5 Inch Air Filters
Filterking manufactures 5" pleated air filters that are guaranteed to fit your AC or furnace perfectly. If you don’t find your size listed below, don’t worry! You can easily create a custom filter using our custom filter tool. Rest easy knowing that our products are backed by a 30-day guarantee, meaning you never have to stress about selecting the wrong size.
Available 5 Inch Air Filters
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- Accumulair
- Air Kontrol
- Amana
- American Standard
- Armstrong
- BDP
- Bryant
- Carrier
- Coleman
- Comfort Plus
- Day and Night
- Electro Air
- Emerson
- Five Seasons
- Frigidaire
- General
- General Aire
- Gibson
- Goodman
- Honeywell
- Kelvinator
- Lennox
- Maytag
- Nordyne
- Payne
- Philco
- Purolator
- Rheem
- Ruud
- Skuttle
- Tappan
- Totaline
- Trane
- Trion Air Bear
- Ultravation
- Westinghouse
- White Rodgers
- York
Can’t find your 5 inch air filter? Click here for Custom Air Filters
Choosing the best 5-inch air filter for optimal indoor air quality
5 inch air filters represent the ultimate residential and commercial filtration solution if your HVAC unit is able to handle a filter of this size. Compared to conventional air filters, 5-inch filters last longer, offer superior indoor air quality benefits, and can help improve your HVAC unit's overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Read on to learn more about the performance benefits of 5-inch air filters, or use our air filter finder tool to find the right filter for your home or property today.
Maximum filtration performance
5-inch air filters have a larger surface area than conventional air filters, meaning they're capable of trapping lint, dust, dander, mold spores, and pollen for longer. These elite air filters offer maximum particle capture across all MERV ratings. They also offer various value-added benefits, such as:
- Greater longevity: While conventional air filters only last up to 3 months, 5-inch air filters can last for 9 months or even up to 1 year in the right circumstances.
- Improved indoor air quality: Better filtration translates to more particle capture, which means less pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, dirt, and other debris circulate throughout your property. Good indoor air quality is especially important for anyone in your property who experiences heightened allergies or has respiratory issues.
- Greater HVAC efficiency: A better filter translates to improved HVAC efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills and fewer repairs over time.
Optimal applications for 5-inch filters
5-inch air filters are ideal for whole-home air filtration systems, media air cleaners, and HVAC units that serve commercial buildings and office spaces. Other ideal applications are HVAC systems in medical facilities and cleanrooms, central HVAC systems with dedicated media cabinets, and properties that prioritize maximum air quality for residents or patrons.
When do 5-inch air filters make sense for you and your property, assuming your HVAC system can handle this size?
- If you want to go from basic to elite air quality, a 5-inch filter is a good decision. The increased pleated fabric surface area captures more particles, making it an ideal filter for residents with allergies, asthma, or pets that shed.
- To protect your HVAC system: Five-inch air filters can create a tighter seal, preventing unfiltered air from bypassing the filter and circulating throughout your home, thereby reducing the risk of backdrafting into the HVAC components. Such filters can help reduce system wear and tear, as well as lower your utility bills.
There are situations where a thicker filter doesn't make sense. Aside from HVAC system compatibility, 5-inch filters with a higher MERV rating may impact airflow. In some situations, you may find that you don't have air quality concerns and opt for a 1-inch, 2-inch, or 4-inch filter instead, or even a 0.5-inch air filter under certain conditions. Use Filter King's filter finder or view the assortment of filter options we have on our website to browse best selling options for all our air filter sizes.
Long-term investment value
Unlike basic filters, 5-inch air filters have the potential to last 9 months to 1 year, depending on the circumstance. While 5-inch filters cost more upfront, you won't have to replace them as often as conventional filters, which can result in long-term cost savings. There's also the convenience factor of not having to replace the filter as frequently.
You can also likely save on HVAC system maintenance, as 5-inch filters have a lower risk of system damage from a clogged filter.
Even though 5-inch filters can last for 9-12 months, you should still get in the habit of periodically checking them and assessing your system's performance to know when it's the right time to replace your filter. Some signs that you'll want to watch for include:
- Color: A new filter is typically white or off-white, while a dirty filter is visibly gray and heavily saturated.
