Air Filter Question

[pepster2]

Have a dumb question but here it goes. We use the pleated filter that says change every 3 months. We change it more often. we heard a hissing sound. Looked and the filter was sucked in some. I measured the filter and even though it said 24 by 24 it was 23 1/2 by 23 1/2 . Is that normal or are they not right?

[accutrol]

Most fiters are not the exact size that is labeled on them.

Pleated filters tend to be a little restrictive to the airflow.

I prefer electrostatic filters, since they don't cost an enormous amount and they are cleanable.

Check them out at www.riteair.com , or search for them. There are several brands available.

I install electrostatic filters in every installation, as a freebie to the customer. If they want to upgrade, that's there choice, and I will give estimates to that effect.

But for a good permanent filter, use an electrostatic.

[smittyii]

pepster, if your filter is hissing or its bowed in then it's either dirty or not porous enough for your air handler. i recommend to my customers to change filter every month during hot weather. some equipment will not take well to pleated filters because some equipment requires more return air volume than others.

[acmanhoney]

there are different pleated filters with different ratings. try a lower rating.
if you look close it should say up to 3 months...change any filter monthly and youll save more than you spend. try different brands and read the labels, the sizes are nominal usually, room to move

[acmanhoney]

Most fiters are not the exact size that is labeled on them.

Pleated filters tend to be a little restrictive to the airflow.

I prefer electrostatic filters, since they don't cost an enormous amount and they are cleanable.

Check them out at www.riteair.com , or search for them. There are several brands available.

I install electrostatic filters in every installation, as a freebie to the customer. If they want to upgrade, that's there choice, and I will give estimates to that effect.

But for a good permanent filter, use an electrostatic.

affiliate?

[beenthere]

Air filters are made a bit like a 2 x 4.
There not the actual stated size.

[ampulman]

Most fiters are not the exact size that is labeled on them.

Pleated filters tend to be a little restrictive to the airflow.

I prefer electrostatic filters, since they don't cost an enormous amount and they are cleanable.

Check them out at www.riteair.com , or search for them. There are several brands available.

I install electrostatic filters in every installation, as a freebie to the customer. If they want to upgrade, that's there choice, and I will give estimates to that effect.

But for a good permanent filter, use an electrostatic.

Are these filters basically several layers of metal screening material (possibly other materials), the electrostatic effect being created by air passing over the metal?

I was surprised to see one of these in my neighborhood Home Depot. Thought there was more to it than jut metal screen.

There was a recent thread where an installation (included an electrostatic filter) was criticized by the PROs here, as being too restrictive.

AM

[gary_g]

Have a dumb question but here it goes. We use the pleated filter that says change every 3 months. We change it more often. we heard a hissing sound. Looked and the filter was sucked in some. I measured the filter and even though it said 24 by 24 it was 23 1/2 by 23 1/2 . Is that normal or are they not right?

I use NaturalAire Standard Pleated filters made by Flanders. They are MERV 8 so they're not too restrictive. A 3-pack for $7 at Home Depot. I change them monthly, even though the package says "lasts up to 3 months".

[dash]

Being sucked in with a new filter indicates it's undersized for how restrictive the filter is.

A properly sized filter grille,for a standard size filter ,will or can be too small for a pleated as pleated is more restrictive.

Overly restricte filters,based on the actual installed duct system,will reduce air flow,increase operatings costs and damage the equipment.

Call a real Pro to get the right filter for you,and/or have the ducts remediated to handle the filter of your choice.

[mark beiser]

Most fiters are not the exact size that is labeled on them.

Pleated filters tend to be a little restrictive to the airflow.

I prefer electrostatic filters, since they don't cost an enormous amount and they are cleanable.

Check them out at www.riteair.com , or search for them. There are several brands available.

I install electrostatic filters in every installation, as a freebie to the customer. If they want to upgrade, that's there choice, and I will give estimates to that effect.

But for a good permanent filter, use an electrostatic.

Electrostatic filters tend to be among the worst choice if airflow is a concern.

I don't recall ever finding an electrostatic filter installed in a system that wasn't excessively restricting the airflow.

I checked that site and couldn't find any technical information on the filters, other than a line about the 3 stage filter having a PD of .08" WC at 1200 cfm. Kinda useless info since they don't mention the size of the filter used.

[jrongo]

Electrostatic filters tend to be among the worst choice if airflow is a concern.

I don't recall ever finding an electrostatic filter installed in a system that wasn't excessively restricting the airflow.

I checked that site and couldn't find any technical information on the filters, other than a line about the 3 stage filter having a PD of .08" WC at 1200 cfm. Kinda useless info since they don't mention the size of the filter used.


So what type would you say it the best choice to protect the HVAC equipment? Not the best choce to clean the air...
Assume standard 1" opening...

Thanks

[timby]

So what type would you say it the best choice to protect the HVAC equipment? Not the best choce to clean the air...
Assume standard 1" opening...

Thanks

I found this site that contains a PDF file describing their MERV 11 filters and their medium. :cool:

www.glasfloss.com/utils/file.cgi/mr11.pdf

It provides a lot of info that may help with your decision. :)

I had to go with a 1" filter for my new HVAC install or pay a lot of additional money for the system because the unit with the filter housing just barely fit in the utility closet. I really wanted one of the 5" models. :mad:

Hope this helps ... :)

[stevensondrive]

I usually put the pleated in new installs. I just like them.

if you filter is bowing, make sure you are not allowing dirty air to get to the fan. it will insulate the motor and burn it up. plus it will contribute to plugging the A coil.

[lman]

Are there any options other than my dealer for purchasing a 28" X 30" X 2" for my Waterfurnace unit?