Something that surprised us in the COVID mitigation world: there are actually a bunch of MERV 13 filters on the market that have extremely low pressure drops due to tons of pleats.... A lot of the 3M/filtrete filters can go as low as 0.1"WC, certainly better than some of the cheaper and lower merv options!
We just bought a house that has a new system, installed June 2021 and they installed a Merv 13 filter. It is a 1" filter, but it works so well keeping myself and kids from allergies from dust. My youngest is very allergic to dust and the Merv 13 changes everything. I definitely plan to upgrade the air handler to accept a 4" filter in the future because I now see how restrictive it can be. Is it possible that the new system can handle the filter because it is a decent size house with 3 returns in the hallway?
It will run but it puts more strain on the motor and reduces the airflow. If it's really bad it can freeze up the coil or damage the heat exchanger. Systems are designed for a specific amount of flow, if the flow is not correct the coil or heat exchanger will be too cold or hot and become damaged. If you want better filtration but can't use a larger media filter yet. Get one of those stand alone HEPA filter devices and switch back to MERV6 filters for your system. Still not a bad idea to have a HVAC company upgrade our system to use media filters.
@@Ariccio123 I appreciate the input. What I have been doing is using the Merv 13, but changing it every 30-45 days. Since it captures so much, I am sure it clogs quicker so I change them more frequently.
I tried to see the MERV rating on it, but I could not make it out. The 4", and all other filters, come in generally the same MERV as the 1" filters. So the filter in the video is probably MERV 8 or 11.
Unfortunately the air conditioning system is by the apartment complex old filter is not accessible and blows in dust how to fix this apartment don’t care
I use a media filter Merv 11 Honeywell 4 inches filters 16/25/4 in my furnace and I have to replace them every 6 weeks because when I check the furnace the filter is completely gray and then buy a new one again. My ducts we cleaned in January/22 . I have Honeywell air cleaners in 3 rooms of the house and I have two 20/20 fans with an attached air filter to keep the air inside my house clean in addition to the furnace system. I don’t smoke, no animas either. I have rugs in most of the house but they get profesional clean every year. I just bought a Honeywell Merv 8 through Amazon which I have not received yet to save a little bit of money by using a less restrictive one. Mcullough recommends Merv 6 which will be my next buy. I am retired and this has become a very expensive thing for me now. I don’t think that my filter are too restrictive using Merv 11 as the scale of Merv is much higher than 11. The company that made my furnace originally comes every year to check it and was the one that recommended me the media filters Merv11 coming down from an electronic filter that gave up on me and was too expensive to replace it for a new one but if I keep spending about $34 every six week I will have to go back to it. Please help me. Thanks
Good guidance. I have a 4inch thick filter but I still check it monthly. While it says it can last up to 6 months, I need to change it every 2 months during peak summer and winter seasons. Every home is different and your mileage may vary.
I'm so stuck. I have 2 Carrier units with filters in seriously hard to find sizes. Should I just buy the Merv 3 Carrier branded filter that came with the unit OEM? Or should I continue to search for a custom 1 inch pleated option? If carrier sells them with Merv 3 or 4 filters oem they should be good enough right?
I'm wondering the same. This is my situation. Without a filter, my unit can take in 3400 CFM. With a MERV 5 3M Basic, that drops to 1800 CFM. Yikes. Hence I'm thinking about switching to the cheap fiberglass ones...
What filter is best when we have "Unhealthy" Air Quality due to "smoke" in the air from forest fires? Cali is on fire no thanks to lightening strikes Aug. 2020 Please Advise soon. Angel from The Bay
I continue to use the fiberglass filter Easyflow with no problems. As you said, filters are installed primarily to protect the units evaporator. It also helps the customers letting the airflow cool or heat the house faster therefore saving more money in either season. I have also experienced some units freezing up with pleaded filters do to the same idea of keeping the house with quality air for breathing but restriction of the airflow in the unit it self. Specifically in older units that are still in the market.
