If you're looking to improve air quality in your home, you may be considering a thicker air filter. But can you use a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter? The answer is yes, reducing the thickness by one inch shouldn't be a big problem. However, it's important to focus on the MERV rating of the filter to ensure that it allows for the proper airflow and filter level. When too many particles are trapped in the filter, it can be difficult for the system to expel air through it.
This is why it's important to choose a filter with the right MERV rating. Replacing the standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter can improve air quality inside your home, as larger air filters have higher MERV ratings and better filtration of contaminants and allergens. Most HVAC systems can be adapted to fit these thicker, high-efficiency filters. However, if you force air to pass through a filter that is too thick or too dense, efficiency will drop dramatically.
This is why it's important to make sure that the existing filter is sealed against the outlet, as indicated by the arrow. If you have an oven in your house, you may need to replace the clogged filter every 2 to 6 months. Thicker filters, known as multimedia filters, are usually 4 to 5 inches thick compared to the ubiquitous 1-inch filters that can even be purchased at grocery stores. Electrostatic filters will need to be washed regularly for them to work properly, and they can be vacuumed or washed with water. When choosing an oven filter, understanding its ability to remove particles from the air is an important part of making the right decision.
First, 4-inch filters cover a higher range of MERV ratings, with a slight overlap with 1-inch filters. Additionally, if filter 5 fits and has a similar density, it will allow the system to move air with less resistance. Ultimately, I recommend installing a 4- to 5-inch media filter if possible for your system. This will help ensure that dust, allergens and contaminants don't leak from the indoor air and that your oven works efficiently. Just make sure that you don't go overboard with the density of the filter - otherwise you may end up with an inefficient system.
