Comments on: What You Might Not Know About HVAC Filters

By: JacksonvilleAirDucts

JacksonvilleAirDucts — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:44:00 +0000

I agree with FilterGeek, I have been in an air conditioning contractor for over 15 years. I have seen a number of these “washable” filters fail and cause air flow problems and mechanical problems if not cleaned or dried correctly. I
never recommend a “permanent” or as is referred to in this
article as “electrostatic filters”. You may save money with the
filter but if they are not properly cleaned and dry, they can cause mechanical problems and won’t do much for your indoor air quality and air flow. Also, by not using a filter not approved by the equipment manufacturer could cause your warranty could be void OR they will not pay for repairs .

If you want good filtration, there are many disposable High Efficiency filters that can provide improved indoor air quality
and also protect your air/heating equipment from becoming less efficient or cause equipment to fail prematurely.

What ever filter you choose, check the MERV ratings, MERV
ratings are used to rate the ability of an air cleaner filter to
remove dust from the air as it passes through the filter. The MERV rating will also provide you with the particulate size it will capture. which in turn determine what you are trying to “control” from circulating within the air system, such as dust, mold spores, hair spray,etc. I said “control” purposely because unless
you live in a hermetically sealed home or office, each time you go in and out of the building, you will bring in whatever pollutants there are outside the building or room.

Depending on the what you are trying to “control” within the
indoor air quality of the home or office, there are many effective devices in ADDITION to good air filtration. UV lamps, whole
home dehumidifiers, humidification products, portable and whole house HEPA filtration products, and so on.

In my own home and office I have high efficiency, name brand, disposable filters that is changed every three months along with
other “control” products.

Bottom line is, I personally do NOT recommend permanent, electrostatic,washable filters based on my experience as an Air Conditioning contractor I recommend disposable filters at the correct MERV rating to help you “control” your indoor air environment and you’re your heating/ac unit operating efficiency.

By: southwestheating

southwestheating — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:30:00 +0000

This really very nice Blog and here one can come to know about it’s proper usage.Thanks a lot for sharing useful information.

By: FilterGeek

FilterGeek — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:01:00 +0000

This was actually a good article until the end and you show how little you know about how an air filter actually works, or does not work. A “permanent” electrostatic filter is one of the biggest gimmicks and a complete deception in this industry. These type filters do little to remove anything but bugs and pet hair from the home. Any electrostatic charged media filter is a total gimmick. The sole purpose of the charge is to boost the filters particle removal efficiency in a laboratory test so the “rated” efficiency is higher than what the filter actually performs at. The ultra fine particulate in atmospheric air will “discharge” these filters in minutes or hours rendering them useless. A sock would do a better job. That $1.00 filter with the blue media is just as good as that $15 gimmick from the tape company. Furthermore, adding carbon is a feel good solution. There is not enough carbon in a residential filter do any real good and what that carbon will do is adsorb odors and VOC’s from the air and act as an accumulator. Once the adsorption pores are full, it will then start releasing what was captured back into the system. Thus, in a residential system the carbon will make the air worse, unless you are going to change the filters very often.

I have been in the Filtration Industry for 25 years with numerous papers, articles, and presentations on filtration, testing, and air quality. I write US and International industry standards for particulate filtration for both ASHRAE and ISO.

By: Beckham Jules

Beckham Jules — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 23:15:00 +0000

It’s been a nightmare trying to find filter sizes for my HVAC units. I have 10 5 ton units and the size is 20x15x1 (x2) and 20x14x1 (x1). I need to eliminate odor as well so need a combination with charcoal. Does anyone know where I can get a Do It Your Self package? I think it would cost too much for my size and it wouldn’t be readily available. This article is encouraging to DIY.

By: Walt

Walt — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:52:00 +0000

I have used this type for many years and had no issues. Even if there is a small amount of moisture left just running the fan or heat will remove any that is left in no time. It would be best to buy two so that one is always ready, clean and dry, to change out when ready. It will save hundreds over the life of the unit and help the environment as well.

By: filterguru

filterguru — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:43:00 +0000

Really can’t imagine using a filter that you wash…and then put back in a dark environment. There’s no way you’ll ever completely get it dry unless you let it sit out for a couple of days. Best case water will sit in the corner of the filter and lead to bacteria growth. And even if you do manage to let it sit out for days to dry…you’ll be without a filter while your unit is still working, with no filter. It’s not the best option, probably the worst.

By: Shafimunx

Shafimunx — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:36:00 +0000

Good postcheers