Furnace Filters

[imported_truzoom]

What kind of filters are you guys putting into your furnace/ac return units? I've been buying the mid-range filters that usually cost $5-$8, but I've seen some 3M ones that go as high as $20.



I'm curious to see if anyone has experienced a dramatic improvement from using a certain kind, as well as the impact it had on the flow of air. It seems the more expensive ones have tighter pleats, but they seem so thick that I'd worry it would screw up the return unit.

 

[speedfreak81]

Luckily for me I work in commercial air filtration sales so I have access to some GREAT stuff. we're primarily a Purolator dealer.



I personally use the Mark80D (defiant material) filters in my home. You can go online and find them probably. Depending on what size you have, not sure how much they cost....they shouuld certainly be cheaper than what you are getting for $5-8...and much better quality as well.



PM me if you need any additional info.

 

[BlueZero]

I'll have to check those out too. I've been shopping for filters too, my last one is in now. I would like to get a good filter but I worry about reducing the flow and burning out the fan or something. I have a furnace check up coming up in a bit, I'll have to ask the HVAC guy too.

 

[imported_superswamper]

We usually run one of these, but we have three cats and a dog.

 

[MatrixXRS]

We usually run one of these, but we have three cats and a dog.

Same here. And I CAN tell the difference between that and a cheapy $3 filter.

 

[kkreit01]

Mine is an odd size 25x25. I run the mid-grade Ace Filters at around $5 ea. They were recently on sale for $3 I change every 3 months -- by marking installed date on the side (otherwise I forget). I haven't found Filtrete in my size (locally).

 

[az57chevy]

My ac man says buying the cheapo ones. Replace monthly as they are the less restrictive

 

[bigltc]

I use the 3M. You can catch them on sale and stock up for the winter. Fill out the customer survey because they send you free stuff from time to time.

 

[jasonmac]

Yeah, I use Filtrete (red), they seem to do a good job.

 

[AutoCadillac]

My ac man says buying the cheapo ones. Replace monthly as they are the less restrictive

A lot of people are ruining their HVAC systems because their return vents are too small when they put the more restrictive filters in a return that was sized for the regular filters. It also causes the sytem to run more and use more electricity.

 

[imported_bigfoot1]

This is the one I have. So far, so good. Adjustable Web Filter

 

[LQ9SS]

My ac man says buying the cheapo ones. Replace monthly as they are the less restrictive

Would you rather have a less restrictive filter and have more dust/particles build up in your furnace? I wouldn't follow that advice. Even if a filter seems like it will be restrictive it will do no harm to your furnace. You are better off buying a higher quality filter rather than buying a "cheapo" and replacing it every month. A cheap filter will let more dirt pass through and this will clog you A coil in your furnace which cools the house when you a/c is on. With a dirty A coil your a/c will work less efficient costing you more money in the utilities department.



When shopping for filters, look at the Merv rating. It should be printed on the side of the filter. Look for a merv rating of at least 8. It will say Merv8 on the filter.



Like speadfreak suggested, the purolator is a good quality filter.

 

[RTexasF]

My ac man says buying the cheapo ones. Replace monthly as they are the less restrictive

We do the same thing. With two high flow units the high dollar filters cut down the air flow substantially.

 

[speedfreak81]

Would you rather have a less restrictive filter and have more dust/particles build up in your furnace? I wouldn't follow that advice. Even if a filter seems like it will be restrictive it will do no harm to your furnace. You are better off buying a higher quality filter rather than buying a "cheapo" and replacing it every month. A cheap filter will let more dirt pass through and this will clog you A coil in your furnace which cools the house when you a/c is on. With a dirty A coil your a/c will work less efficient costing you more money in the utilities department.



When shopping for filters, look at the Merv rating. It should be printed on the side of the filter. Look for a merv rating of at least 8. It will say Merv8 on the filter.



Like speadfreak suggested, the purolator is a good quality filter.

While I agree with some of what you said, I disagree with the whole Merv rating system. There are FAR too many people who have a misconception of what it is and base their buying decisions on Merv rating alone. I think people should be looking at efficiency ratings and not Mervs, as efficiency ratings when applied to filters are measured at a specific micron size across the board. (usually .5 microns)



Example: Lets take two products that I personally retail, and look at their filtering properties. One being the Defiant series by Purolator, and the other being a polyester media type filter that is commonly cut into pads and stuck into holding frames.



The defiant series filter in say a 20x25x1 carries a true efficiency rating of 40% at .5 microns.....also carries a Merv rating of 8.



The C090 polyester media is about 1.25" thick, in say the same size of 20x25x1....barely reaches 20% efficient, but somehow has a Merv rating of 9?????????



Look at efficiency ratings people!!

 

[wash-girl]

We usually run one of these, but we have three cats and a dog.

Same here. And I CAN tell the difference between that and a cheapy $3 filter.

Same here, because we have 3 large dogs--one of which has respiratory problems. I just switched at the beginning of this year and the difference is remarkable.