SpaceGard/Aprilaire vs GeneralAire filter media

[Mike Hartigan]

I've got a Spacegard 2200 air filter. This is now sold as an Aprilaire 210, or, at least, it uses the same replacement media. I generally pay $20-$25 for OEM replacement media. I have the opportunity to buy a six-pack of replacement media for $108 ($18 each), but it's under the GeneralAire brand. Now, I'm generally an OEM kind of guy, but I'll allow that there are aftermarket replacement parts for all sorts of things that can be as good as or even better than OEM, often for less money. There's also a fair amount of crap; hence my question. I can't find any comparative information on GeneralAire media. Granted, I'm not saving a ton of money on these, but if they are, indeed, as good as, better than, or even close enough to the OEM media, why not? (I'm generally a capitalist kind of guy, and this is exactly the sort of thing that makes Capitalism work). Does anybody have any experience with GeneralAire filter media? Am I likely to be pleased with these or will I rue the day I placed my order? If the responses are a resounding "I don't know", then I'll stick with OEM.

Thanks, Mike

[Steve Scott]

You generally need to change these once a year. You already know the Aprilaire filters do a great job. We pulled one of a 20 year old furnace last summer. The blower looked brand new. We put the old case on the new furnace.

So you're c>I've got a Spacegard 2200 air filter. This is now sold as an

[Mike Hartigan]

As I said, aftermarket parts are as frequently as good as, sometimes better than OEM. Indeed, it's not uncommon for aftermarket parts to be identical to the original, save for the name on the box. I'm trying to determine if that may be the case here. If anybody has experience with these filters that they can share, then it wouldn't be an unknown quality. And if I can get the same or better quality for less money, why not? As I indicated in my original post, if I don't get a definitive answer, I'll simply get the OEM.

[<kjpro]

Go OEM, the Generaire filters are not going to fit properly.

[rpban]

responding to

rpban wrote: There is a difference. What we have seen is from a removal standpoint they are very close to the same. Where the difference comes in to play is how long the filter might last. The Aprilaire product uses a filter media that will \"depth load\" meaning that the filter will load from the back of the filter forward. What we have seen with competitive filters is they have a tendancy to load on the front surface and therefore may not last as long. When you put the Aprilaire filter next to the General filter you will see the Aprilaire product is fluffier and thicker.

You may save some dollars up front however with the uncertanty of whether or not it will last a year it may cost more in the long run. The Aprilaire media is designed to last a whole year in a typical installation.

Our company only recommends using the Aprilaire product. You paid to have the best installed when you had Aprilaire installed so we recommend you always use the original genuine replacement parts.

Brad Nielsen

Mike Hartigan wrote:

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