I understand the wanting more airflow, but the cheap fiberglass or washable ( hog hair) type filters let in larger dust particles which will collect in three major areas. Blower wheel - evap. Coil - supply ducts. You may need to change pleated filter more often because it will collect dust more efficiently.
@@donatfairs204 - yeah I agree. If someone wanted cheap filters to replace every month and with excellent air flow - I’d start with MERV 4 Poly filters. They’re 1 step up from the MERV 2 Fiberglass filters.
But that costs too much upfront if I am renting for a short time. Why would I care about wearing out a furnace that is not mine in the long run, my lungs are more important.
@@kk-qu1zc ...and this is another reason I sold my rental property. To many tenants that felt "It's not mine, why should I care if they have to replace it." Not trying to pick a fight. It's just what came to mind when I read your comment.
@@andreo I totally understand. I managed to move move my assets out of land holdings into crypto a few years ago and got lucky there, but after talking to others who rent themselves and do much worse things then fine air filters I knew there was no way I was getting into that business.
ever wonder why higher merv filters of the same depth have many many more pleats? If you're stuck with a 1" filter, you can still go with a merv 12 (mpr 1900), just replace it every 3 months like clockwork. A Merv 6 will have like 8 total pleats (up and down), the merv 12 has like 80 pleats. Thats surface area difference. If you have severe asthma, you may want to replace the 1" filter holder with a 5" depth media box, and use a 20x25x5 (or 4), and user a Merv 13 (or 16 if its really bad), but that does cost more (about $35 us for a 20x25x5 Merv 13)
@@JSLEnterprises One inch filter must be replaced every month. No such thing as a three month one inch filter and never go above a 8 merv . Going higher will damage your system. They should hire a pro to install a Honeywell media box filter system that can run 4 inch filter. I do HVAC for a living vs some of these other commentary from people.
@@JSLEnterprises dissagree with this statement. I have personally used up to a 3M 1900 down to their 1000 filters and my house stayed cooler and my electric bill was less with the 1000 vs a 1900. I would run like a merv 6 if your running a 1 inch filter and buy a heppa filter for your bedroom or something if your allergies or asthma is that bad because you're not helping your system by using restrictive furnace filters and my electric bill is proof of that. Now keep in mind where I live outside temps could be 125°, so you really do notice a difference in your AC system with a restrictive filter because the AC system will just run and run and run with those higher Merv rated filters whereas with the less expensive filters that flow more air the AC doesn't stay running as long it's just how it is. If your system can accommodate a 2-in filter or larger than that would be ideal but most modern homes track homes anyway use one inch filters again if you live where it's hot and you a/c is running constantly don't use a 3M 1900.
Have someone check your trunk lines to see how dirty they are and depending on the amount of return vents & locations you u can use a filter there too so it helps to keep the crap out of the system completely
HHC - How to choose the best filter for my AC unit by HobaicaHobaica Services: (HVAC), Duct, AC | Plumber - Separative sewer, Drain cleaning, Water heating | Electrician, Distribution board, Electrical | Wine Cellar - Repair, Replacement, Installation
I use a pleated merv 5. Stopped using the merv 11 and 13 years ago. No issues. Change it about every other month.
Something that surprised us in the COVID mitigation world: there are actually a bunch of MERV 13 filters on the market that have extremely low pressure drops due to tons of pleats.... A lot of the 3M/filtrete filters can go as low as 0.1"WC, certainly better than some of the cheaper and lower merv options!
In your opinion, what’s the least restrictive return filter grill between the easy flo (straight bar design) and the egg crate design?
Is Merv 8 ok? It’s hard for me to find a Merv 6 locally
We just bought a house that has a new system, installed June 2021 and they installed a Merv 13 filter. It is a 1" filter, but it works so well keeping myself and kids from allergies from dust. My youngest is very allergic to dust and the Merv 13 changes everything. I definitely plan to upgrade the air handler to accept a 4" filter in the future because I now see how restrictive it can be.
