Can you stack 1 inch filters?

Can you stack 1 inch filters?

If you measure the filter slot, and it’s large enough to accommodate the thicker filter, then you can use it. However, if the slot is less than 4 inches wide, you’re stuck with using that thickness. What you can’t do is stack filters — use only one.

Why do I have 2 furnace filters?

However, if you have separate heating and cooling systems, your furnace and air conditioner may require different filters. In terms of function, there is no difference between the two as they’re both designed to serve the same purpose: protect your system from harmful air particles and improve air quality.

Can a furnace filter be too thick?

The general best practice is to use the thickest air filter you can for maximum efficiency. 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.

Are 5 inch filters better than 1 inch?

What is a 5-Inch Filter? A 5-inch filter is a large and thick pleated air filter commonly known as a furnace filter. Such filters can fit furnaces and AC units alike. They often come with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating ranging from MERV 8-13.

Does my HVAC have 2 filters?

Typically, a house will have 2 air filters in their intake vents. In some cases, there can be more or fewer depending on the square footage of the home or apartment and the number of floors that need to be supported by the central air system.

Can I use a different size furnace filter?

The furnace you have determines the furnace filter sizes used. However, homeowners usually can choose from different brands of furnace filter sizes.

Can I stack 2 air filters?

Can You Stack Air Filters? Do not stack multiple smaller air filters on top of one another to fit them into a larger air handler. Installing multiple 1” air filters in a 2” slot, for example, can cause costly damage to your AC unit, as residential furnaces are not equipped to handle this level of airflow restriction.

Can you put 2 air filters together?

Bottom Line: Putting two filters will not make it last longer but may make you have to replace it earlier, assuming it doesn’t already reduce air flow too much with just the filters.

Are 2 inch air filters better than 1 inch?

Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick. In our tests, we found that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. That means it’s better for you and for your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Is MERV 13 bad for HVAC?

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 you stack 1 furnace filters?

Do not stack multiple smaller air filters on top of one another to fit them into a larger air handler. Installing multiple 1” air filters in a 2” slot, for example, can cause costly damage to your AC unit, as residential furnaces are not equipped to handle this level of airflow restriction.

Is MERV 13 too restrictive?

“MERV” is the standard rating system used in the HVAC industry to determine how well a filter works. And MERV 13 is the highest rating recommended for home use. (Anything above it will restrict airflow too much and could damage your HVAC system).

Why do I have two air filters in my HVAC system?

Having multiple return vents solves this problem, but it also requires air filters at each vent to properly filter the air and prevent particulates from getting into your fan motor. Scenario 2: You have 2 air filters because your system has a return duct and an “air handler.” This setup exists for a few reasons.

Can you put a 2 inch air filter in a vent?

In some cases, your intake vents or air handler vents have a filter depth greater than an inch. Because 1 inch air filters are the most common, some homeowners may think it’s okay to layer 1 inch air filters to fit a 2-, 3-, or 4-inch air filter slot. It’s not recommended to do this.

Do I need to buy air filters from multiple stores?

If you find you need multiple air filters, you don’t need to buy from multiple stores – simply find your air filter sizes and your central air system brand on our site to buy the type and quantity you need. If it’s your first-time installing air filters, make sure to read up on these resources to buy the right products and get it working correctly:

How often should you replace air filters in your HVAC system?

The lifespan of filters differs, so the number of times you need to replace air filters in the return duct versus the air handler varies because they are sized differently. For example, the most common size filter for return vents has a depth of one inch that are designed to contain one inch air filters.