Can I use 20x25x5 instead of 20x25x6?

No, the 20x25x5 is an inch wider than the other one and would not fit in the slot made for the 20x25x4. The reverse may work, but would likely allow too much air leakage around the filter. 0 of 1 found this helpful.

What MERV filter does Rheem recommend?

MERV 8
What MERV rating does Rheem recommend? Rheem recommends filters of MERV 8 and above. This MERV level is strong enough to remove substances like pollen, dust mites, dust and pet dander from the air.

What is a good MERV rating for furnace filters?

If your family has health or allergy issues, then you may want to look for a high-efficiency filter that’s MERV 11 or higher. But for most households, a MERV 7 or 8 filter might be the sweet spot between performance and cost.

Are high MERV filters worth it?

The higher the MERV rating, the fewer particles and other contaminants will be allowed into your home. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.

Are furnace filter brands interchangeable?

All Replacement Air Filters Are The Same The overall air quality of your home will not be the same with cheap replacement filters. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for and the same is true of high-quality furnace and home air filters.

Are furnace filters interchangeable?

Are furnace filters universal? Because furnace and HVAC manufacturers have different size slots for air filters, they are, unfortunately, not universal.

Is MERV 8 good enough?

But is it enough filtration? In many cases, a MERV 8 air filter is more than adequate. However, if you are worried about outdoor air pollution, family members with respiratory issues, pets are in the home, then going with a higher MERV rating might be a good idea.

What MERV rating is best for home use?

What do the MERV ratings mean?

• 1-4 MERV – This is the lowest end of filters.
• 5-8 MERV – Air filters with MERV ratings of 5-8 last longer than their less expensive counterparts.
• 9-12 MERV – These filters are more efficient and usually offer the best indoor air quality improvement for residential applications.

What MERV rating air filter should I use?

As a general rule, residences do not use higher than MERV 8 filters. We do recommend that everyone uses filters that have at least an 8 MERV rating. These filters will remove the majority of pollutants from your indoor air. MERV 13 to 16 ratings are usually reserved for filters for labs, hospitals, and operating rooms.

Is a MERV 11 filter too restrictive?

Air filters with higher MERV ratings can filter more, but the thickness of the filter material can restrict airflow. Restricted airflow can decrease comfort, increase energy use, and accelerate the wear and tear of HVAC components. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.

Is a 2 inch filter better than a 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.

Do I need both a furnace filter and a return air grill filter?

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.

What does Merv mean on a furnace filter?

One important aspect to look at is the filter’s MERV rating. What does MERV mean? MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which is a rating system designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers ( ASHRAE ). The rating indicates the size of particles the air filter is designed to capture.

What kind of filter should I get for my furnace?

A basic MERV 4 filter will likely be the cheapest but won’t catch certain small particles (like dust mites and pet dander) that could be in your home. If your family has health or allergy issues, then you may want to look for a high-efficiency filter that’s MERV 11 or higher.

Which is better a Higher MERV rating or lower?

In general, filters with higher MERV ratings are more effective and improve air quality – but are also more expensive. Plus, higher doesn’t always mean better for homeowners. MERV ratings above 16 are typically used in specialized commercial settings where air filtration is critical, such as hospitals.