A couple overlapping suggestions: *Get a reusable filter. There are plenty made with materials that can be cleaned and washed. They're a one-time expense that will save in the long run. (There's a lot of variety in cost of both disposable and reusable filters, so I can't do the math for you; depends on what you're using now and which upgrade you pick.) *Clean your filters periodically with compressed air. As you can guess already, I have reusable filters. If you have an air compressor, it's easy to get the bulk of the dust off with just that. Once a month we clean out all sorts of things: the vacuum cleaner filters, power tools that get lots of wood dust in hard-to-reach places, brooms (no surprise they collect dust between the bristles), the computer keyboard, etc. and check/fill the car tires at the same time. I also wash the HVAC filters once each in the fall and spring since that's when we aren't running the AC/furnace, so I can leave the filters out to dry. Even if you don't have reusable filters yet (though you should soon), you can extend their life and effectiveness by cleaning them.
I will admit, I've been starting to look into reusable filters. I still have a few replaceable filters sitting around, so I want to use them first but that might be my next furnace upgrade. I've also been looking at electric air "blowers" rather than used cans of compressed air. I don't actually have a pancake compressor anymore. I almost never used the darn thing so I sold it at a yard sale...
An additional difference between coffee filters and furnace filters is that high filtration furnace filters use electrostatic effects to cause tiny particles to adhere to the filter, even though they might be small enough to fit through the holes in the paper.
This is all great information, and I've been using MERV 8 for a very long time, as it cuts down on dust and pet dander. My biggest concern with going up higher is that I live in Arizona, and the AC is already working overtime. What are the effects on the reduction of efficiency and overall airflow with a higher-rated filter?
Does it really matter the higher filter number you get? Like is there a noticeable difference? I saw an a/c walk into home depot and just grab the lowest number and its like 5 bucks and in my hand I have a 20 dollar one lol. Is it snake oil? Im I a fool? lol
What about the different BRANDS of filters? Our filter size is 18 x 18 x 1 and the brand we usually have used, Filtrete, is not always available in the size and MERV rating we like - we used to use 11, but are now looking for more like an 8 MERV. Other brands we have seen around are - Filterbuy; and also Project Source. I wonder whether the same manufacturer that puts out Filtrete, might also put out others under different names. Is it more important what the MERV is and not the BRAND? Or are some brands like Filtrete REALLY better quality than say, Filterbuy? Thanks!
Thank you for the video. I use a 1-inch filter in my Am Std upflow gas furnace. For health reasons, I've used the highest rated filter available, currently Honeywell FPR12, and change it every 3 months. Also, I run the fan continuously to maintain cleanest possible air quality. But with regard to adequate airflow, I've noticed that the filter is contained in a moveable, sprung assembly that pulls away to allow bypassed, unfiltered air when the filter clogs. I think I should change more often and to periodically check the filter (monthly), making sure the filtration I'm paying for isn't being bypassed. Do you think the filter bracket is designed to protect the blower? Appreciate your input.
If it will fit yes. The 4 inch has more pleats causing air flow and filtering without stressing the system. For some people there’s even a filter case they can buy converting. Project Farm - best furnace filter brand did research. It’s a great video. The 4 inch honeywell seems to be doing a great job at cleaning. I understand he’s trying to make this super simple. It’s not. If you buy a merv 17 that doesn’t have good air flow you put stress on the system. My system will take 4 inch and I’m changing over to them. Project farm does a great job explaining not all filters are the same. The 4 inch Honeywell seemed to do great. Next I get to research what different 4 inch filter brands do well.
I could’ve missed this in your explanation, but I also don’t recommending going above 11 merv rating. Yes they filter out more but become more restrictive and can cause issues.
Just got a brand new AC and about 18 days later the Air Handler starts making all sorts of squealing noise. Turned out to be the Merv 10 air filter being full of cat hair and dust. Put in Merv 5 and now it runs like new again. I bought 44 Merv 8's for only $2 each so I am hoping those work fine also. But yes this video completely skips CHOKING your air handler with too restrictive of an air filter.
Nah, old school theory. MERV 13 is fine, just change every 60 days for most homes. If you have a 2" option even better. The reduced airflow will actually make the motor work less, not harder (reduced amp draw). The only concern is if your coils ice up, then you know filter needs changing or you need to increase fan speed.
@@NoNORADon911 Apples and oranges. If you took the time to hook up a meter to the blower motor, you will indeed see a lower amp draw with a more restrictive filter. If you don't have the skills to do this, ask your AC tech run the test. In all fairness to your ignorance, most AC techs don't know this either ;)
A couple overlapping suggestions:
*Get a reusable filter. There are plenty made with materials that can be cleaned and washed. They're a one-time expense that will save in the long run. (There's a lot of variety in cost of both disposable and reusable filters, so I can't do the math for you; depends on what you're using now and which upgrade you pick.)
