Aprilaire 1213 upgrade kit

[Biomed]

I have an Aprilaire 2200 filter and am considering installation of the Aprilaire 1213 upgrade kit which uses the Aprilaire 213 (MERV 13) filters. I held off for some time because I had a supply of the Aprilaire 201 filters (MERV 10) but I will need to be ordering more in a few months.

In doing a Google search of the Garage Journal HVAC forum I only found one previous thread on this issue from a few years ago.

There are a few dissatisfied Aprilaire 213 filter users on Amazon who expressed problems with the filters coming apart at glue joints. Apparently Aprilaire now uses glue and staples at these joints.

Any GJ members have more recent experience with the Aprilaire 1213 upgrade kit or Aprilaire 213 filters? The MERV 10 vs MERV 13 isn't a big issue for me, I don't know that I need hospital operating room air filtration in my home. I also do not mind installing the 201 filters with the plastic combs and feel confident that I have not had any air leaks at the edges of the 201 filters.

Looking forward to feedback from Aprilaire users.

 

[brewchief]

The company I work for has installed hundreds of update kits and hundreds of the complete filter housings during furnace replacements, because of this we see a ton of the filters in action and I think we only had 2 or 3 that came apart and those were in the beginning, zero issues in recent years.

Either one works but if you have some fin combs that the ends have broken or the inner housing has other issues then it just makes sense to go to the upgrade kit.

 

[ambenz]

I have the MERV 10 and use the 210 filters and last time I bought them I paid $25 if I bought 6 of them.
Looking for the upgraded filters, they look quite expensive!!!!
Might want to defer the upgrade.....

 

[Biomed]

The company I work for has installed hundreds of update kits and hundreds of the complete filter housings during furnace replacements, because of this we see a ton of the filters in action and I think we only had 2 or 3 that came apart and those were in the beginning, zero issues in recent years.

Either one works but if you have some fin combs that the ends have broken or the inner housing has other issues then it just makes sense to go to the upgrade kit.

Thanks.

My combs are like new and replacements are readily available from many suppliers. My housing is also in like new condition.

One advantage I can see is some possible relief for allergy sufferers. What have you heard from folks who have been using the upgrade for a while?

If I installed the upgrade and later decided to return to the Aprilaire 201 filters, would it be possible to remove the upgrade kit parts and reinstall the plastic inner housing?

 

[brewchief]

Thanks.


If I installed the upgrade and later decided to return to the Aprilaire 201 filters, would it be possible to remove the upgrade kit parts and reinstall the plastic inner housing?

Yes, the frame used for the upgrade kit slides in just like the plastic housing and then a simple tab is bent to secure it, only takes 30 seconds it install or remove.

 

[sms1974]

Just an FYI the Pleat Spacers ( combs ) are life time warranty on the 2200 air filters...

the upgrade filters are much easier for homeowners to change most of mine dont complain about the cost, there will always be those that do...

scotty