Carrier Infinity air filter question

[holyrail]

Hi -

Had a new infinity installed 3 weeks ago. I want some opinions before I contact the company that installed it.

I live in Charleston, SC, have 2300 sq.ft, single story brick house

I have the 4 ton Infinity gas pack.

On the t-stat it has brought up the "change air filter" message 3-4 X now even though there is a clean filter in there. I even changed from a pleated air filter to a blue "cheap" one to get better air flow. My opening is 25 x 20. I am wondering if I am not getting enough air to the unit? If I need to get a bigger return, then how much bigger?

Thanks - R

[mr big]

20 x25 filter will handle approximately 1000 cfm. A 4ton system moves around 1600 cfm. Way too small! On a single return system, you would need a 30 x30 return filter. I would suggest checking all duct sizes( return & supply) & have a complete capacity check done for the system. Capacity check includes actually measuring airflow at registers with flow hood & calculating capacity based on wet bulb tempersture measurements. Good luck.

[oldertech]

The GAPAA Infinity 20x25 air filter flows 1600 CFM at 0.175 in wc. It's the correct size for your system.
The reason you are getting the filter change indicator is due to overall system static pressure is too high, too much restriction to airflow. This can be the return, supply or both duct systems. For years installers have been under sizing their ducting. This infinity system is now showing us the problem.
Your choices are to repair or replace ducting which will increase the efficiency and ability of your system, or turn off your filter warning.

[dash]

"The GAPAA Infinity 20x25 air filter flows 1600 CFM at 0.175 in wc. It's the correct size for your system."

The OP has a Gas Package unit,I doubt that's the filter he has.


Yes, could be supply or return ducts or fittings that are too restrictive,along with an undersized return filter/grille.

Your system with the Infinity control,can read the duct static,hold the advaneced button in for 10 seconds to access.


The contractor needs to test the supply and return static separately ,as one may be much more restrictive,and correcting that side may be all that's needed.


I, Wouldn't turn the filter alert Off,as the high static should be corrected.

Understand that it is very likely the original ducts are causing the problem,not what this installer did.You just didn't have a "taletale" Infinity Control to let you know.

If you find or have them show you the static at "X" cfms,please post it here.

[oldertech]

"The GAPAA Infinity 20x25 air filter flows 1600 CFM at 0.175 in wc. It's the correct size for your system."

The OP has a Gas Package unit,I doubt that's the filter he has.


Yes, could be supply or return ducts or fittings that are too restrictive,along with an undersized return filter/grille.

Your system with the Infinity control,can read the duct static,hold the advaneced button in for 10 seconds to access.


The contractor needs to test the supply and return static separately ,as one may be much more restrictive,and correcting that side may be all that's needed.


I, Wouldn't turn the filter alert Off,as the high static should be corrected.

Understand that it is very likely the original ducts are causing the problem,not what this installer did.You just didn't have a "taletale" Infinity Control to let you know.

If you find or have them show you the static at "X" cfms,please post it here.

You're right, I didn't catch the fact it was a package unit. It probably doesn't have that filter, although it still could.

Turning off the filter indicator will not correct his poor ducting but is an option to stop one annoyance in his life.

[tech_support007]

It is possible that there is a softwear version issue on the User Inerface, more than likely there may be a duct issue.

I also thought that the newer version indicated a "excessive static pressure" on the main display of the UI, at start up. If the problem was reoccuring it would display a "System Maulfunction"

I would have your contractor verify the softwear version as well.

Dash, are you sure we want end users going in and accessing the Technical Advanced set up? In my area we stongly discourage this. Many situations have occured where end users go in, screw up the air flow settings, causing system failures as well as repeat service calls.

[oldertech]

It is possible that there is a software version issue on the User Interface, more than likely there may be a duct issue.

I also thought that the newer version indicated a "excessive static pressure" on the main display of the UI, at start up. If the problem was reoccurring it would display a "System Malfunction"

I would have your contractor verify the software version as well.

Dash, are you sure we want end users going in and accessing the Technical Advanced set up? In my area we strongly discourage this. Many situations have occurred where end users go in, screw up the air flow settings, causing system failures as well as repeat service calls.

You are right, at start up they do say excessive static pressure. I am not aware if it will indicate system malfunction due to excessive static. For many contractors sake I hope not.

I also would never tell a homeowner how to get into the technician's advanced setup. As you say too many problems arrise from one wrong push of a button.