a different story. What is the Purpose of a 5-Inch Filter? In the average furnace system, the air is pulled into the unit using return ducts in your home. Are my thoughts correct? Jan 22, 2024 · If you put several 1-inch filters together, it's similar to putting together 5 coffee filters and trying to make a cup of coffee - it just doesn't work. Nov 7, 2024 · Generally, a 4-inch filter has better filtration and airflow and lasts longer than a 1-inch filter. Well, the answer is no, you can’t stack two 1-inch filters to fit the size. This can also restrict airflow, hindering efficiency and causing excessive wear and tear. Nov 26, 2024 · Learn about using 2 inch filters instead of 1 inch filters in your HVAC system. The best solution is to upgrade to a 2-inch filter or even a 4-inch filter Dec 6, 2019 · Why is my air filter bending? Admin December 6, 2019 Life Table of Contents [hide] 1 Why is my air filter bending? 2 Can I use a 4 inch filter instead of 1? 3 What happens if air filter is too small? 4 Can I stack two 1 inch air filters? 5 What causes a furnace filter to bend inward? 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. Frequency of Filter Changes The thickness of a filter also affects its lifespan. Anyway, the size that I believe I actually do need is not in stock in any hardware store or big box store. Jun 3, 2025 · Check the filter every 1-2 months during heavy use, and change when needed to avoid the kinds of efficiency and mechanical trouble discussed in the section on 1-inch Furnace Filters. You would need to replace the 1" filter twice as often as a 2" filter and risk damaging the airhandler (fan motor) by increasing the resistance that it has to push against. First time having a furnace that takes non-1 inch filters. 5" trim and set the opening at 2. May 7, 2024 · If you're wondering whether you can use a one inch filter instead of a four inch filter in your oven, read this comprehensive guide to find out! We'll explain why size matters when it comes to air quality. Jan 7, 2025 · Standard furnace filter sizes include 1 inch filters, 2 and 3 inch filters, 4 inch filters, and 5 inch filters. Air filters of actual 19 1/2″ x 19 1/2″ x 3/4″ are nominal 20x20x1. I have a MERV 10 rated 20x25x4 size furnace filter currently installed in a new good man unit. When it comes to a 1 inch vs 2 inch furnace filter you could use a 2 inch filter if your vent is deep enough and a 2 inch filter will generally last longer since it has more media. 5"x1. As I recall, the old filter fit perfectly. Cost also takes into account air quality and time spent dusting and vacuuming in our home. Learn about MERV ratings and how they affect air filtration. The actual is the true dimensions of the length, width, and thickness of the filter required by the unit. Jul 24, 2024 · Check the filter every 1-2 months during heavy use and change it when necessary to avoid the types of efficiency and mechanical problems described in the section on 1-inch oven filters. The same is true for lumber. Three one inch filters would still require the outer most filter to be replaced every month, as it would choke out your HVAC system otherwise. They both suggested changing 1" filters every 30 days (or as needed) instead of 90-120 for the 5" filters. One Sep 3, 2023 · First, 4-inch filters cover a higher range of MERV ratings, with some overlap with 1-inch filters. The most common thicknesses are: 1-inch 2-inch 4-inch 5-inch Each increment in thickness adds extra filtration depth and surface area, making the filter better at capturing airborne particles like dust, pet dander, and allergens. Aug 11, 2022 · You’re concerned about whether you can stack two 1-inch air filters instead of 1 2-inch. Just bought an air filter to replace the old one on my gas furnace and the one I have say 4" but the box on the furnace says 4. If you’re struggling to find your furnace filter size, you may need to order a custom furnace filter. Jul 25, 2025 · Can I use 1 inch air filter instead of 4 inch? If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that's made for a 1-inch thick filter the efficiency will actually be worse. Homeowners and businesses often wonder if they can use a smaller filter, such as a 2-inch filter, instead of the recommended 4-inch filter. You can double-check this by measuring the two different pressures. Why does furnace filter thickness matter and should you choose a thicker one? 