washable HVAC filter? register filter?
Hi–
I noticed a washable furnace filter at the hardware store. Like the idea of not buying and trashing a furnace once a month, but wondered if this thing would be any good–we’ve got lots of construction dust floating through our house, and don’t want to trash the furnace by cheaping out on the filters.
Also, I was wondering if putting filters on the intake and register vents would help keep the dust from being blown all through the house. I was told these might strain the furnace fan.
Any thoughts/guidance would be appreciated.
Melissa
Replies
Check out:
http://www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/TS_FurnaceFilters.pdf
Washable filters are joke IMO. Spend the money on decent pleated filters and you equipment will last much longer.
You can buy (at HD or Lowes) some blue filter media ( found close to the regular filters) and cut it and place it over your return registers while you have construction going on .. this will help keep dust out of your hvac.
...paul...
Okay--thanks to you both for the guidance. I'm headed out for filters this afternoon.
Melissa
I'm quite happy with high quality washable filters. We leave our fan going 365/24/7. Based on the color of the monthly wash water, the filters are definitely capturing everything from bugs to fine particulates. At the beginning of each month I throw the filters in a bathtub of soapy water. Wash, rinse thoroughly, drain, reinstall. No complaints so far, after two years.Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
Food for thought--
What do you consider a "high quality washable filter"?
Melissa
>>>What do you consider a "high quality washable filter"?An electrostatic filter with a sturdy plastic frame that fits tightly (not one of the cut-to-fit ones), with a fine mesh to capture airborne particulates that will withstand repeated washings.We've had a set for two years now that have been washed every month. It's pretty disgusting to see all the junk that comes out of the filters, but I suppose it's a good indication of what would otherwise be in the air.Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
Personally, I would like to see them banned. They are so restrictive that airflow is reduced substantially.
>>>They are so restrictive that airflow is reduced substantially. Not so; at least not the ones we have. I think you might be thinking about HEPA furnace filters. They have a bad reputation for restriction. We've got a 1400 CFM fan in a 4 ton heat pump system. The fan runs all the time and has no problem circulating air with these filters.Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
Trust me, the ones that look like a window screen are very restrictive. And when they start to load up they get worse but most people think they are still clean.
Washable filter good.
Register filter bad.
When I worked at the HVAC house I was told they put too much strain on the system and restrict flow too much.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.