Is it possible that the new system can handle the filter because it is a decent size house with 3 returns in the hallway?
It will run but it puts more strain on the motor and reduces the airflow. If it's really bad it can freeze up the coil or damage the heat exchanger. Systems are designed for a specific amount of flow, if the flow is not correct the coil or heat exchanger will be too cold or hot and become damaged. If you want better filtration but can't use a larger media filter yet. Get one of those stand alone HEPA filter devices and switch back to MERV6 filters for your system. Still not a bad idea to have a HVAC company upgrade our system to use media filters.
@@stevenle1760 -- Maybe so; maybe no. But the filters at MERV-13 or MERV-16 level have a lot more "pleats" which means more surface area.
If it's a *good* filter, it may have enough surface area to work fine
@@Ariccio123 I appreciate the input. What I have been doing is using the Merv 13, but changing it every 30-45 days. Since it captures so much, I am sure it clogs quicker so I change them more frequently.
I use a pleated 1 inch filter Merv 8 but I change it monthly. Every time I pay a bill I change the filter.
So what is the Merv rating on the 4 inch Media filter? Thank you.
I tried to see the MERV rating on it, but I could not make it out. The 4", and all other filters, come in generally the same MERV as the 1" filters. So the filter in the video is probably MERV 8 or 11.
Unfortunately the air conditioning system is by the apartment complex old filter is not accessible and blows in dust how to fix this apartment don’t care
What do you think of the K and N washable filter that is Merv 11? There's no information on their pressure drop?
I use merve 12 pleated 1” filter is that ok?
I use a media filter Merv 11 Honeywell 4 inches filters 16/25/4 in my furnace and I have to replace them every 6 weeks because when I check the furnace the filter is completely gray and then buy a new one again. My ducts we cleaned in January/22 . I have Honeywell air cleaners in 3 rooms of the house and I have two 20/20 fans with an attached air filter to keep the air inside my house clean in addition to the furnace system. I don’t smoke, no animas either. I have rugs in most of the house but they get profesional clean every year. I just bought a Honeywell Merv 8 through Amazon which I have not received yet to save a little bit of money by using a less restrictive one. Mcullough recommends Merv 6 which will be my next buy. I am retired and this has become a very expensive thing for me now. I don’t think that my filter are too restrictive using Merv 11 as the scale of Merv is much higher than 11. The company that made my furnace originally comes every year to check it and was the one that recommended me the media filters Merv11 coming down from an electronic filter that gave up on me and was too expensive to replace it for a new one but if I keep spending about $34 every six week I will have to go back to it. Please help me. Thanks
Please someone say something to me.
I was told to use media filter and remove all the 1 inch in the home. That sound right?
Good guidance. I have a 4inch thick filter but I still check it monthly. While it says it can last up to 6 months, I need to change it every 2 months during peak summer and winter seasons. Every home is different and your mileage may vary.
Can't say it any better I'm in the residential side of the industry I say exactly what you say every home is different many variables.
I'm so stuck. I have 2 Carrier units with filters in seriously hard to find sizes. Should I just buy the Merv 3 Carrier branded filter that came with the unit OEM? Or should I continue to search for a custom 1 inch pleated option? If carrier sells them with Merv 3 or 4 filters oem they should be good enough right?
I'm wondering the same. This is my situation. Without a filter, my unit can take in 3400 CFM. With a MERV 5 3M Basic, that drops to 1800 CFM. Yikes. Hence I'm thinking about switching to the cheap fiberglass ones...
Thank you for this valuable information!
What filter is best when we have "Unhealthy" Air Quality due to "smoke" in the air from forest fires? Cali is on fire no thanks to lightening strikes Aug. 2020 Please Advise soon.
Angel from The Bay
Buy a separate air purifier to get rid of smoke and soot residue your ac/ furnace was not designed to purify air.
