Filters - mesh vs regular

[pretzelb]

I was wondering if there was any disadvantage to using the reusable filters that appear to be made out of mesh. I have one that conforms to 20x25 and all I do is wash it with a hose once a month then dry it off. I'd like to get another for my 14x14 return but they don't come small enough. Unless there is a problem with this type of filter I'm pretty sure I could make my own 14x14 by making a thin frame from wood and buying some screen door mesh from Home Depot and stapling it to the frame.

I like these reusable filters because they're cheaper and restrict less airflow but I will give that up if there is a down side to them.

[imeduc]

Get that Da* Thing out of there and get a good filter. That could be why your coil was no good. Get a pleated filter with a MERV about 5 on it. If you get the cheap filters make sure you spray them light with a filter coat to help get all the dirt before it gets to the AC coil. Put a new filter in every 30 to 90 days for sure.

Ed

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[pretzelb]

So I guess that eliminating dust particles is more important that limiting air flow. Seems like the mesh re-usable filters get most of the dust and allow more air, while the more solid filters (hepa like) will get all the dust be severely limit air flow.

For what it's worth I've only had the re-usable 3M filter for about 2 months. The rest of the time I've had regular filters and the coil still became restricted. I'm also pretty good about replacing my filters every 45 days or so.

Guess it's back to the regular filters for me.

[imeduc]

lot of people are going to the AIR BEAR 4" filter. What dirt gets through the filters end up on the wet A coil. As I said you can spray the intake side of the filters with whats called Filter coat and there are other names. If you look filters go by there MERV rate now.
Ill say this my guys spent more time cleaning AC units, coils and condensor inside and out than they do just working on units that dont run at all.

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[LazyPup]

Pretzelb,
Most people dont realize the true importance of a good filter. If you use the cheapies or dont change them often enough micro fine dust gets through the filter and goes into the evaporator coils. The problem there is that those coils are constantly wet from condensate moisture, which is how the unit dehumidifies as well as cools the air. The problem is, the microfine dust particles get wet, for a mud that is drawn deep into the coils and clogs the airflow. The end result is a coil icing up, which reduces the efficiency, blocks airflow and could cause serious damage to the compressor. Once that problem occurs it will require a trained service tech to clean the coil. My rule of thumb is to inspect the filter often and if you can see a film of dust on it, replace it. Even if you were to change the filters twice a week for the entire cooling season the overall cost would be far less than having to pay a technician to clean your system once.

[pretzelb]

Well, I went filter shopping and found some from TrueBlue. There were some cheap blue fiberglass looking ones and a "deluxe" model that was white and pleated. The cheap ones had no real rating on it but the fancy one was rated at 11 MERV. I bought the fancy one.

What I found confusing is that my electrostatic re-usable filter had a MERV rating of 8. A rating of 8 seems pretty good but the consensus seems to be to stay away from these filters.

I didn't find any spray for the filters (at least at Home Depot). All I found was some coil cleaning spray and that was for an outside unit.

[LazyPup]

most of the big box stores, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, kmart and such only carry filters as a convenience item and their buyers dont invest a lot of time or money in researching which ones to carry. They simply keep some on hand so they can satisfy their customers that they have them. Your best bet is to locate your nearest HVAC wholesaler. Most of them sell parts over the counter to homeowners and they can not only offer you a better selection, they also have knowledgable people that can help you decide what you need. The also carry the filter sprays, condensate tray sanitizing tablets, maybe a refrigerator condenser coil brush and other HVAC related odds and ends. They will charge you retail price but even then, filters are cheap, especially when compared to the cost of paying a service tech to come out and clean your coil prematurely because you failed to change filters. Most filters come packed 12 to a box and the case price is a bit cheaper than the individual price. Grab a case and you will have enough on hand to last the season. while your there it you might talk to the counter guys. They know every contractor in town. They know the quality of the guys worked based on the quality of the parts he buys. That is perhaps your best local source of information when trying to find someone to service your system.