Are 4-inch air filters better than 1-inch filters? The answer is yes! A filter 4 provides more surface area to trap contaminants, which facilitates proper airflow and continuous removal of contaminants.
Air filters
with a MERV value of 1-4 will trap less than 20% of particles 3.0-10.0 microns in size, such as pollen, carpet fibers, and dust mites. Deeper depth can also improve filter life and efficiency; they also make it easier for air to enter and exit the filter. Some air conditioning specialists have also observed that thicker filters provide a snug fit that does not allow unfiltered air to pass through. If your goal is to improve the air quality in your home, you should focus on the MERV (minimum efficiency report value) of the filter and not so much on the depth of the filters.The 4-inch filter pleats are large, indicating its larger surface area for trapping and filtering contaminating particles. That said, the 1-inch filter may be too shallow, causing a loose fit that allows unfiltered air to enter the ductwork. Mathematics seems to tell you that if you want to have the best air quality you should buy a filter in the MERV 13-16 category. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the contaminants a filter can trap, which also means it will clog up faster. Most HVAC technicians recommend changing 1-inch air filters every 30 days, while 4-inch filters can be changed every 3-6 months. 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.
Filters with a MERV value 13-16 are the most restrictive and can trap the smallest particles, such as bacteria, tobacco smoke and burnt wood. So, if you want to ensure proper airflow and continuous removal of contaminants while improving your home's air quality, then investing in a 4-inch filter is definitely worth it.
