When it comes to furnaces, choosing the right filter is essential for efficient operation. The MERV rating is a measure of how well the filter captures particles in the 0.3 to 10 micron size range, and the higher the rating, the better the filter. But a higher MERV filter also tends to reduce the amount of airflow. The thickness of the air filter depends on your system configurations, and it's generally best practice to use the thickest possible air filter for maximum efficiency.
However, never try to force an air filter to fit in a space it's not designed for. The MERV rating you choose between 7 and 13 depends on the level of filtration you need. If your family has allergies or asthma, a higher MERV score will be beneficial. If your family doesn't have any difficulty breathing, a lower filter such as a 7 will save you money on your energy bill. Thicker filters are denser and block more dust and particles, but they can also make the oven work harder to suck in air. It's important to use only the type and thickness of filter recommended by the oven manufacturer.
This disposable pleated filter is available in a variety of sizes 1 and 2 inch thick to fit a wide range of ovens. The Aerostar manufacturer recommends changing this filter every two to three months in autumn and spring, and once a month during intensive oven use, such as in winter. No filter manufacturer can predict how long their filters will last because none of them know the dust conditions in your home, so you should check it often. Just because one filter blocks more particles than another doesn't mean it's the right choice for your oven. Air cleaner thickness ranges in size from 1 to 5 inches deep; some options are more common than others, and your oven may dictate the thickness you can use.
Ovens come in a variety of sizes and configurations, which means there's no one-size-fits-all filter. In actual use, with the air in your home constantly recirculating through the ducts and passing through the filters each time, the cumulative effect of the filters increases. To put it into perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a 4-inch air filter can last up to six months. One of the best choices overall is the Filtrete oven filter with its disposable electrostatic design, multiple size options, MERV rating of 12, and 3-in-1 technology to trap lint, dust, pet dander, soot, pollen and mold. Failure to replace the filter according to its recommendations will accumulate dirt and dust, making it more restrictive and less effective at filtering. If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that is made for a 1-inch thick filter, the efficiency will be worse. While many picks are unable to filter out smoke and bacteria, most of these options come in various sizes and thicknesses to be compatible with your oven.
Permanent options have a removable, machine-washable oven filter that can be reused for six to eight years. So if it fits your oven, then a 4-inch air cleaner is better than a 1-inch air cleaner when it comes to improving air quality. It turned out that switching to a really cheap oven filter that allowed better airflow was the solution. As the filter becomes thicker, the oven must work harder to draw air through it, reducing its efficiency and service life.
