Thicker Filter Better

Most times, when folks get a new furnace, they think about the air quality because they blow a lot throughout the house.  Lets discuss the different functions of a thick and thin filter.

Does a Thicker Filter Work Better Than a Thinner Filter?

When you get a new furnace, you can designate what type of filter you want. One way out is a 1-inch thick filter. That’s a filter rack you can slide in and out.

Filters are rated on the MERV (Minimal Efficiency Reporting Value). The higher the MERV, the more it filters, and the less the MERV, the looser the weave, and the less it filters.

One positive of the 1-inch filter is that it has a little surface area, so it’ll have more pressure drop across and a more restricted airflow. On the downside though, it has to be changed more often because it’ll get dirtier faster.

If you go with an air cleaner 4 inches thick, it’s pleated, and when stretched, it has a lot more surface area than the 1-inch filter. It can be rated on MERV (by 8, 10, 12, etc.). Because of its large surface area, it’s less restrictive to airflow. It’ll take longer to get dirty because it has so much more area to collect dirt, therefore, can last anywhere between three to six months. The 1-inch filter is recommended to be replaced every thirty – forty-five days.

Bottom Line

Jim Forquer has been into heating and air conditioning for a while, so to get further understanding or help, visit FORQUERHEATING.COM