When it comes to air filters, the thicker the filter, the less restrictive it is. This means that 2-inch oven filters allow better airflow than 1-inch filters. However, these two are not drastically different in thickness. Most air filters are 1 inch thick, but some systems can accommodate filters 2 to 5 inches thick.
Tests have shown that the thicker the filter, the better it works and the longer the replacement intervals. The Department of Energy states that replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can reduce HVAC energy consumption by 5 to 10 percent, which translates into significant monthly savings. Medium grade passive filters are much better than a cheap disposable filter, but not as good as a pleated filter. If you need a popular air filter size, you can search for a 20x25x1 air filter or just go to the guide and find its link to see all the 20x25x1 air filter purchase options. If you can use 2, then use two and turn and pull the first filter and add a new one behind the older filter as many times as you need. What if your oven's air cleaner compartment is only 3 thick? In that case, the 1-inch oven filter is the better choice than the 4-inch filter, however, a 3-inch thick air filter is the better choice.
Air filters generally come in a range of standard sizes, with some that can be adapted to fit different size filter housings or return air vents. Washable filters are less restrictive, meaning they let more particles into your home, but they only need to be replaced every few years. This is usually as simple as looking at the current filter and, assuming it fits properly, finding the sizes of the air cleaner as dimensions on the label. Reducing the thickness by one inch shouldn't be a big deal; for example, you should be able to use a 4-inch filter instead of a 5-inch filter. The bottom line is that permanent filters are approximately replacements for your cheap filter; they filter out birds and young children. For more information on individual products that use filters, such as air purifiers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, refer to their specific buying guides.