Air scrubber plus. Not a filter but it purifies there air
I continue to use the fiberglass filter Easyflow with no problems. As you said, filters are installed primarily to protect the units evaporator. It also helps the customers letting the airflow cool or heat the house faster therefore saving more money in either season. I have also experienced some units freezing up with pleaded filters do to the same idea of keeping the house with quality air for breathing but restriction of the airflow in the unit it self. Specifically in older units that are still in the market.
I understand the wanting more airflow, but the cheap fiberglass or washable ( hog hair) type filters let in larger dust particles which will collect in three major areas. Blower wheel - evap. Coil - supply ducts.
You may need to change pleated filter more often because it will collect dust more efficiently.
@@donatfairs204 - yeah I agree. If someone wanted cheap filters to replace every month and with excellent air flow - I’d start with MERV 4 Poly filters. They’re 1 step up from the MERV 2 Fiberglass filters.
I completely agree with everything this man said. And that is rare. I love a good IAQ combo from Aprilaire and Air Scrubber Plus
Moral of the story. If you want air purification buy an air purification system.
But that costs too much upfront if I am renting for a short time. Why would I care about wearing out a furnace that is not mine in the long run, my lungs are more important.
@@kk-qu1zc You are paying for the cost to run it which does affect how quickly it heats/cools.
@@miagi84 which is minor given that it takes an extra minute or two tops
@@kk-qu1zc ...and this is another reason I sold my rental property. To many tenants that felt "It's not mine, why should I care if they have to replace it."
Not trying to pick a fight. It's just what came to mind when I read your comment.
@@andreo I totally understand. I managed to move move my assets out of land holdings into crypto a few years ago and got lucky there, but after talking to others who rent themselves and do much worse things then fine air filters I knew there was no way I was getting into that business.
I'm currently using a 2 inch pleated filter to provide more surface area. Good informative video.
@don at fair ...What Merv rating is your 2-inch filter? And do you change it monthly? Thanks.
But what if someone has asthma and they only have a 1" slot ?
ever wonder why higher merv filters of the same depth have many many more pleats? If you're stuck with a 1" filter, you can still go with a merv 12 (mpr 1900), just replace it every 3 months like clockwork.
A Merv 6 will have like 8 total pleats (up and down), the merv 12 has like 80 pleats. Thats surface area difference.
If you have severe asthma, you may want to replace the 1" filter holder with a 5" depth media box, and use a 20x25x5 (or 4), and user a Merv 13 (or 16 if its really bad), but that does cost more (about $35 us for a 20x25x5 Merv 13)
@@JSLEnterprises One inch filter must be replaced every month. No such thing as a three month one inch filter and never go above a 8 merv . Going higher will damage your system. They should hire a pro to install a Honeywell media box filter system that can run 4 inch filter. I do HVAC for a living vs some of these other commentary from people.
@@JSLEnterprises dissagree with this statement. I have personally used up to a 3M 1900 down to their 1000 filters and my house stayed cooler and my electric bill was less with the 1000 vs a 1900. I would run like a merv 6 if your running a 1 inch filter and buy a heppa filter for your bedroom or something if your allergies or asthma is that bad because you're not helping your system by using restrictive furnace filters and my electric bill is proof of that. Now keep in mind where I live outside temps could be 125°, so you really do notice a difference in your AC system with a restrictive filter because the AC system will just run and run and run with those higher Merv rated filters whereas with the less expensive filters that flow more air the AC doesn't stay running as long it's just how it is. If your system can accommodate a 2-in filter or larger than that would be ideal but most modern homes track homes anyway use one inch filters again if you live where it's hot and you a/c is running constantly don't use a 3M 1900.
Have someone check your trunk lines to see how dirty they are and depending on the amount of return vents & locations you u can use a filter there too so it helps to keep the crap out of the system completely
@@eppyz how often do you replace your 1000 and 1900 filters?
Spot on.
Great info. 👍
0:35 your furnace is not an air quality improvement tool, wish people would know this
This is so important because I had no idea 🤦🏾♀️
thank you
Everything this guy said is accurate.
Good video. Read the video narration.