*Clean your filters periodically with compressed air. As you can guess already, I have reusable filters. If you have an air compressor, it's easy to get the bulk of the dust off with just that. Once a month we clean out all sorts of things: the vacuum cleaner filters, power tools that get lots of wood dust in hard-to-reach places, brooms (no surprise they collect dust between the bristles), the computer keyboard, etc. and check/fill the car tires at the same time. I also wash the HVAC filters once each in the fall and spring since that's when we aren't running the AC/furnace, so I can leave the filters out to dry. Even if you don't have reusable filters yet (though you should soon), you can extend their life and effectiveness by cleaning them.
I will admit, I've been starting to look into reusable filters. I still have a few replaceable filters sitting around, so I want to use them first but that might be my next furnace upgrade. I've also been looking at electric air "blowers" rather than used cans of compressed air. I don't actually have a pancake compressor anymore. I almost never used the darn thing so I sold it at a yard sale...
An additional difference between coffee filters and furnace filters is that high filtration furnace filters use electrostatic effects to cause tiny particles to adhere to the filter, even though they might be small enough to fit through the holes in the paper.
This is all great information, and I've been using MERV 8 for a very long time, as it cuts down on dust and pet dander. My biggest concern with going up higher is that I live in Arizona, and the AC is already working overtime. What are the effects on the reduction of efficiency and overall airflow with a higher-rated filter?
Thank you for this explanation!
Does it really matter the higher filter number you get? Like is there a noticeable difference? I saw an a/c walk into home depot and just grab the lowest number and its like 5 bucks and in my hand I have a 20 dollar one lol. Is it snake oil? Im I a fool? lol
What about the different BRANDS of filters? Our filter size is 18 x 18 x 1 and the brand we usually have used, Filtrete, is not always available in the size and MERV rating we like - we used to use 11, but are now looking for more like an 8 MERV. Other brands we have seen around are - Filterbuy; and also Project Source. I wonder whether the same manufacturer that puts out Filtrete, might also put out others under different names. Is it more important what the MERV is and not the BRAND? Or are some brands like Filtrete REALLY better quality than say, Filterbuy? Thanks!
Very helpful. Thanks.
Thank you for the video. I use a 1-inch filter in my Am Std upflow gas furnace. For health reasons, I've used the highest rated filter available, currently Honeywell FPR12, and change it every 3 months. Also, I run the fan continuously to maintain cleanest possible air quality. But with regard to adequate airflow, I've noticed that the filter is contained in a moveable, sprung assembly that pulls away to allow bypassed, unfiltered air when the filter clogs. I think I should change more often and to periodically check the filter (monthly), making sure the filtration I'm paying for isn't being bypassed. Do you think the filter bracket is designed to protect the blower? Appreciate your input.
Those higher Merv/FPR filters really strain your AC trying to suck air through them. This video does not mention that.
If you originally had 1×20×25 air filters, can you use thicker ones?
Can you use 4×20×25 ones?
If it will fit yes. The 4 inch has more pleats causing air flow and filtering without stressing the system. For some people there’s even a filter case they can buy converting. Project Farm - best furnace filter brand did research. It’s a great video. The 4 inch honeywell seems to be doing a great job at cleaning.
I understand he’s trying to make this super simple. It’s not. If you buy a merv 17 that doesn’t have good air flow you put stress on the system. My system will take 4 inch and I’m changing over to them. Project farm does a great job explaining not all filters are the same. The 4 inch Honeywell seemed to do great. Next I get to research what different 4 inch filter brands do well.
I could’ve missed this in your explanation, but I also don’t recommending going above 11 merv rating. Yes they filter out more but become more restrictive and can cause issues.
Just got a brand new AC and about 18 days later the Air Handler starts making all sorts of squealing noise.
Turned out to be the Merv 10 air filter being full of cat hair and dust. Put in Merv 5 and now it runs like new again.
I bought 44 Merv 8's for only $2 each so I am hoping those work fine also.
But yes this video completely skips CHOKING your air handler with too restrictive of an air filter.
Nah, old school theory. MERV 13 is fine, just change every 60 days for most homes. If you have a 2" option even better. The reduced airflow will actually make the motor work less, not harder (reduced amp draw). The only concern is if your coils ice up, then you know filter needs changing or you need to increase fan speed.
@@joephu ''The reduced airflow will actually make the motor work less'' 😆
@@joephu Does reduced airflow make car engines work less also? Should I clog half of my trucks air filter?
@@NoNORADon911 Apples and oranges. If you took the time to hook up a meter to the blower motor, you will indeed see a lower amp draw with a more restrictive filter. If you don't have the skills to do this, ask your AC tech run the test. In all fairness to your ignorance, most AC techs don't know this either ;)
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