The 20x25x4 air filter requires minimal maintenance. This four-inch thick filter offers a larger surface area to capture more particles and germs from the airflow.
Fiberglass air filters
are the more affordable option, but they are less efficient at trapping dust and other particles from the air. Generally, they need to be changed every 30 days or less.However, there are some factors that can shorten or extend the time between oven filter replacement intervals. Most HVAC technicians recommend changing 1-inch air filters every 30 days, while 4-inch filters can be changed every 3 to 6 months. Some 4-inch filters can even last up to a year. A thinner 1-inch filter with a high MERV index would clog faster than a 4-inch pleated filter due to its smaller surface area for trapping contaminants.
A Honeywell oven filter will have the same filter replacement recommendations as standard filters. Long-term costs include more frequent repairs and the need to replace the furnace or the entire HVAC system sooner than expected. If you live alone, don't have pets, and the outdoor air around you is of good quality, the manufacturer's recommendations for changing the filter are probably right for you. By that calculation, the average homeowner won't need more than two 20x25x4 air filters in any given year.
You may think that you can skip some changes if you live in a temperate climate or are not concerned about the air quality in your home. On the other hand, with a 20x25x4 clean air filter, homeowners prevent more particles from entering the oven. In winter, as long as the oven filter isn't dirty or clogged, you can let it run for the recommended 90 days before having to change it. For example, since you'll be changing 1-inch filters that are high in MERV more often than 4-inch filters (see the maintenance section above), you could save money with a 4-inch filter, depending on the type of MERV you buy.
Your specific situation is unique, but most air filtration experts agree that furnace filters have an overall lifespan. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the contaminants a filter can trap, which also means it will clog faster. When homeowners routinely use a 20x25x4 clean air filter, they protect not only the air in their home but also their heating and air conditioning equipment. If you have small children in the house, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them as often as two months.
If you have allergies, you can reduce symptoms by using a high-quality air filter and adopting a more frequent replacement program. Some people live in climates where air conditioning is needed most of the year, which means that heating the house isn't a problem.
