What type do you prefer?
I use the pleated filter $2.50 ea not the most expensive and change it every
30 days, does not look that dirty,plenty of light shines threw when held up to a light, how often do you change out the filter do you use fiber glass or washable?Thanks
Tom
Hi, I use micro metal mesh type. Wash it in the dish washer when needed. Also I have electronic air cleaner. Needs to clean filter twice a year. Electronic element once a year, again in dish washer. Tony
I just got a 9.95 3m anti microbial on. Of course based on my 2 experiences with service techs , iam am still getting ripped off.
AAF American Air Filters (cheap fiberglass) $0.50 each
i live in a dusty area and i find the pleated filters do much better than the el cheapos. i find them on sale sometimes and stock up.
i swap it out two or three times a year.
randy
This is Turtle.
Walmarts has a 3M pleated filter that does not have the micro bio ability which cost about $4.00 verses the $10.00 for the Micro Bio version. The $10.00 one is " SUPPOSE TO " pick up micro size germs and viruses which is very hard to stop even with a filter. My Brother works at a Casino here and takes care of the hvac systems. They have had problem with the filter system which are 6 ' X 3 " X 1 foot thick filters and installed with a chain fall. These are the best filter known to man and they only take 99% of the air born material out of the air. They still let Micro Bio material through the filters at a 1% rate. The 3M version of the Micro filter version is a 96% filtation rated and the regular 3M filter sold at Walmarts has a 93% filtration rate. So your paying $4.00 for a
93% filtration rate or $10.00 for a 96% filtration rate. No air born material that will float in the air will go through a 93% filter but only Germs and virues. The 96% filter only cuts out 1/2 the Germs and virues and lets the other half through. SO.It is hard to justify only letting 1/2 the viruses through for a added $6.00 to a $4.00 filter to start with. If that additional 3% is worth it to you. Well go for it.
TURTLE
Pleated paper, not the 3M rip offs and they will serve you fine.
Fiberglass filters tend to make the service techs tons of money.
Change out every 30 days as a general rule....I tell customers to change it when they write out the mortgage payment..
WallMart used to carry one called The Web. It came in a 20" X 25" size and could easily be cut down to the size you need with a pair of scissors for $18. My local one now only carries the cheaper version that does not have a "frame" on it and is held together with nothing more than heavy duty baggie ties. Lowe's carries one almost like The Web (can't remember the name) and runs about $28. Still works very well and all you do is hose it out every month or so.
I agree with you on how much it cut down on dust in the house....
Lowes here carries The Web....carry a couple of them on the truck for those that want a passive electrostatic. And those that have the ductwork that will handle them.
Home Depot here used to have the Honeywell version....much nicer, but now they have gone to the Web as well.....
I like that lifetime warranty too.
I've tried a few, including one with a charcoal activated layer. But they all seem to block too much air. They reduce the output at my ducts. My fan really sucks them in,even brand new. The only ones that don't get sucked in are the cheap fiberglass. Why would this fan suck so much air? My furnace in my previous house didn't do this.
I'm considering adding another inlet for air. This is a mobile home furnace and adding another filter on the side appears to be easy. Or would this create problems. If I leave the filters out now I get more air flow through my ducts.
Sounds like your ductwork is not balanced properly. Could be something as simple as slowing the fan down to a lower speed, but that may not solve the problem...
We have dual heating/AC systems (one for each floor) with Honeywell electronic air cleaners. Up until now, I've cleaned the Honeywell cartridges and mesh pre-filters with a foaming cleanser normally used for cleaning AC coils, so the possibility for cleaning them in the dishwasher has captured my interest. Do you use powder or liquid dishwasher soap? What does the inside of your dishwasher look like afterward?
Furnace filters are a real discussion topic. As you say, they look clean coming out. I'd think the change would depend on how dusty the house is, what you're trying to remove, etc. etc..
Sounds like you're on the "over protected" end of the scale. I see the "under protected" end of the scale often enough, with filters that go a couple years.
Sounds like you have really great air flow. I used to have a filter on the front door of my mobile home furnace (downflow Miller). Was kinda neat, because I could see easily when the filter was dirty.
No, actually it sounds like his return air is severely restricted. Like trying to suck air through a straw.
Gary R. Lloyd CMS HVACR Troubleshooting Books/Software
"Steve@carolinabreezehvac" wrote in message news:LJ9od.223$ snipped-for-privacy@eagle.america.net...
This is Turtle.
What is the problem with the 3M version as to not being good ?
Also out of all these different type filter you spoke about which is the best throw away filter and which is the best washiable filter ? Also what place would you get them from ? This is not a loaded question but I've been looking around for replacement filter for some of the old good washiable filters that are being deleated now days. The New washiable and throw aways are so many to choose from and just looking for a replacement that are good and reasoniable priced. The 80% to 95% ability is what I'm after.
TURTLE
Sounds like your return air is not ducted, but drawing straight from the room. This being the case, adding that second inlet with both inlets filtered sounds like a good idea.
The overall question in selecting a filter is, how clean do you want the air to be?
The primary goal is to prevent the accumulation of dirt on the blower, heat exchanger, and A/C coil. A fairly cheap filter can do this if changed once in a while. Pleated filters last longer because they have more surface area.
The secondary goal is to provide supply air that is cleaner than the air in the house. This is going to cost you. How clean do you want it, and how much are you willing to pay?
Gary R. Lloyd CMS HVACR Troubleshooting Books/Software
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