HVAC Filters

[Rob]

What brand and MPR does everyone use in their homes?

Yesterday I had to get a new unit installed in the upstairs since the old unit finally died on me after 12 years. and I need to throw some new filters in now that I have the new units up and running.

I know I am supposed to change them every 3 months, but I usually forget and get to it about every 5-6 months.

Was looking at these:

Amazon.com: Filtrete EA03-2PK-1 Elite Allergen Reduction Filters, 2200 MPR, 20 x 25 x 1, 2-Pack: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517NaBjUiAL.@@AMEPARAM@@517NaBjUiAL

But is that a bit of overkill for home use? :seasix:

[C5Nate]

Lower end 3M filter, about $3.00 and spray the "IN" side with PAM spray.

The oils catch a crapload more than a dry filter ever will.

Problem is that you will need to change AT LEAST every 3 months since it picks up more of the dust.

[CP]

I buy cheap-assed filters (I need 4 20x30). I change them when I change the mode on the thermostat from heating to cooling.

[ZipZap]

We use the Filtrete blue or purple depending on the time of the year. During pollen seasons, it's blue.:seasix:

[NEVRL8T]

Every three months? Try every month. I have an HVAC supplier next door to my work. I use the ones they put in their systems. I buy in bulk. They have no name on the box. I actually took heating and air classes at the local community college.

[onedef92]

I buy cheap-assed, 16 X 25 X 1" filters from the hardware store, usually 12 at a time and swap out monthly.

[C5Nate]

I buy cheap-assed, 16 X 25 X 1" filters from the hardware store, usually 12 at a time and swap out monthly.


Spray them with PAM on the "IN" side Jules and you will see a dramatic increase in dust it picks up.

[Bill]

Lower end 3M filter, about $3.00 and spray the "IN" side with PAM spray.
The oils catch a crapload more than a dry filter ever will.

Problem is that you will need to change AT LEAST every 3 months since it picks up more of the dust.

Spray them with PAM on the "IN" side Jules and you will see a dramatic increase in dust it picks up.

Also, OP, don't forget to add a cold air intake for your a/c system, for maximum performance.

:leaving:

[NeedSpeed]

Also, OP, don't forget to add a cold air intake for your a/c system, for maximum performance.

:leaving:

Home made K&N for the home :D

[Rob]

Lower end 3M filter, about $3.00 and spray the "IN" side with PAM spray.

The oils catch a crapload more than a dry filter ever will.

Problem is that you will need to change AT LEAST every 3 months since it picks up more of the dust.


Every three months? Try every month. I have an HVAC supplier next door to my work. I use the ones they put in their systems. I buy in bulk. They have no name on the box. I actually took heating and air classes at the local community college.


Also, OP, don't forget to add a cold air intake for your a/c system, for maximum performance.

:leaving:

:seasix: I like the oil idea, I will buy the cheap ones this go round and give them the "oil treatment" to see how that works.

<< always learn something new here (but this is actually useful) :rofl:

[ConstantChange]

I'm not sure the brand off-hand, but it's the kind you wash and reuse. It's got a metal grid outside and a blue fiber mesh inside.

[Bill]

Home made K&N for the home :D

Exactly. Simply locate the return air vent right next to the biggest air duct register in the house, then use the soon-to-be-patented bill_daniels air scoop to direct cold air right from the vent to the return air duct.

Supercharge your a/c with a b_d cold air kit today. Guaranteed 10-15 btu increase in cooling power, and lower electric bills (no pun intended).

[FRISKY]

What brand and MPR does everyone use in their homes?

Was looking at these:

Amazon.com: Filtrete EA03-2PK-1 Elite Allergen Reduction Filters, 2200 MPR, 20 x 25 x 1, 2-Pack: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/Filtrete-EA03-2PK-1-Allergen-Reduction-Filters/dp/B005F5D4W6/ref=pd_cp_hi_1)

But is that a bit of overkill for home use? :seasix:Those are the filters I use. I tested every brand I could buy locally and those had the best air flow and the best filtering. We live in a very dusty area and the dog room is attached to the same central heat and cooling system the house uses.

One way I have found to make the 3M filters last longer is to add a (very) cheap 1-inch filter stacked just before the expensive 1-inch Filtrete filter. Obviously, you need a return air vent that is built for a two inch filter.

I change the 3M filters every three or four months, but I change the cheap pre-filters every month or two...whenever I see they have a covering of dust.

You can tell if the filters you are using are working properly by looking for a dust trail around the air vents.

[xXBUDXx]

That is a great disposable filter. :seasix:

[VatorMan]

Honeywell filters. I have one of those big assed 20X20X5. I may try that Pam thing- but my filters do a pretty good job.

[lspencer534]

Instead of PAM, you can also spray a lemon scented furniture wax on the filter. The odor dissipates pretty fast, but you house does get a brief air freshening.

[benny42]

Those cheap glass floss filters are about 5% efficiency. They really only stop rocks & birds from getting to your unit. The pleated filters are your best bet. Its the only thing we install
at work.

[Bucwheat]

I use the pleated 20x30 filters from Lowes. :D

[onedef92]

Those cheap glass floss filters are about 5% efficiency. They really only stop rocks & birds from getting to your unit. The pleated filters are your best bet. Its the only thing we install
at work.

Maybe, but I've heard several HVAC experts say they place less load and wear on your blower motor because they're less restrictive than premium pleated filters. :bilmem:

[Bucwheat]

I have been using the pleated for 16 years with my A/C with no problems.

[onedef92]

I have been using the pleated for 16 years with my A/C with no problems.


Yeah, but my unit's only five years old and we all know they don't make shit like they used to.

My home's A/C expansion valve went tits-up (under warranty, thankfully) after only two seasons of service.