PERFECT alternative for the 1" deep return filters.
These things are PERFECT for your house. The 1" create too much resistance on a high MERV rated filter, especially when it is getting dirty.<br /><br /> These work perfect and in the end I will probably break even ($) on this 5" VS the 1" filters I was replacing every 30-45 days.<br /><br />A trick I am using. I went to Lowe's and purchased a foam pre-filter that is supposed to go on a window AC unit. It is a thin gray/black foam sheet. I have it over this filter as a "Pre-Filter" to catch all the LARGE debris that would ultimately shorten the life of the 5" filter. 1x/month I take the foam filter and rinse it out and lay it back on the 5" filter. The foam is so thin it creates VERY little air resistance.<br /><br />Another thing I noticed is the HVAC is quieter with these filters. When I would install 1" there was always a "whistle" as the air passes through the filter, even when it was new. With this 5" is is quiet, much less resistance.<br /><br />The filter fit perfect into the 1" filter housing, no modifications needed. I did add a foam rubber, self adhesive weather strip (like this [[ASIN:B0025KUSXW Duck 1297116 Self Adhesive Weatherstrip 17 Feet]] to inside face of the 1" metal housing. This created a better seal between the filter and the surrounding housing. Making the air go THROUGH the filter, not AROUND it.
Rating: 5 stars