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. Home is in a new community and there is lot of construction going on. But in a broad sense, it's a comparison of “thin filter versus coarse-grained filter”. Learn more about how to choose the right air filters for your home. They look like this: These filters are also a higher MERV; generally between 10 and 13. With higher MERV ratings, the static drop across the filter is very high for a 1-inch thickness. Few months ago I was getting quotes and the two companies I liked were quoting for 4 inch filters with a new carrier or daikin furnace. Read Why You Need a 4-Inch Air Filter Instead of a 1-Inch. Jan 8, 2023 · A 4-inch thick air filter is usually more efficient than a 1-inch thick one; however, if your oven slot is less than 4 inches wide, then you'll need to use that thickness. That means you only have to change the filter every 120 days instead of every 60 days. The aprilaire Hey guys and gals. When I tell them they should be using the… Oct 19, 2017 · Call the furnace installer and ask what size, type, and specs for the filter to fit the rack he installed. The main reason is that a 1-inch filter is not equivalent to a 4-inch filter. My builder told me that this filter will last 6 months, but asked me to remove the current filter, store it and use another filter and change it every month for the next 3 months. 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 Manufactures design 5-inch filters to capture more pollutants for a more extended period, so if your furnace operates with a thicker filter, it cannot have more dust and debris getting into its moving parts. Ensure you use the right filter size to avoid compromising your home's air quality and the performance of your HVAC unit. com 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. The higher the rating the smaller the particles you trap. A 1-inch filter with less surface space will clog up quickly and need to be replaced more often than a coarser filter with a higher MERV rating. Apr 24, 2025 · Yes, you can use a 2 inch air filter if your HVAC system is designed for a 2 inch filter. The aprilaire Yes/no. The other option would be to replace it with a length of sheet metal 1. There is a set of plastic combs which separate the pleats. The two inch filters have twice the surface area as a one inch filter. Is this okay to do? However you do it, you want to make sure that air does not bypass the filter. This means that the filter’s capacity could affect the air quality negatively or positively. If that okay with a new furnace? Or should it be a larger filter. New place. Someone told me to just use a 1" - 8 merv and I'll be fine and it'll be cheaper on the wallet. A 20x25x4 air filter captures at least 65 percent of particles with a size between 1. Can I use a 4 inch furnace filter instead of 5? Going down in thickness by an 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. Additionally, make sure to buy an air filter with the best MERV rating you can afford in order to ensure optimal air quality. This means that with a 1" filter, airflow will be restricted much quicker as the filter gets covered in dust. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mar 2, 2005 · We went with a 4 inch because it traps more than a 1 inch. Jul 1, 2025 · Learn why using a 4 inch air filter instead of 1 inch is better for your home's air quality and efficiency. Learn more about 1 vs 2 vs 4 inch oven filters. It looks as if a certain type filter should be installed since it has a cover door. Usually these filter racks handle a certain type of filter and not a standard 4" or 5" filter. I want to buy a permanent/reusable filter but can only find a 20x25x1 inch size. Actual size air filters differ by make and Aug 5, 2024 · My furnace calls for a 20x25x5 inch replaceable filter. How do you figure that a 1 inch filter costs $15/yr at 1/mo replacement intervals? Where do you get filters for a buck and a quarter?! At that price, they must be . With higher ratings of up to 16, you can control supermicro contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and dust particles. How Thickness Sep 25, 2024 · Learn about using 4 inch furnace filters instead of 5 inches for improved air quality and energy savings. Why does furnace filter thickness matter and should you choose a thicker one? Aug 3, 2023 · The first major difference between 1-inch and 2-inch air filters is their lifespan. Once you Aug 12, 2024 · Many cabinets allow for either a 1-inch or 2-inch filter, and it's relatively easy to remove the old 1-inch filter and insert a 2-inch filter. Using a 1-inch filter instead of a recommended 4-inch filter for your HVAC system is not advisable. The amount of customers that I find using a 1 in filter in their four or five inch media slot is insane. Mar 23, 2023 · When it comes to improving air quality, a 4-inch furnace filter is better than a 1-inch furnace filter. 