Cool, I’m a member here too. First visit here, I’ve been over on the Knots Forum for awhile. Woodworker and die hard weekend warrior home improvement kinda guy.
My 25+ year old gas furnace has the cold air return on the bottom (on the floor) coming up from a crawl space. It had one of the washable/reuseable filters which was really beat. There was a sticker inside the access panel that said use only genuine ‘x’ brand reuseable washable permanent filters. I wonder if this sticker is a real warning/instruction or just PR. I threw away the old filter and tried one of the new super anti-allergenic 3 month filters. I was concerned about restricting air flow from the beginning, but you never know till you try. The air flow at the vents (outlets and returns) feels almost as strong as before and the furnace has a slightly high pitch sound.
I feel better knowing the air is about 200% better filtered, but, what do you think?
Oh, yes I do realize the furnace needs replacement and I completly replaced all my detectors about 6 months ago.
Thanks, Enjoy, Roy
Replies
I think that a good, pleated paper filter that you change ever so often is far superior to any type of washable filter, with the exception of filtering makeup/outside air.
Filters are rated several ways: MERV, arrestence and atmospheric efficiency. For a house, get a MERV 7 or 8, which is equivalent to an average atmospheric efficiency of 20-25%. I buy them in cartons from Grainger. The 3M filters that are available at the home centers are good, but WAY over priced. A good hardware store will carry the AirHandler brand, which is one of the best and most available.
Thanks Tim,
I'll do a little more label reading and price comparing for the replacement in a couple of months. I just had to experiment here I knew the washable filter was junk.
Enjoy, Roy