Washable or Disposeable Filters - Advice Please

[DrinkMore]

Big Mistake.

[charliebear]

4 dogs, 6 cats and 4 birds? Do you live in an Ark?

Seriously, I am not a pro, but from perusing the forums here it seems that washable filters are not good.

[amd]

A thin washable pre-filter of some sort could be used to catch the large dust particles and hair; I wouldn't use a washable filter exclusively though.

[accutrol]

go to www.riteair.com and order yourself the filters you need. They are washable and are very good filters.

[bmathews]

Call the company that installed your system and ask them what they recommend. They will probably even give you a decent deal on filters, whatever you may purchase. We always give our customers good deals on filters. Getting a good quality filter is important because it keeps the electrical components dust free and keeps your coil clean, which is important for efficiency and life of your overall system. Don't skimp on something that is so simple, but important. Especially if Noah and his wife moved in with you.

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[accutrol]

I use the electrostatic filters from rite-air.com. In my home and for my customers. They are not as restrictive as the pleated 3-m filters and do an excellent job at catching the dust before it enters the furnace. Pre- filters to remove the larger particles is o.k., but it is my experience that people will only clean the pre-filter and not the main filter, therefore creating problems. Also, all filters cause some restriction of air flow. The 3 stage filter from rite-air is an excellent choice for those who want good filtration without the expense of the upgraded filters.

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[Irishmist]

drinkmore: bottom line is what are YOU wanting to achieve? That ultimately determines what type of filter best suits YOUR needs. If your main concern is visible dust and dirt, then a particular type of filter will best suit your needs. If on the other hand, you are concerned with allergies, etc. then a different type filter may be best.

It is not a 'one size fits all' when it comes to indoor air quality. If you want the best possible system, then some type of HEPA filtration with UV will probably meet the need; however, depending on what YOUR particular wants and needs are, that may be overkill.

It sounds like your contractor is not really interested in addressing your concerns about indoor air quality with his response to just use the throw-away type filters and be done with it.

Indoor Air Quality is part of the total home comfort process. It is what most of us in the industry are striving to provide. Just as you indicated, I can heat and cool your home and do nothing to address the indoor air quality. At that point, have I really done you a complete service? I don't believe so.

On every single job we look at, indoor air quality is part of the process, and we address the specific needs of our customer. It is entirely up to you whether or not you give this contractor another look at meeting your needs.

Otherwise, I would call a reputable contractor and have them come out and analyze YOUR specific needs and what YOU are wanting to achieve rather than what someone wants to sell you.

If I know what your expectations are, then it enables me to meet those expecations resulting in a product or service that you are completely satisfied with.

all the best, Irish

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[dash]

See my confusion now? Several different replies.

1 - Why are washable filters not recommended?

2 - If they are ok, what am I looking for in a washable filter? Accutrol linked me to riteair.com. I checked it out but have no clue what I need to be looking for. No idea.

3 - No, I don't live in the arc We are just animal lovers and I have to say, nothing is cooler to come home to a group of animals that love you. Especially when you wake up. Everyone comes to say good morning. Best thing ever!

4 - The company that installed our system told me to use the "$7.00" dollar filters which means - the cheap ones. I have always learned, you get what you pay for. They also told me the 3m Filterete ones are woven too tight and cause the system to work much harder than it has too. Makes sense.

5 - I just want to know what all the numbers and whatever means when I buy a filter.


Lastly, it just dawned on me that my AC/Heater is not an AIR PURIFIER - it heats and cools my home. So basically the only thing the filters are for is to trap the dust/dirt/hair and prevent it from building up on the internal mechanics/electronics of the system. Lol.

Anyways - Is the consensus to stick with disposable filters or what? I am still a bit confused

Thanks for the help!

1.Generally they don't filter well.Rite-air will filter well,may need cleaning weekly,they load up fast and if nt sized correctly they can restrict air flow.

2.I won't use them,I'd get a properly sized 4" thick filter installed at the indoor unit/eqipment.

3.Okay,your choice.

4. They are correct about 3M's

5.The most important number is Pressure Drop,how restrictive the filter is,this should be checked by your tech.He should also check the static of the system,and determine how large a presssure drop,from filter can be used,to preveny damage due to low air flow.

[Irishmist]

Red Devil makes an excellent pleated throw-away filter that would meet your needs. It is available at most DIY stores. Since overall IAQ is not a concern, you could use this or any other type of throw-away filter. If you want to use washable and not disposable, I would check the same DIY for a re-usable filter. Change or wash every 30 days. That is not just our recommendations but that of most manufacturers as well.

Sorry if earlier post was TMI.

all the best, Irish

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