If your system only fits a 1- or 2-inch filter, a high MERV rating could be detrimental. A 1-inch filter with less surface area will clog up quickly and need to be replaced sooner than a thicker filter. There is no difference between 1 and 5 filters with the same MERV index when it comes to the size of the filtered particles, but there is a difference in static pressure. The 5-unit filter has more physical holes for air to pass through, making it easier for air to flow through.
Larger filters will make the system less restrictive and will reduce the strain on the fan motor, extending its life. The filters only work if air has to pass through them. The filter has air resistance and a gap does not, so if you leave a gap of 1, an excessive amount of air will flow through the hole, making the situation worse. Replacing the standard one-inch air filter with a 5-inch pleated filter can improve the air quality inside your home.
This is because larger air filters have higher MERV ratings, leading to better filtration of contaminants and allergens. In short, the benefits of a 5-inch filter are better air quality, ample airflow, longer lifespan, cost-effectiveness and greater savings in energy costs. As mentioned above, small filters with high MERV ratings can quickly impede airflow when they become dirty. The filter must fit securely in place and there will be too much airflow around a filter that is too thin.
Understanding a filter's ability to remove particles from the air is an important part of choosing one. My house had a Lennox G60UH (X) natural gas and forced air oven and had a filter box with capacity for 5 filters, specifically this type of filter, type X6670. If your filter has a MERV rating that is too high, it may be inefficient because the oven has more difficulty pushing air through such a dense filter. If someone has allergies or a medical condition, it's best to change the filter sooner rather than later.
The most important purpose of an oven filter is to protect the internal fan from things like dust and hair. The designers designed their oven to use a precise size, and you should always choose the filter with the correct proportions. It's important to remember that homes where people smoke, use candles or fireplaces, or have pets will need to change filters more often. If you have to force air to pass through a filter that is too thick or too dense, efficiency will drop dramatically.
When there are too many particles trapped in the filter, it is more difficult for the system to expel air through it. The smaller filter area will behave like a filter that is already partially dirty, but you can use it temporarily. I'm considering building a frame that allows the box to use a 1-inch thick filter since the cost is considerably lower. Electrostatic filters last significantly longer than disposable filters since you can use them more than once.
