Best Filters for Your Home
Last blog, Stay Cool Heating & Air taught you why changing furnace filters is crucial. Now we’re building on that with something every homeowner should know:
Not all filters are created equal.
Thickness, material quality, and MERV rating all dramatically impact performance.
Today we’re comparing different filter types — and explaining why high-efficiency 4–5 inch media filters (like Aprilaire filters) are quickly becoming the gold standard for comfort, health, and system protection.
Topics Covered
- What Filter Thickness Actually Means
- How Filter Quality Affects Your Air
- MERV Ratings Explained
- Thin vs. Thick Filters
- Why 5-Inch Media Filters (Like Aprilaire) Are Superior
- The Verdict
What Filter Thickness Actually Means
Filters come in different thicknesses:
- 1” thin filters
- 2–3” mid-range filters
- 4–5” media filters
A thicker filter has more surface area, which means it can trap more contaminants without restricting airflow. That means better filtration and better system performance.
How Filter Quality Affects Your Air
A furnace filter impacts:
- Dust levels
- Pet dander
- Allergens
- System efficiency
- Airborne particles that affect asthma
- Odors and pollutants
The EPA states that higher-quality filters significantly reduce airborne particulate exposure.
MERV Ratings Explained
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value — a simple 1–16 scale used to rate filter effectiveness.
- MERV 6–8: basic dust protection
- MERV 8–11: better filtration, common in most homes
- MERV 13: captures finer particles like smoke aerosols and allergens (recommended by many health experts)
Higher MERV ≠ lower airflow… if you use a filter designed with enough surface area, such as a deep-pleat 4–5 inch media filter.
Thin vs. Thick Filters: The Real Difference
1-Inch Filters (Common, but Limited)
- Cheap, but fills up quickly
- Restricts airflow when dirty
- Needs frequent replacement
- Limited filtration power
4–5 Inch Media Filters (Best Overall)
- Much higher surface area
- Better airflow & efficiency
- Traps more contaminants
- Lasts 6–12 months
- Compatible with high-MERV ratings
This is why Stay Cool often recommends upgrading to a media filter system during tune-ups or installs.
Why Aprilaire 5-Inch Filters Are the Best
Aprilaire is widely considered the premium standard for whole-home filtration. Here’s why:
1. Massive Surface Area
Aprilaire filters use deep pleats that capture more particles without choking airflow.
2. Long Lifespan (Up to 12 Months)
No more monthly filter reminders.
3. Excellent for Allergies
Their high-efficiency media removes:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Smoke particles
- Fine particulate matter
4. Strong, Durable Construction
No flimsy cardboard frames. Aprilaire filters keep their shape.
5. Healthier Indoor Air Quality
According to the EPA and CDC, reducing fine airborne particulate improves respiratory health — especially for kids, seniors, and those with asthma.
6. Great for HVAC Performance
Your furnace breathes easier with a thick media filter — meaning:
- Less strain
- Longer lifespan
- Better efficiency
- Lower utility bills
It’s a win-win for air quality and system health.
Final Thoughts
Your furnace filter directly affects your comfort, health, and home efficiency. While 1-inch filters get the job done, 4–5 inch media filters — especially brands like Aprilaire — deliver better air, better system performance, and longer life with fewer filter changes.
If you’re ready to upgrade to a high-efficiency filter system, Stay Cool can install a 4–5 inch media cabinet and set you up with filters that last all year long.
Better filtration = better air = a happier, healthier home.