How long does a 20x25x4 air filter last?
between six to eight months
Fortunately, most 20x25x4 air filters last between six to eight months. By that calculation, the average homeowners will not need more than two 20x25x4 air filters in any given year. In contrast, a one-inch air filter will need to be changed every two to three months.
What filters do HVAC techs recommend?
HEPA Filter — HVAC replacement companies typically recommend HEPA filters because they can provide the highest protection level when it comes to airborne particles. This filter is capable of capturing small microns, and has a MERV rating between 17 and 20, meaning it can trap tobacco smoke and bacteria.
Is MERV 12 or 13 better?
According to the ASHRAE, the best rating for residential HVAC systems is MERV 13. But before you upgrade your filter, make sure your specific system can accommodate that rating. A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder—use more energy—to do its job.
Is MERV 11 or MERV 8 better?
MERV 11 filters are more efficient than MERV 8 filters as they can capture smaller particles. They offer additional protection from pet dander, dust mites, auto-emissions, and lung-damaging dust. This is a good option for households with pets or those looking for even better air quality than the MERV 8 can provide.
Can I use 20x25x4 instead of 20x25x4 5?
No, the 20x25x5 is an inch wider than the other one and would not fit in the slot made for the 20x25x4. The reverse may work, but would likely allow too much air leakage around the filter.
What MERV rating should I get for home?
Generally, a MERV rating between 6-13 meets the needs of most residences. This range offers a good balance between air filtration, air flow and affordability. If you select an air filter with a MERV 13 rating, it can last up to six months before needing to be replaced.
Which is better Honeywell or Filtrete filters?
Honeywell filters are considered higher-efficiency and are thus more effective in cleaning the air. They also last longer too, averaging about four to six months of use for a typical MERV 11 rated product.
Do higher MERV filters restrict airflow?
Wrong. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.
Is MERV 13 too high for home?
MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.
Is MERV 11 too high for home?
In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.
What MERV is best for home?
between 8-10
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Can an air filter be too thick?
If you get a filter with pleats that are too thick, your filter could get dirty quickly. Thus, making your AC unit work harder than it needs to. A good benchmark to follow when considering MERV ratings is that if it’s more than 13, the pleats are most likely too thick for your filter.
Is a thicker HVAC filter better?
Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square footage to capture and hold air particles. To put it in perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month whereas a 4-inch air filter could last up to six months.
Are high MERV filters bad for furnace?
While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will come up a lot.
What brand of HVAC filter is best?
Top 5 Furnace Filters
- Best For Large Systems: Filtrete 20x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filter.
- Best Value: Filtrete 10x20x1 AC Furnace Air Filter.
- Best For Small Particles: Aerostar 12x12x1 MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter.
- Best For Allergies: Nordic Pure 16x25x1 MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter.
Are the more expensive air filters worth it?
More expensive air filters such as Pleated Residential filters will filter out dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, and even bacteria, which can be worth the extra money, especially for those with severe allergies.
What MERV rating is best for airflow?
MERV 13
Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow. Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can handle the thicker filter material.
Will MERV 13 hurt my furnace?
Is there a downside to high MERV filters?
Wrong. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will come up a lot.
Will MERV 11 filter hurt my furnace?
In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that’s too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.
Is MERV 13 too high for residential?
Minimum Particle Size
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.
Can I use 20x25x4 instead of 20x25x5?
A: No, the 20x25x5 is an inch wider than the other one and would not fit in the slot made for the 20x25x4. The reverse may work, but would likely allow too much air leakage around the filter. Helpful?
Is no air filter better than a dirty one?
Running your air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, get to the store as soon as possible for a replacement or call an HVAC professional for replacement. Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems.
Can MERV be too high?
If the MERV rating on your furnace is too high, it may force your furnace to work too hard and leave it vulnerable to damages. In addition, you may not get the air velocity required to reach all parts of your home leaving inconsistencies in temperature.