- Significant dust buildup in the home: If your home seems excessively dusty or you're vacuuming up more dust, dander, and debris than usual, your air filter may be soiled and require replacement.
- Increased allergic reactions among residents who suffer from more intense allergies.
- Poor airflow from the vents and/or inadequate heating and cooling throughout the property.
- What HVAC systems use 5-inch air filters?
- Are 5-inch filters better than 4-inch filters?
- Will a 5-inch filter fit my HVAC system?
- Do 5-inch filters really last up to a year?
- What MERV rating should I choose for my 5-inch filter?
- Can I use a 5-inch filter in a 4-inch slot?
- Are 5-inch filters worth the higher upfront cost?
- Do 5-inch filters improve indoor air quality more than thinner filters?
- Do 5-inch filters work better with high-efficiency HVAC systems?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What HVAC systems use 5-inch air filters?
5-inch air filters are commonly used in whole-home filtration systems, media air cleaners, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, media cabinet installations, and commercial system applications that have filter frames large enough to accommodate this size.
Are 5-inch filters better than 4-inch filters?
Yes, a 5-inch filter is generally better than a 4-inch filter due to its greater thickness, which offers a larger surface area. This allows it to trap more dust, pollen, lint, pet dander, mold spores, and other contaminants, filtering the air more effectively. 5-inch filters can also last for up to a year in the right conditions.
Will a 5-inch filter fit my HVAC system?
It's crucial to confirm your HVAC system's filter slot before purchasing a 5-inch filter. You can determine whether it can support a 5-inch air filter by checking your current filter's dimensions, checking your HVAC manual, or measuring the slot yourself. If the slot isn't deep enough, your HVAC system will need to be modified to support a 5-inch air filter.
Do 5-inch filters really last up to a year?
Under the right circumstances, 5-inch filters can last for up to a year. However, various factors influence the lifespan of the filter. For instance, homes with pets, heavy foot traffic, or smokers will likely require more frequent filter changes. The MERV rating of your filter also plays a significant role in determining its lifespan. Even if your 5-inch filter is rated for a year, it's best practice to visually inspect it regularly and change it as necessary.
What MERV rating should I choose for my 5-inch filter?
The MERV rating you select for your 5-inch filter should be based on your HVAC system's capabilities and any personal household needs. The most common MERV ratings for 5-inch filters are MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13. MERV 8 air filters are ideal for general use, capturing up to 90 percent of common particles, including dust, pollen, dust mites, bacteria, and pet dander. MERV 11 filters trap up to 95 percent of common particles, including smoke and smog, and MERV 13 air filters capture up to 98 percent of common particles, including allergens and odors. MERV 8 Carbon (Odor Eliminator) is another option, ideal for odor control in homes with smokers or pets.
Can I use a 5-inch filter in a 4-inch slot?
No, you shouldn't use a 5-inch filter in a slot that's only designed for a 4-inch one. Incorrect size leads to inefficiencies and can result in HVAC equipment problems, such as reduced performance and a potential for more frequent repairs. To determine if your HVAC unit can accommodate a 5-inch filter, check your current filter or measure the dimensions of the filter slot.
Are 5-inch filters worth the higher upfront cost?
Although 5-inch filters cost more than conventional filters, they can be worth the investment in the right situations. Their enhanced performance tends to justify the higher cost, as 5-inch filters offer better air filtration to improve indoor air quality, last longer, and provide a benefit to your HVAC system. Even with a higher upfront cost, you can save long-term when you purchase 5-inch filters over more conventional types.
Do 5-inch filters improve indoor air quality more than thinner filters?
Yes. 5-inch air filters can help improve indoor air quality, as their larger surface area traps more contaminants than conventional filters. While MERV rating also plays a role in filter performance and your property's indoor air quality, 5-inch filters are an ideal option for achieving high levels of air purification. They're particularly helpful if members of your household experience heightened allergies or have respiratory issues.
Do 5-inch filters work better with high-efficiency HVAC systems?
While 5-inch air filters can work better with high-efficiency HVAC systems, the system must be designed to handle them. If your HVAC unit isn't compatible with 5-inch filters, it can strain your HVAC system to the point where airflow is reduced and equipment becomes more susceptible to damage. If your system is designed to handle 5-inch air filters, you'll experience greater energy efficiency and improved system performance.