Furnace air filters

Strong Bad

Just curious to see which air filters you folks use out there.

When I bought my home 2 + years ago, the inspector told me that I can get away with using the cheapy $3-$4 monthly filter and to not waste my money on the expensive ones. After looking at what the previous owners were using, I couldn't see how something so cheap could trap all the dust in the air. I decided to start using these and haven't stopped changing it every three months...

3M Filtrete Maximum Allergen filter

It pays to spend the $20 every three months. Hell, it's the air you breathe, so don't go cheap!

Knucklehead

I use an electrostatic air filter, I wash it out with the hose about every 3 months, Ive noticed a lot less dust in the house as well.

greyford1979

Knucklehead wrote: »

I use an electrostatic air filter, I wash it out with the hose about every 3 months, Ive noticed a lot less dust in the house as well.

Yep this is what I use as well. The gold enforcer 94. Although you have to be careful because not as much air flows through it, and have been known to cause problems with some furnaces like shutting down the furnace. Also have to make sure they are cleaned properly and dry when you reinstall it. These ones come with a lifetime warranty.

http://acfilter.com/onlinestore/filterse/

disneyjoe7

Use one myself, over 6 years old now dirty I wash it with the hose.

tonyb

I used to use the top brands, to keep dust down and all that,untill I had to get my furnace cleaned. They recommend the cheaper ones because they let more air flow, and the furnace burns more efficiently, saving you money on gas and repairs.

bruss

tonyb wrote: »

I used to use the top brands, to keep dust down and all that,untill I had to get my furnace cleaned. They recommend the cheaper ones because they let more air flow, and the furnace burns more efficiently, saving you money on gas and repairs.

I was recommended this as well and its def true. They are cheap and i change it oncce a month

WilliamM2

I use these 20"x25"4" filters, not much choice, thinner filters won't stay in the box. Only need replacement once a year, about $20 at Menards.

http://www.amazon.com/BestAir-52025-Whole-House-Filter/dp/B0006OQCTS

steveinaz

I like the Arm & Hammer type.

Knucklehead

I think the ones that allow better airflow may be ok for oil or gas furnaces, In this psrt of the Country we have forced air heating systems so I guess its not that big of a deal.

treitz3

Knucklehead wrote: »

I use an electrostatic air filter, I wash it out with the hose about every 3 months, Ive noticed a lot less dust in the house as well.

I've had two in the house for about 4-5 years now. Not one speck of dust in the furnace or vents. Just be sure to clean them thoroughly and as often as you would replace a normal filter and you will not experience any issues.

Besides, I hate spending money on things I have to throw away just to turn around and repurchase.

Midnite Mick

I can't use the expensive allergen trapping ones. I have to use the cheap ones that allow more air flow. I have a little electric forced air furnace that gets too hot and causes the elements to constantly go on and off if I don't have maximum air flow.

FTGV

Midnite Mick wrote: »

I can't use the expensive allergen trapping ones. I have to use the cheap ones that allow more air flow. I have a little electric forced air furnace that gets too hot and causes the elements to constantly go on and off if I don't have maximum air flow.

Interesting I have an electric furnace and use the premium filters linked to by the OP.I have not noticed any overheating issues .But if it is making it work harder and since the cost of hydro is skyrocketing in Ont.I might switch to the cheapies.

Joe08867

steveinaz wrote: »

I like the Arm & Hammer type.

I use the Arm & Hammer ones as well. Work great cut back on dust and Allergens in the house.

madmax

I use the cheapies.

disneyjoe7

My recommendation http://www.boair.com

dorokusai

I'm a Filtrete user and don't change it every month, that's silly. I'm on a 3 month rotation like John. I don't like the electrostatic, wash 'em types...just preference.

Joe08867

Really Coltleader? You searched the web for air filters and it brought you to Polk Audio?

Reported as spam

timlitton

There's a trade-off between Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and airflow. EPA Studies have shown the air inside your home can be 2-5x's more polluted than outdoor air due to the natural breakdown of your home's materials over time. This is compounded by tighter and tighter home envelopes.

But, as I said, some high efficiency filters negatively affect airflow and cost you more in operation costs.

gdb

The simple solution is to get out your sheet metal tools and increase the filter area in your return duct. If you're good, you can make channels in a vee shape V, and put two filters where there was only one before. Don't %$#@&^% cut yourself.:frown:

BIZILL

no more of the pleated paper-type media. too restrictive and caused icing issues due to airflow on my ac unit. was recommended the cheap ones which are less restrictive and i'm never going back. big difference in air velocity from the registers as well.

