When it comes to furnace filters, size is an important factor. A four-inch-thick air filter has a clear advantage over the one-inch one in terms of longevity, airflow and maximum filtering potential. If it fits your boiler, a four-inch air filter will provide better air quality and efficiency for your home. The difference in cost is usually minimal, making a four-inch filter the best value for money. Most HVAC technicians suggest changing 1-inch air filters every 30 days, while 4-inch filters can be changed every 3 to 6 months.
This means that a one-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a four-inch air filter can last up to six months. However, if you're okay with changing them more frequently and reducing stress to the system, 1 filter can be an economical alternative to 4 filters. A higher rating is obtained when a filter is four or five inches thick, as these filters trap extremely small contaminating particles. A one-inch filter with a high MERV rating will clog fairly quickly and will need to be replaced much sooner than a thicker filter. If you opt for a 4-inch filter, you would have a filter with a MERV 8 rating at least, which would remove contaminants down to 3 microns (a unit of measurement), including dust mites and some types of pollen. If your system only fits a 1- or 2-inch filter, a high MERV rating could be harmful.
If you use one of the best heating companies in your area for the maintenance of your oven, you can be sure that the technician will always place a filter of the right size in your oven. The bottom line is that size does matter, as long as it's approximately the thickness of the furnace filter. From an economic standpoint, a furnace filter can save you some money. But 4 or thicker filters are the best value for money and will give your heating system better health and efficiency.