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 restriction. I know double stacking is not good. 4-inch filters are common, but some people go even bigger! Jan 24, 2024 · Can I use a 1 inch furnace filter instead of a 4 inch? While a 4-inch-thick filter is more efficient than a 1-inch filter, the right size depends on your furnace. We are looking to get a furnace and Ac through Home Depot and they supply Trane. There's too many variables that can cause a place to need a new filter once a year and a place that needs multiple filter changes a month. Sep 9, 2017 · Also listed are the whole house air filters collections carried by Atomic Filters. Are there risks with using a single 16x25x1 filter instead? It will fit in the furnace filter cabinet, since the cabinet has flanges that support the filter. Apr 1, 2024 · Find out if using a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter can improve air quality in your home. Find out why thicker filters are better for your system. Yes/no. For example, a one-inch filter can easily get clogged and reduce proper airflow. It is a much better filter and having it sit on the rails ensures nothing can bypass the filter. Replacing the standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter can improve the air quality inside your home. An air filter ensures smooth airflow in an HVAC system. Feb 16, 2023 · Replacing your standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter can significantly improve your home's air quality. This means the thinner filter presents greater resistance to airflow than the thicker filter, especially as the filter becomes polluted. Aug 19, 2024 · Learn about the differences between using 1 inch or 2 inch filters for your HVAC system and why experts recommend using 2 inch filters. Many furnaces let you adjust the blower speed, which would give you more airflow. redd. Last-line permanent filters are roughly replacements for a cheap filter, as they filter out birds and small children. The best solution is to upgrade to a 2-inch filter or even a 4-inch filter 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 think that using a 2"-thick filter instead of the 1" will be easier on the system (easier to move the air), as long as I use the same filter (Filterbuy MERV 8), since the filter's surface area will be larger. What Is Furnace Filter Thickness and Why Does It Matter? When we talk about furnace filter thickness, we’re referring to the depth of the filter. Parts that are particularly vulnerable include the air controller or oven blower motor that works overtime to push and draw air through the dirty filter and the heat Jun 23, 2025 · This is especially important with 5-inch filters for a furnace, which are notorious for having nearly identical nominal sizes but very different actual dimensions. Cabinet fits 4". It is truly a PITA to replace, but I believe it is a superior filter that allows me to change it only once a year. Furnace filters have a width, length and thickness. Furnace air filters called 5 inch wide are nominal size, not actual size. 2-inch filters cost $10 – $25 each based on size, quality and brand. If you decide to use a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch, be prepared to change it more frequently. Oct 4, 2023 · An app made just for kids Make sure you are using the proper filter for your furnace. Most HVAC professionals will tell you that thicker filters perform better than common 1-inch oven filters. Two filters can really mess with air flow. See full list on airlucent. OEM brands like Honeywell, Carrier, and Air Bear each have their takes on what a standard furnace filter size, or "16x25x5" actually means. My HVAC service has said that they can retrofit a rack which When it comes to air filtration systems, the size of the filter can significantly impact its performance and efficiency. Jan 11, 2024 · I realized recently that a 2"-thick filter would fit in there. This usually involves modification of their furnace’s filter rack to accommodate a new, thicker air filter. 5" as the nominal size. Mar 28, 2014 · I assume that there are three outcomes; everything will work properly and the smaller filters will perform the same as the bigger filters, everything will work properly but the smaller filters will have a shorter life due to the increased volume of water and/or increase in water pressure within the canister or the 10 X 2. A nominal piece of lumber 2by4 is actually only 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. 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. When I received the new filters, they were too small even though I took the numbers right off the old filter. Jun 5, 2025 · Can I use a 1 inch filter instead of 4 vents? Higher MERV ratings work best when the filter is 4” thick or thicker because they trap extremely small particles, which means contaminants will build up quickly on the screen. While a 4-inch-thick filter is more efficient than a 1-inch filter, the right size depends on your furnace. Can I use a 4-inch furnace filter instead of 5? Going down in thickness by an 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. If you don't want to use april aire filters you can replace the filter cabinet to use the box style filters instead. So that said, I've got plenty of room in my return air vent to put in a 4" filter. 25" to allow a 2" filter. Dec 30, 2024 · 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. 4 inch is best, 2 inch is better than a 1 inch. It is a Carrier Infinity 58CVA downflow, with a cabinet fitting a single 16x25x4 filter. These 4-inch media filters can have 20-30 feet of surface area with its pleated (accordian) filter material. nyiy 68mcu7w6g 4debi xqnaymm 7zyxsdd pxv0lns qu ouqz cmxuet fdm6fe

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