$5.59 filters from Ace Hardware. AC contractor said not to use expensive, restrictive filters.
We’ve heard this a million times, including me. My contractor replied when I said, “The cheapest I can find is $3.99.”
He said I’m not looking hard enough.
Why? Let’s unpack the reasoning.
In my case, I had a 1999 furnace with a PSC blower that was failing. There are only limited settings (I believe 3) handled by moving jumpers. The correct speed for heat is the one in the middle.
Per the seller of the home, I was using $8 filters. By 2016, the furnace was short cycling because the PSC motor could not do its job. Contractor set it to high like the AC setting. And told me use $0.99 filters which will be easier on the remaining life of the blower.
Flash forward to 2020, new system, ECM motor and variable furnace. Came with aprilaire 413’s which at the time cost $30+, now $50+.
To convert it back to 1” and use a $0.99 filter to lessen the restriction would be unwise, imho. The unit was designed for these filters and can supply the correct cfm with them. Maybe when 15 years old it cannot and yes, unless replacing the blower, use less restrictive filters.
It would be nice for contractors to explain why they say what they do, so homeowners can make informed decisions. I do realize many things we say and repeat, we know not the context nor the theory behind. Sorta like rumors. My .02 ymmv.
Edit p.s. just thought of this…my wife’s uncle too has a 2009 system with a 4” filter. He refused to pay $20+ at the time and he stacks 4x $0.99 filters in the device. He’s done this for 14 years now so it can be done. I just don’t want to. And yes I would love to save the money. What I don’t know is if his furnace is variable. It might have a PSC.