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- Nov 2, 2021
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Buy the cheapies and replace often not worth the extra coin and load on your blower
Furnace Filters
- Thread starter Warstud
- Start date
If one has an older belt driven blower system that like old school low restriction fiberglass filters just spray dusting polish on the upstream side of the filter to add tackifiers.
I run this filter in the summer- its absolutely superb. (even stop smoke)
I run a nordic pure merv 13 + carbon in the winter. (no fires)
The 1" filters - are pretty useless - if at all possible put a bigger housing on.
A dirty filter does a better job than a clean one..... to a certain point.
Buy cheap, change as required.
I use the MERV 14 Filtretes - no ill effects so far.
If you need a air cleaner, either go whole house when a HVAC upgrade is done to save on labor or buy a few HEPA units.
If you need a air cleaner, either go whole house when a HVAC upgrade is done to save on labor or buy a few HEPA units.
I had two heating contractors tell me it's best to have good air flow and not use those highly restrictive, high merv filters( over 5 merv ). One technician believed my use of a high merv filter may have contributed to my heat exchanger cracking. I now use those glass woven rock catching filters and stay away from high merv filters.
Ever put your hand over the vacuum cleaner hose? Keep using those high MERV rated filters and you will shorten the life of your motor.
That is what a lot of HVAC people say....Even the real cheap fiberglass ones...Just change every 30 days and you will be fine...
I cna't wait to furnace that actually uses it's filter.
Our current furnace has a filter slot and a filter in it, but I just don't see how it actually does anything. I think it just draws in all the air from the bottom of the furnace itself.
Our current furnace has a filter slot and a filter in it, but I just don't see how it actually does anything. I think it just draws in all the air from the bottom of the furnace itself.
End dust spray works great also...
This is so true. My RA inlet plenum is 40 X 60, so uses (2) 20 X 30 Merv 11’s …
4WD
$50 site donor 2024
Similar to the agreement we have with our long term HVAC company (2nd generation company) …
We put ”glass filters” in monthly from down below - they change the pro grade filter 2X per year. (attic)
They are great, until they get even slightly plugged. The 3M filters are terrible.
What MERV rating filter you use also largely depends on your furnace. All furnaces will have a maximum MERV rating. I know my Trane HE heat pump says max MERV 11. I use MERV 8 mechanical (NOT electrostatic) filters. They are Camfil 30/30 1” filters, can not go any thicker, and change them the first of every month. Our heat pump is on circulate 24/7/365.
I am trying to find some cheapy filters for a mobile home furnace. The pleated ones restrict the airflow enough that it makes the outer housing pop like a canned food lid. Took out the filter and no popping. That popping can't be good for the furnace.
Answer = No
Your fine and your filter is more than that is required by equipment makers. More or less your system will not suffer because of your choice of filter.
We personally use 4+ inch (labeled as 5 inch) thick Merv 11 and sometimes Merv 8 depending on cost air return grill filters of any brand in the hope of keeping dust down as much as possible. We have four filters, 2 filters in each system.
I decided on a MERV 8 filter / sort of middle of the road as far as removing dust and restriction.
I now go by four criteria on when to change the 1"x16"x20" filter.
1) How long in use
2) Filter Integrity - any bulging caused by air pressure
3) Color & Dirt - Hold up to light and inspect
4) Reading from Differential Pressure Gage
Edit: I just changed my filter only because it was in for 8 Months. All other criteria looked good.
Using these four criteria, I could use different MERV and manufacturers filters to maximize usage and reduce cost.
I also learned that the higher the MERV, the higher percent of dust will be collected.
So I try and keep the area in front of cold air returns dust free.
I now go by four criteria on when to change the 1"x16"x20" filter.
1) How long in use
2) Filter Integrity - any bulging caused by air pressure
3) Color & Dirt - Hold up to light and inspect
4) Reading from Differential Pressure Gage
Edit: I just changed my filter only because it was in for 8 Months. All other criteria looked good.
Using these four criteria, I could use different MERV and manufacturers filters to maximize usage and reduce cost.
I also learned that the higher the MERV, the higher percent of dust will be collected.
So I try and keep the area in front of cold air returns dust free.
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Wow, I hate the K&N brand but they might have something here. Looks well made.
Just like you say though, they do not disclose merv or air flow stats. This is what drives me nuts with the company, seems like a cult, no facts just marketing.
I can only assume in time, someone will test these filters, like Consumer Reports maybe... if so, I could be interested, maybe. Maybe not if I dont feel like cleaning filters and rather throw them away *LOL*