Fantech HEPA system-whole house
slimjim
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
Wondering if anyone has used this bad boy. I am disgusted with my Trane a/c system’s leaky filter (gaps around the top, side, bottom of the filter), plus have some vermiculite lingering around.
You tap the Fantech unit into return side of air handler. It has it’s own 240 cfm blower.
http://www.fantech.net/hepa.htm
| CM Series HEPA System from Fantech | |
| View Image | |
Replies
bump bump. Anybody?
Sorry for the hijack, but... What model Trane do you have. How old? I'm about to replace my old furnace and AC and had spec'd Trane. Good filtration is crucial (dogs + alergies) and so I was planning on using the 3M Filtrette filters, but if the filter housing is no good that pretty much defeats the plan.
I had looked at the Fantech but thought I could get by with the filters...
I'm not sure, cant decipher the model number. Only couple years old, and came with the house.
Its funny though, I can't think of any brands that dont have alot of slop where the filter goes in. The HVAC guys we use actually make their own "filter boxes" (that mount further out from the existing filter slot) to get a tighter fit, but still there's 1/8" gaps as the filter bends a bit when installing.
Its kind of funny, but my out-of-the-box shop air filtration system is light years ahead of the house system!
I am also thinking about the seal around a car's air filter. Tighter than a ant's behind.
Just wondering why the "technology" is so lacking-and hence me looking at the Fantech.
My blower is a tad undersized for my ductwork (I have been told) so I dont want to go with the real thick media filters that are available. (Fantech has own fan)
Try here:
http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/
A whole bunch of HVAC geeks. They have already set me straight on electrostatic filters and how they decrease furnace life.
They appear to be rather skeptical of the Fantech-type approach (hang a filter off the side of the ductwork and expect it to make a difference). The more I read, the more confused I am!
One filter solution that seems to get good press is Aprilaire Media Guard (NOT the electronic thingie!). It fits in-line - sounds like the approach you mention your local HVAC guys doing.
http://www.aprilaire.com/category.asp?ID=78AF591022CB430194A5737F8522419E&catID=0B10B06EA1EA4D14A4722CD120E8C7F6
Thanks for the links.
Interesting that Aprilaire says that HEPA filters restrict return air so much that you really cant use them in residential (unless you sized the blower correctly I guess).
Which is leaning me more towards the Fantech! It has its own blower. Instead of subtracting airflow, its probably adding a bit. More air, more gooder, right?
You wonder if the skepticism on the hvac board is just because of lack of familiarity. My guy had never put one in either.
I can say that Fantech products are great for bath and range ventilation, if that means anything.
Tell you what, I will call 'em today and see if this thing is really a standalone deal or not.
I have questions about my 1600 cfm blower and how the 250cfm Fantech blower would interact, since they'd only be a couple feet apart, if you get me.
Has anyone used a TFP ? they claim removing 97% of particles down to 0.1 microns, and never any lose in the 100 CFM flow rate, plus 5years between cleanings of the baffles. The only down side ,IMHO, is the $800 cost.
Lifebreath Turbulent Flow Precipitator (TFP) HEPA,Whole House HEPA ...
Erich
There are a couple of large returns and a couple of small returns on my first-floor zone system. This unit looks like it 'might' be able to fit into at least one of the large returns, but I am curious about the amount of noise (audible) the unit's own return blower would produce.