tonyb

The previous owner of my house, and myself, use the same guy for regular maitenance on the furnace and air conditioner. 38 years later, I still have the original of both. Mind you by todays standards,still not as efficient as newer models. His advice to both of use were to not use anything that restricts air flow unless you like replacing that furnace every 7 or 8 years. The designs are build on x amount of air flow and when that doesn't happen by way of a filter restricting it, you get heat built up and possibly a cracked heat exchanger. Now, as he would say, what costs more, alittle more dusting, or a new furnace, the choice is yours.
My guy is an old self employeed Air force dude, been in heating and air while in the armed forces and ever since. What he claims some companies do as marketing borders criminal. No engineer in their right mind would tell someone to restrict air flow on a furnace, then again, there are no engineers doing the marketing. I think 38 years of servicing my heat and air, still original, still working great, is a good testimony to his advice. He also schooled me on chimney length and high efficiency furnaces. Most high efficient furnaces can't push the excess heat up a long chimney and need a direct style vent through a wall. A common mistake he see's all the time without nearly a mention from the company who installed it for a homeowner.

dorokusai

I'll do a check and go back to an older filter to see if airflow and conditions change. I believe the conversation here has at least made me aware of some other things that I should consider.

[Deleted User]

Due to recent problems with allergies, I want to try the Filtrete Ultra Allergen (purple) filters. Problem is the size I need (14 X 30) isn't carried, well basically anywhere. I need to get them special order and I need to buy a case of six for roughly $100 bucks plus shipping. Still debating. :cool:

dorokusai

That's what I use now and have seen no issues with my system but as aforementioned, will do a month with an old one to see what happens.

tonyb

nap wrote: »

Due to recent problems with allergies, I want to try the Filtrete Ultra Allergen (purple) filters. Problem is the size I need (14 X 30) isn't carried, well basically anywhere. I need to get them special order and I need to buy a case of six for roughly $100 bucks plus shipping. Still debating. :cool:

You maybe better off with a whole house air cleaner, more expensive initially, but may provide better air filtration for you.

Don't mean to change anyones thoughts on what works for them. Just my own experiences is all. When you break down the technology, from old furnaces to newer ones, you have to follow what they were engineered to do, and the upkeep that allows a certain design to work as it should.
That said, my units being as old as they are, need updating,not because they don't work, because the design is not as efficient as todays and I'd probably save some coin in the long run. My guy tells me he could keep them operational for another 5-8 years, but I'd be wasting money keeping an inefficient furnace. I figure 2 more years to make it to the 40 yr mark and cash them in. My problem is where the furnace is located, I don't have an area to go direct out the wall, so it has to go up a chimney thats almost 30 feet. That limits the amount of efficiency I can have in a furnace. Was told I could get away with about a 90% efficient one, lots better than what I have now but definately not the most efficient. Such is life.

kefranklin

As a HVAC tech, I have learned that if your unit freezes on cooling or shuts down on heating because you use good filters it is not the fault of the filter. This happens because most systems have filters or return plenums that are too small. The only way that using the non-pleated filters will help anything is if you are not willing to fix the real problem, which is lack of return airflow. If your unit breathes as it should, any 1 inch thick filter will not cause issues.

BlueFox

nap wrote: »

Due to recent problems with allergies, I want to try the Filtrete Ultra Allergen (purple) filters. Problem is the size I need (14 X 30) isn't carried, well basically anywhere. I need to get them special order and I need to buy a case of six for roughly $100 bucks plus shipping. Still debating. :cool:

Just ordered a 14x30x1 case of 12 last night from Amazon affiliate for $50, free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dtools&field-keywords=14x30x1+Heavy+Duty+PolyStrand+Furnace+&x=19&y=17


Never mind. Missed the part about special allergies.

gdb

nap wrote: »

Due to recent problems with allergies, I want to try the Filtrete Ultra Allergen (purple) filters. Problem is the size I need (14 X 30) isn't carried, well basically anywhere. I need to get them special order and I need to buy a case of six for roughly $100 bucks plus shipping. Still debating. :cool:

IMO, you'd be better served by having your return duct re-worked to accept a large (stock size) filter. More filter area + cheaper filters + increased air flow + no more special orders.

SDA1C

tonyb wrote: »

You maybe better off with a whole house air cleaner, more expensive initially, but may provide better air filtration for you.


Exactly my thoughts and the direction we went. Put the cheapy in your furnace to catch the big stuff. To clean your air get an air purifier. It seems logical to me to let the heater, heat and let the purifier, pure lol.

RuSsMaN

K&N here.

Actually Filtrete, and I should probably check it now.

polkatese

nap wrote: »

Due to recent problems with allergies, I want to try the Filtrete Ultra Allergen (purple) filters. Problem is the size I need (14 X 30) isn't carried, well basically anywhere. I need to get them special order and I need to buy a case of six for roughly $100 bucks plus shipping. Still debating. :cool:

I have the same size as yours and been ordering them from these folks for the past 10 years:

http://www.filters-now.com/products/mmb.html#MB14X30

free shipping for order more than $100 (I usually ordered in quantity of 12)