HVAC Air Filters

[nafterclifen]

I need more air filters (20 x 22 x 1). Not super cheap. Not super expensive. Somewhere in between. What are ya'll using?

I originally used the cheap fiberglass filters and would change them every 30-60 days. But for past few years, I've been using the Flanders NaturalAire Standard MERV 8 pleated filters and changing them every 90-120 days. I bought a bunch and I'm now down to my last one. Can't find them anymore so I need to buy something else.

 

[bonneyman]

I recommended to my customers to change a 1 inch filter every month - when the electric bill came in. You'll never forget, as the electric company will never forget to send you a bill!

MERV 8 is fine for the typical residence. MERV 11 is what I'd recommend to folks with special needs (allergies, kids with respiratory issues, etc). But then you've really gotta stay on top of keeping them changed. Higher efficiency means catching more particles means clogging up faster!

20x22x1 isn't a normally made size but it's not a super weirdo size either. Your local home center should be able to order something for you. I had a filter place in town that would modify stock filters down to any special size I needed for $1 a cut. So, a $5 wholesale filter 20x25x1 could be cut down to 20x22x1 - and only cost me $6. If the customer would go for a dozen (and thus be set for a year) and pay up front, I'd deliver them to their house for free. Got many customers that way.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I use the white pleated filters in the house furnace and for the blower in my wood burner (my garage). Whatever brand Menard's carries is what I get.

I tried the fiberglass ones but I don't think they hardly pick anything up until they get clogged after who knows how long.

EDIT: I think the brand is True Blue.

 

[Jim greengo]

I use the white pleated filters in the house furnace and for the blower in my wood burner (my garage). Whatever brand Menard's carries is what I get.

I tried the fiberglass ones but I don't think they hardly pick anything up until they get clogged after who knows how long.

EDIT: I think the brand is True Blue.

Yes.

 

[ovilla]

I buy a big case of the cheap ones and just swap them out every month. That’s what I was told from a couple of HVAC guys about 10 years ago and haven’t had any issues since.

 

[nadogail]

I buy mine from Amazon at a price much lower than the dealer charges.

 

[danski0224]

Plain inexpensive fiberglass type 1" filters. Change them monthly.

Any type of pleated air filter in a typical residential HVAC system is too restrictive to airflow when new, much less than 31, 60, 90. 120+ days out from installation.

The only way to actually know if a style of air filter is usable or not is after taking a TESP reading and comparing the results to the fan specifications.

If someone wants "better filtration", a non electronic media air filter is best. However, TESP needs to be in line with the fan specs and air velocity needs to be within the filter design range. A manometer should be installed so one knows when to replace the filter based on performance not time.

Restrictive air filters actually cost you money to use in the form of reduced airflow. BTU output is dependent on airflow. Less airflow for a fixed energy input means lower efficiency.

 

[toyotadriver]

I buy mine from https://www.discountfilters.com

I have plenty of filter area for my system so I run fairly high MERV filters without any issue. My air handler coils are spotless.

 

[mfewtrail]

Plain inexpensive fiberglass type 1" filters. Change them monthly.

In only a month, I can't tell the difference between a new fiberglass filter and the one I've just removed.